Causes

A burning sensation in the area of the stomach is a relatively common symptom. The cause is often, for example, an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach (gastritis). This is caused by an excess supply of gastric acid, which attacks the mucous membrane.

Often the protective mucous layer of the stomach wall is reduced at the same time, so that the stomach acid is more corrosive than usual. Frequent heartburn can also cause a burning sensation in the stomach area. This leads to a repeated reflux of gastric acid into the oesophagus.

The mucous membrane of the oesophagus is much more susceptible to damage by stomach acid than the stomach itself, as it is not designed to come into contact with stomach acid. Another possible cause of burning in the stomach can be a stomach ulcer (ulcus ventriculi). The development of a peptic ulcer can have several causes.

For example, colonisation with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. The permanent intake of drugs that attack the stomach lining can also lead to a stomach ulcer. These include in particular painkillers from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac.

If these are taken in combination with cortisone preparations, the risk of developing a peptic ulcer increases significantly. However, even a simple inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach can significantly promote the development of a stomach ulcer. Occasionally it is also said that psychological stress can contribute to the development of an ulcer.

Alcohol, coffee and nicotine also seem to play a role. By the way, there are not only ulcers in the stomach but also in the duodenum. This lies just behind the stomach outlet. This is called a duodenal ulcer.

Diagnosis

Often a burning sensation in the stomach area does not need to be clarified immediately, as it recovers by itself. However, if it persists over a longer period of time or becomes stronger, the treating family doctor should be consulted. He or she can decide whether further diagnostics (e.g. in the form of a gastroscopy) are necessary.

However, it is often sufficient to prescribe an acid-inhibiting medication. If the symptoms show a clear reduction, it is usually an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach or oesophagus. If the doctor decides on further diagnostics, gastroscopy is one of the first steps.

This allows the mucous membrane of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum to be assessed. If there are any abnormalities, a small sample (biopsy) can be taken. This can be sent to a pathological institute and examined for fine tissue. The following topic might be of interest to you: Proton pump inhibitors

Associated symptoms

A burning sensation in the area of the stomach can be accompanied, for example, by loss of appetite, frequent belching, heartburn, abdominal pain after eating or on an empty stomach. It is not uncommon for it to bleed in the presence of an inflammation of the mucous membranes or an ulcer. This can then lead either to a black coloration of the stool (tarry stools) or to vomiting of bloody or coffee grounds-like secretions (melaena).

The above-mentioned stomach diseases can occasionally be as impressive as heart disease. A stomach ulcer can sometimes mimic the symptoms of a heart attack. These include severe chest pain and nausea.