What to do /What helps?

Depending on the cause, there are different ways to deal with the burning. If it is a simple inflammation of the mucous membranes, which occurs relatively frequently, it is often sufficient to avoid alcohol, nicotine and coffee. In the acute phase, stomach-friendly herbal teas and light, low-fat food can help to relieve the symptoms.

As a household remedy – especially for heartburn – sodium bicarbonate powder dissolved in lukewarm water is often recommended. If the symptoms persist over a longer period of time or are very severe, the treating family doctor should be consulted sooner or later. He can decide which further procedure is advisable. It is often advisable to take a medication that inhibits acid production in the stomach and thus has a calming effect on the inflamed mucous membrane. The effect of the tablets often sets in after hours or days.

Duration

How long a burning sensation lasts in the stomach depends largely on what caused it. An inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach can last for a few days, but if left untreated it can also last for several weeks, depending on what caused it. If a peptic ulcer is the cause of the discomfort, drug therapy is usually required, otherwise the discomfort will continue and the risk of complications (e.g. bleeding) should not be underestimated. Overall, the duration is therefore very variable.

Burning in the stomach in connection with:

A burning sensation in the area of the stomach can occasionally radiate into the back. The causes are mostly the above mentioned ones anyway. In addition, however, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) should also be considered in the case of pain in the upper abdomen that radiates into the back.

In most cases this can be diagnosed by means of a blood test. A heart attack can also occasionally be indicated by a strong burning sensation in the chest, upper abdomen and back. Often, shortness of breath and heavy sweating are added to this.

In the event of sudden onset of severe pain in the upper abdomen, thorax and back, a doctor should usually be consulted for protection. During pregnancy, a burning sensation in the area of the stomach can also indicate the presence of an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach. As one is generally reluctant to prescribe medication during pregnancy, one should first try to avoid possible triggers for the irritation of the mucous membranes.

For example, coffee, fatty and spicy foods and stress. The prohibition of alcohol and nicotine during pregnancy goes without saying. If this does not lead to a sufficient improvement, there are medicines that can be taken during pregnancy without the risk of harming the unborn child.

These include drugs that serve to neutralise the stomach acid, i.e. to make it less acidic. Examples are magaldrate (antacids) or sucralfate. The following articles might be of interest to you: “Alcohol during pregnancy” and “How dangerous is smoking during pregnancy”.

The acid inhibitor omeprazole can also be used if necessary. If the symptoms do not regress under therapy, a gastroscopy can also be performed during pregnancy to find the cause of the symptoms. In case of bacterial colonisation with Helicobacter pylori, a drug therapy to remove the bacteria can also be carried out during pregnancy.

A burning sensation after drinking water is a rather unusual symptom. If it is carbonated water, this may be the cause. In the case of an already irritated stomach mucosa or an irritated esophageal mucosa, the carbonic acid can cause additional irritation.

This then causes the complaints. In this case it is better to use still water. Heartburn is a symptom that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus.

This can be accompanied by a burning sensation in the stomach area. Often heartburn is caused by the wrong diet (fatty, spicy) or by drinking alcohol, nicotine and possibly coffee. Drugs used to treat inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach and to inhibit the acid production of the stomach usually also help very well and quickly with heartburn.