A burning sensation in the stomach can be caused by many different conditions, including acid reflux, indigestion, gastritis, medications, or irritable bowel syndrome.
If you’re experiencing a burning sensation in your belly, you’re not alone. Many people report a specific burning or “gnawing” ache in their stomach.
Usually, this type of pain is caused by something you’ve eaten or an underlying health condition.
This article explores potential causes of a burning feeling in your stomach, and how you can find relief.
Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows back into your esophagus. It can cause a burning sensation in your chest or stomach, along with chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and a chronic cough.
Many people may experience symptoms of acid reflux from time to time. However, if you experience symptoms more than twice per week, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Certain foods, drinks, or ingredients can worsen GERD. These may include:
- chocolate
- caffeine
- citrus
- fatty and fried foods
- mint flavorings
- spicy foods
- garlic
- onions
- tomato-based foods
Finding relief
Changing your dietary habits and how you sleep can help relieve symptoms of acid reflux. Here are some tips:
- Avoid foods that trigger symptoms.
- Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.
- Wait 2 to 3 hours after eating before you lie down.
- Sleep with your head raised (so your esophagus is above your stomach).
- Try over-the-counter (OTC) antacids.
Learn more about acid reflux here, including causes, treatment, and prevention.
Gastritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the lining of your stomach. In addition to a burning stomach, you might also experience:
- nausea
- vomiting
- a feeling of fullness after eating
Sometimes, gastritis can lead to stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, and an increased risk of stomach cancer.
Finding relief
Treatment for gastritis depends on the underlying cause of the condition. For example, if nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other medications are irritating your stomach, stopping them may be enough to relieve your symptoms.
If your stomach pain is caused by NSAIDs, your doctor might recommend that you use an alternative pain-relieving medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Other treatments include:
- proton pump inhibitors
- acid-reducing medications (Pepcid, antacids)
- probiotics
Learn about about gastritis here, including symptoms, causes, and treatment
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection happens when this bacteria infects your stomach. About two-thirds of people worldwide have H. pylori. This statistic is mostly
Many people don’t have symptoms, but some experience:
- burning stomach
- nausea
- loss of appetite
- bloating
- weight loss
- frequent burping
- diarrhea
H. pylori infection is a major cause of stomach ulcers and can increase a person’s risk of developing stomach cancer.
Finding relief
Treatment for H. pylori typically involves a combination of proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics. You’ll need to have a follow-up test after treatment to make sure your body has cleared the infection.
Learn about about H. pylori infections here, including symptoms, causes, and treatment
Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. Burning stomach pain is the most common symptom of an ulcer, but you may also experience:
- a feeling of fullness
- bloating
- burping
- nausea
- intolerance to certain foods
Some people with peptic ulcers don’t experience bothersome issues. Stress and spicy foods don’t cause ulcers, but they can worsen your symptoms.
Finding relief
Treatment for peptic ulcers depends on the underlying cause. If your ulcer is caused by an H. pylori infection, a doctor will typically recommend antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors. Your doctor may also recommend stopping the use of
If the ulcer is not caused by an infection, a doctor may recommend OTC medications to reduce stomach acid and let your ulcer heal. These include:
Learn about about peptic ulcers here, including symptoms, causes, and treatment
IBS is an intestinal disorder that causes abdominal discomfort, and sometimes a burning pain. Other symptoms include:
- gas
- diarrhea
- constipation
- mucus in the stool
- cramping or bloating
- nausea
IBS affects 25 to 45 million people in the United States. The exact cause of the condition isn’t known, but it may be related to an overly sensitive colon or immune system.
Finding relief
Certain lifestyle changes may help relieve your IBS symptoms without the use of medication. Examples include:
- exercising regularly
- limiting caffeinated beverages (caffeine stimulates the intestines)
- minimizing stress (talk therapy, mindfulness, hypnotherapy, and meditation practices may help)
- taking probiotics (“good” bacteria normally found in the intestines) to help relieve gas and bloating
Learn about about IBS here, including symptoms, causes, and treatment
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia or simply an upset stomach, means you have discomfort in your upper abdomen. It can be a symptom of another digestive problem.
A burning stomach is one common complaint in people with indigestion. Other symptoms might include:
- bloating
- nausea
- fullness after eating
- feeling full without eating much
- heartburn
- burping
Finding relief
Indigestion often goes away on its own. But if yours seems to be hanging on, medications for reducing stomach acid, like Pepcid or Prilosec, can help.
