By localization
The position of the stomach in the stomach is anatomically slightly different from person to person. Usually the stomach is located in the middle and left upper abdomen. A burning sensation in the right upper abdomen is therefore rather rare in the case of complaints in the area of the stomach or the oesophagus.
If, in addition to the burning sensation, pain also occurs in the right upper abdomen, this can be an indication of a disease of the gallbladder, for example acute inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) or gallstones (cholecystolithiasis). A burning sensation in the central upper abdomen can be an indication of a reflux disease or an inflammation of the stomach lining. An irritable stomach can also be a cause. Symptoms of myocardial infarctionLeft-sided burning sensation in the upper abdomen may indicate the presence of gastritis. An irritable stomach is also a possible cause.
Diagnosis
If a burning sensation repeatedly occurs in the upper abdomen, this should be discussed with the treating family doctor. The doctor will first take a medical history, i.e. ask various questions. For example, he will want to know in which situations the symptoms occur, whether they are related to food intake, how often and since when they have occurred, what previous illnesses exist, which medications are taken regularly and whether there is regular consumption of alcohol and nicotine.
The family doctor could also ask about eating habits. Depending on the cause he suspects behind the symptoms, it may also be necessary to perform a gastroscopy. In this case the patient is usually given a short anaesthetic.
A tube with a camera attached to the front is inserted through the mouth and into the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. This allows the mucous membrane to be assessed. If necessary, samples are taken which are then examined under the microscope by a pathologist. A blood test can also be useful, for example to determine the blood lipids. If necessary, the attending physician will also write an ECG in order to be able to exclude acute cardiac problems as the cause of the complaints as far as possible.
Therapy
Patients who suffer from repeated burning in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by heartburn, should first try to change their eating habits. As far as possible, fatty foods should be avoided and a balanced diet should be adopted. Only a light meal should be taken in the evening.
Patients who are overweight should strive to lose weight. In addition, any nicotine or alcohol consumption should be significantly reduced or stopped. If these measures are not sufficient, there are various drug therapy options.
As a rule, the most effective remedy for the symptoms is to take acid-inhibiting tablets. The group of proton pump inhibitors reduces the secretion of gastric acid and thus usually leads to a rapid relief of symptoms. Pantozol® is a typical representative of this group of medicines.
