Burning in the stomach after eating

Burning in the stomach after eating can have various causes. In many cases this is due to an inflammation of the stomach lining or even reflux. An inflammation of the stomach mucous membrane is caused by an attack of the mucous membrane by the aggressive hydrochloric acid.

Especially after eating, the cells of our stomach produce this digestive juice, so that typically after meals the unpleasant burning sensation in the stomach can be observed. Another common cause is the so-called “reflux disease”, also known as “heartburn” in the vernacular. Here, the ascending gastric acid in the esophagus causes considerable discomfort.

Those affected suffer mainly from burning in the upper abdomen or behind the breastbone. Even the avoidance of fatty and spicy foods, nicotine, coffee and alcohol can relieve the symptoms in the long term. In pronounced cases, one should consult a doctor, as permanent reflux favours the development of cancer. Food intolerances such as lactose intolerance can sometimes cause a burning sensation in the stomach after eating. In most cases, however, nausea, flatulence or diarrhoea occur in parallel.

Nightly burning in the stomach

Are you sleepless at night because the burning in your stomach doesn’t let you rest? Do your complaints increase mainly when you lie down? Then you might suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD for short.

Various causes lead to the relaxation of the upper esophageal sphincter, so that stomach acid can flow unhindered into the esophagus. In contrast to the “robust” stomach mucosa, the inside of our esophagus is not designed for contact with acid. As a result, the organ is irritated and injured, so that those affected notice a burning sensation in the middle upper abdomen and behind the sternum.

Especially when lying down, the stomach acid can flow upwards unhindered by gravity, so that the symptoms are worst at night. Overweight, nicotine and alcohol consumption are among the factors that promote the development of reflux disease, as are stress and coffee consumption. Since untreated the risk of chronic inflammation, bleeding or tumors increases, you should consult a doctor if you suspect this disease.

Because in most cases, the reflux can be controlled well with a consistent change in diet and medication. In everyday life, many people are under stress. Whether job, family or partnership – it is not for nothing that there is the saying “… this is on my stomach … “.

In fact, psychological stress often manifests itself in the form of stomach aches. The complaints can take all forms and range from stinging, pressing and pulling to burning in the stomach. It is well known that prolonged stress promotes the development of a gastric mucosa (gastritis), which typically presents itself by burning in the upper abdomen.

Experts even estimate that mental stress plays an important role in almost every second person with gastrointestinal complaints. The so-called “irritable bowel syndrome” or “colon irritable” is characterized by the absence of physical triggers for persistent gastrointestinal complaints. Those affected suffer from diffuse abdominal pain (burning, pressing, bloating, flatulence etc.

), nausea and persistent stool irregularities such as diarrhoea and constipation. Stress in particular leads to a worsening of the symptoms. Since irritable bowel syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion, possible physical causes must first be investigated.