You might also try some lifestyle remedies such as:
- avoiding foods that can trigger heartburn
- not eating before lying down
- trying to stop smoking, if you smoke
- reducing the amount of coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol you consume
- trying to reduce stress through yoga or relaxation therapy
Learn about about indigestion here, including symptoms, causes, and treatment
Certain medicines, especially nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), can cause gastrointestinal issues, which may lead to a burning pain in your stomach.
Popular NSAIDs include:
- aspirin
- celecoxib (Celebrex)
- ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
- naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
- indomethacin (Indocin)
- ketoprofen (Orudis, Oruvail)
- oxaprozin (Daypro)
Finding relief
Talk with a doctor if you begin to experience stomach pain while taking an NSAID. They can recommend alternative pain-relieving medications that are easier on your stomach, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).
In the meantime, try taking NSAIDS with food, milk, or an antacid.
A hernia happens when an organ pushes through the muscle or tissue around it. There are many types of hernias, and some can cause a burning sensation where the bulge occurs.
Other symptoms of a hernia depend on the type you have and may include:
- pain or discomfort near the affected area
- pain when lifting
- a feeling of fullness
Finding relief
The only effective treatment for a hernia is to surgically repair the hole in the muscle and tissue through which the hernia is pushing.
However, depending on the size of your hernia and the severity of your symptoms, a doctor may choose to take a “watch and wait” approach, rather than undergoing surgery.
During this time, you might try wearing a “truss” (a supportive undergarment) to help hold the hernia in place and prevent it from further protrusion.
Learn about about hernias here, including symptoms, types, causes, and treatment.
Reactions or intolerances to certain foods might cause stomach burning in some individuals.
For example, if you’re lactose intolerant, you don’t produce enough of the necessary enzymes to digest lactose in milk. Consuming milk products can cause:
- nausea
- bloating
- cramping
- burning stomach
Likewise, when people with celiac disease eat gluten — a protein found in wheat — their bodies attack their small intestine. They might experience intestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, weight loss, or bloating.
Finding relief
Avoiding foods that your body reacts to or is intolerant of is the best way to relieve symptoms. Try keeping a food journal to keep track of foods that cause stomach discomfort so you can learn to avoid them.
Cigarette smoking affects your entire body. People who smoke are more likely to develop stomach burning and digestive problems, such as:
- GERD
- peptic ulcers
- Crohn’s disease
According to the
Finding relief
There are many reasons to stop smoking, including a healthier stomach and digestive system. There are also many solutions that can help.
Talk with a doctor about which one might be right for you, and get started on a smoking cessation plan today.
Consuming alcohol can irritate your digestive tract and cause a burning sensation in your stomach. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to:
- peptic ulcers
- gastritis
- other gastrointestinal problems
Some people also have alcohol intolerance, a condition that inhibits the body from digesting alcohol.
Finding relief
Within just a month of not drinking, your body will begin to reap the benefits. If your digestive tract is irritated, it will start to feel better, your liver will start to heal, and you may start sleeping better.
Quitting drinking can take time. Give yourself grace while going through the process. It doesn’t always stick the first time.
Sometimes, cancer can cause a burning sensation in your stomach. Other symptoms of stomach cancer include:
- fatigue
- feeling full after eating a meal or small amounts of food
- severe heartburn or indigestion
- nausea
- vomiting
- weight loss
Finding relief
Depending on the origin and stage of your stomach cancer, doctors will typically develop a treatment plan involving one more of the following:
Learn about about stomach cancer here, including symptoms, causes, and treatment.
It’s a good idea to see a doctor if your stomach discomfort lasts for more than a few days.
A doctor might ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam or X-ray. In some cases, an endoscopy, a procedure that lets your doctor look inside your stomach with a tube and small camera, is done to find a cause.
A breath or stool test is typically given to diagnose an H. pyloriinfection.
When to seek immediate medical help
Seek immediate medical help if you experience burning stomach pain along with other serious symptoms, including:
- black, bloody, or tarry stools
- severe abdominal pain
- trouble swallowing or breathing
- severe vomiting or vomiting up blood
- feeling a mass in your stomach area
- unexplained weight loss
- fever that accompanies your stomach pain
- swelling in your abdomen
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
- pain that interferes with sleep
Stomach burning is a common problem caused by various health issues, foods, and lifestyle. Identifying the underlying cause of this pain is the best path for effectively treating the issue and finding relief.
If you’re experiencing the discomfort of a burning stomach that doesn’t go away, see a doctor. They can help figure out what’s causing your pain and come up with an effective treatment plan.