Definition
The intestine comprises the entire digestive tract between stomach and anus and is a tube about 6 meters long, which is located in the entire abdominal area and is arranged in loops there. Burning in the intestine describes an unspecific symptom that can indicate many underlying diseases. The most important factor in determining the exact symptoms is the exact location of the burning in the abdomen.
An inflammation of a section of the intestine is the main factor in determining the cause. These can be very harmless causes up to severe chronic or acute diseases. Important warning signals for a burning sensation in the bowel are frequent occurrence and accompanying symptoms such as weakness and reduced performance.
Causes
When determining the causes, intestinal inflammation is the main focus. Probably the most common cause of a burning sensation in the intestine is the simple gastro-enteritis, which can assume the most varied dimensions and symptoms depending on the pathogen and seasonal fluctuations. However, behind this illness are not the typical flu pathogens, but viruses such as the “Noro virus” and bacteria such as “salmonella“.
These pathogens can be absorbed via smear infections, through the air, spoiled food or droplets and spread throughout the body. The triggers vary seasonally, as there are typical bacteria and viruses of summer and winter time. Burning in the stomach affects large parts of the intestine and occurs diffusely in the abdomen, often coupled with diarrhoea and vomiting.
Another very common cause of a burning sensation in the abdomen is appendicitis. It, on the other hand, can be clearly delineated locally in the right lower abdomen. The pain can be strongly provoked by external pressure.
Appendicitis can also be accompanied by diarrhoea and vomiting. If a drug therapy does not bring any improvement after a few days, the inflamed appendix may have to be removed surgically. If the inflamed appendix ruptures beforehand, life-threatening complications can develop.
Inflammatory changes in the upper gastrointestinal tract can also lead to a burning sensation in the bowel. In the gall bladder, which is also part of the upper digestive tract, small gallstones can cause inflammation, which can cause severe, burning pain. The flow of bile is stimulated in particular by high-fat or alcoholic foods.
If constipation is caused by gallstones, typical colicky pain can occur, especially shortly after eating. Also in the upper digestive tract, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the stomach can occur, which is perceived with burning pain. This leads to an overproduction of gastric acid, and heartburn can also occur at the same time.
The so-called “reflux disease” can also be behind this and in the long term cause acid-related burning pain in the upper abdomen. In many cases, “Helicobacter pylori” bacteria cause such burning inflammation of the stomach lining. A great many people carry this bacterium in their stomach without suffering symptoms.
More rarely, but with an increasing tendency, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases can be responsible for a burning sensation in the bowel. The causes of these diseases are largely unknown. The most important representatives of these diseases are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Here, different sections of the intestine become inflamed, similar to autoimmune diseases. The inflammations can be very serious and painful, with many complications. – Symptoms of Crohn’s disease
- Enteritis
- Jejunal inflammation
