Burning in the stomach - causes, symptoms, treatment

Burning in the stomach can be a symptom of various pathologies developing in the gastrointestinal tract. The causes of its occurrence are different and it is necessary to consult a specialist in order to determine the severity of the condition and methods to eliminate unpleasant symptoms.

Causes of burning in the stomach

Burning sensation occurs when gastric juice enters the esophagus. In any case, it indicates the presence of violations in the work of the stomach, but the causes of violations may be different:

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

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

The mucous membrane of the esophagus has no protective properties, since its “native” environment is non-aggressive. Therefore, when a reflux of the contents of the stomach occurs in it, irritation of the mucous membrane begins, manifested by burning sensation. Often, such consequences occur after surgical intervention, but may be associated with a number of diseases, such as chronic duodenitis.

Recurrent burning and pain may occur with diaphragmatic hernia. This disease is accompanied by protrusion of a part of the stomach into the chest cavity through the opening of the diaphragm. It can be either an anatomical innate feature of the body, or a consequence of injury.

A common cause of burning is an ulcer or gastritis. In these diseases, the integrity of the mucous membrane is disrupted, which is why the protective functions cannot be realized, and the aggressive effect of the gastric juice on the tissue of the stomach.

Disturbances in the digestive system can be due to prolonged stress.

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

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

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

Overweight people often complain about this symptom. Because of the thick fatty layer surrounding the stomach, digestion processes slow down and nutrient absorption is deteriorating. In addition, people with excess weight tend to eat more than the body requires.

Symptoms

Burning in the stomach is usually part of the clinical picture.Accurately determine the cause of its occurrence is possible, assessing all the existing symptoms in the complex.

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

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

• containing a large amount of fiber (bran, fruit, vegetables, raw);
• marinades, smoked foods, fatty foods;
• dairy products with high acidity;
• fruits high in acids, such as pineapples;
• alcohol.

Burning in the stomach can occur after a long fast.

If acute pains appear in the stomach, which appear unexpectedly, we can talk about cholecystitis and duodenal ulcer.

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

Severe burning sensation (as if "burning with fire") occurs during gastritis and ulcer.

Another symptom that may be associated with a burning sensation is belching. It indicates increased gas formation and fermentation processes. Its appearance can be caused by damage to the mucous membrane, as well as the lack of a diet.

Nausea in combination with a burning sensation in the stomach accompanies pathological processes in the stomach associated with gastritis, an ulcer, and the development of inflammation. Also, its appearance is typical for women during pregnancy. Nausea and stress can be the cause of nausea.

What is the danger

You can not ignore the symptoms that have appeared. If you do not take measures to eliminate the cause, the further impact of 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 enters a 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, gallbladder, pancreas.

Treatment

To eliminate the burning sensation in the stomach can be used medication, as well as popular recipes. However, before taking any measures, it is necessary to consult a specialist to find out the reason that provoked the occurrence of an unpleasant sensation. Depending on the reason, the treatment regimen is built.

The following medications can be used:

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

Folk methods of treatment of burning in the stomach

A glass of warm water with half a teaspoon of soda dissolved in it will help to eliminate the burning sensation. Drink a solution of warm and little by little. Similarly, salt can be used.

A glass of preheated milk or mineral water will also get rid of the burning sensation.

Chamomile tea helps well. 2-3 tablespoons of dried collection pour a glass of boiling water and infuse for 20 minutes. After filtering it is taken in small sips. During the day you can drink 3 cups of tea.

Protect the mucous will help decoction of flax seeds. A teaspoon of seeds is poured with half a glass of boiling water and left to infuse overnight. Before use, the infusion is diluted with water. 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, rubbed potatoes on a fine grater and squeeze - you need to get ½ cup of juice. Drink it immediately.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 the existing symptoms, you must follow a diet and give preference to eating vegetables and fruits.

Overweight people are recommended 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 occurrence of burning sensation should contact a specialist for diagnosis. Perhaps the reasons are more serious than the banal overeating. In such cases, due to the use of folk recipes and self-treatment, you can lose valuable time.

Video: how to safely help the stomach