Burning in the stomach - causes, symptoms, treatment

Burning in the stomach can be a symptom of various pathologies developing in the digestive tract. The causes of its occurrence are various and mandatory consultation with a specialist is required to determine the severity of the condition and methods for eliminating unpleasant symptoms.

Causes of burning in the stomach

A burning sensation occurs when gastric juice enters the esophagus. In any case, it indicates the presence of disturbances in the work of the stomach, however, the causes of the disorders may be different:

• increased production of gastric juice;
• damage to the integrity of the mucous membrane (with ulcers and gastritis);
• malnutrition;
• bacterial activity (Helicobacter pylori);
• reflux;
• pregnancy.

The splitting and digestion of food entering the stomach occurs with the participation of hydrochloric acid contained in the gastric juice, as well as the enzyme pepsin. The effect of these substances is quite aggressive, but the stomach is protected by the mucous membrane, without which he himself could suffer from such a mixture.

The mucous membrane of the esophagus does not have protective properties, since its "native" environment is non-aggressive. Therefore, when the contents of the stomach are refluxed into it, irritation of the mucosa begins, manifested by burning. Often, such consequences occur after surgery, but can be associated with a number of diseases, for example, chronic duodenitis.

The periodic occurrence of burning and pain can occur with diaphragmatic hernia. This disease is accompanied by a protrusion of part of the stomach into the chest cavity through the opening of the diaphragm. This can be either an anatomical inborn feature of the body, or a consequence of trauma.

A common cause of burning is an ulcer or gastritis. With these diseases, the integrity of the mucosa is violated, because of which the protective functions cannot be realized, and the gastric juice is exposed to aggressive tissue.

Disturbances in the digestive system can be caused by prolonged stress.

Often the cause is malnutrition. Burning in the stomach often occurs among lovers of spicy, salty dishes, as well as those who do not deny themselves the use of carbonated drinks and alcohol. These products affect the condition of the gastric mucosa, violating the protection.

Burning in the stomach is a common complaint in pregnant women. There are several reasons for this: firstly, the growth of the uterus, which begins to put pressure on the stomach, and secondly, hormonal changes.

Burning in the stomach can be the result of taking antibacterial drugs. Their use has an effect on the gastric mucosa. Particularly dangerous situations of overdose of drugs, as well as taking incompatible medications. Therefore, you can not take medicines without the consent of a doctor.

Overweight people often complain about this symptom. Due to the thick fat layer surrounding the stomach, digestion processes slow down and the absorption of nutrients is impaired. In addition, overweight people tend to eat more than what the body requires.

Symptoms

Burning in the stomach is usually part of the clinical picture. You can accurately determine the cause of its occurrence by evaluating all the available symptoms in the complex.

The occurrence of burning in the morning can indicate the development of such serious pathologies as gastritis, ulcers, esophagitis and even oncology.

After eating, it usually appears when eating junk food or overeating.Symptoms are usually caused by eating the following foods:

• containing a large amount of fiber (bran, fruits, raw vegetables);
• marinades, smoked meats, fatty foods;
• fermented milk products with high acidity;
• high acid fruits such as pineapples;
• alcohol.

Burning in the stomach can occur after prolonged fasting.

If acute pain occurs in the stomach that appears unexpectedly, we can talk about cholecystitis and a duodenal ulcer.

The appearance of pain in combination with a burning sensation may indicate the development of malignant processes. Such situations are characterized by the irradiation of pain in the back and ribs. The onset of pain is characteristic of esophagitis.

A pronounced burning sensation (as if it “burns with fire”) occurs with gastritis and an ulcer.

Another symptom that can join a burning sensation is belching. It indicates increased gas formation and fermentation processes. Its appearance can be due to both damage to the mucosa and the lack of a diet.

Nausea, combined with burning in the stomach, accompanies pathological processes in the stomach associated with gastritis, ulcer, and the development of inflammation. Also, its appearance is characteristic of women during pregnancy. The cause of nausea can be nervous strain and stress.

What is the danger

You can not ignore the symptoms that appear. If you do not take measures to eliminate the cause, then further exposure to provoking factors will lead to structural changes in the mucosa, impaired protective functions and the development of the inflammatory process.

As a result, the pathological process goes into the chronic stage and covers an increasingly large area. This is fraught with the development of chronic gastritis, and then ulcers. In this case, the pathology continues to spread further and captures the duodenum, gall bladder, pancreas.

Treatment

To eliminate burning sensation in the stomach, medication can be used, as well as alternative recipes. However, before taking any measures, you need to contact a specialist to find out the reason that triggered the occurrence of an unpleasant sensation. It is depending on the cause that the treatment regimen is built.

From medications can be used:

• Antacids - Rennie or Almagel;
• Alginates. Means that protect the mucosa from the aggressive effects of acid. For example, Gaviscon;
• Means that reduce the secretion of hydrochloric acid;
• Means for improving the digestion and motility;
• Antispasmodic drugs;
• Enzymes. Substances whose action is aimed at improving digestion;
• Laxatives - for digestive disorders, accompanied by constipation;
• Antibacterial drugs;
• Probiotics Needed to restore normal microflora;
• Rehydration preparations. Relevant for vomiting, diarrhea, when the body loses a lot of fluid, electrolytes;
• Enterosorbents. Accelerate the process of removing toxins from the body;
• Drugs to reduce gas formation;
• Antiprotozoal drugs and anti-worm agents.

Traditional methods of treating burning in the stomach

A glass of warm water with half a teaspoon of soda dissolved in it will help eliminate a burning sensation. The solution is drunk warm and little by little. Salt can be used in a similar manner.

A glass of heated milk or mineral water will also help get rid of burning.

Chamomile tea helps a lot. 2-3 tablespoons of the dried collection is poured into a glass of boiling water and insisted for 20 minutes. After filtering it is taken in small sips. During the day you can drink 3 glasses of tea.

A decoction of flax seeds will help protect the mucous membrane. A teaspoon of seeds is poured into half a glass of boiling water and left to infuse overnight.Before use, the infusion is diluted with water. The duration of treatment is 2 weeks.

For pain and burning in the stomach, as well as belching and increased gas production, they take potato juice. To get it, rub the potatoes on a fine grater and squeeze - you need to get ½ cup juice. You should drink it right away. The duration of treatment is 10 days, while taking it three times a day.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of burning, as well as eliminate existing symptoms, it is necessary to follow diets and give preference to eating vegetables and fruits.

Overweight people are advised to get rid of extra pounds - adhere to the principles of proper nutrition and exercise.

You should also protect yourself from stressful situations. You may need to take sedatives or consult a specialist.

In any case, with a regular burning sensation, you should contact a specialist for diagnostics. Perhaps the reasons are more serious than banal overeating. In such cases, due to the use of folk recipes and self-medication, you can lose precious time.

Video: how to safely help the stomach