1. Medications to Treat Stomach Acid
The burning sensation you are experiencing in your stomach may be caused by too much stomach acid. Over-the-counter (OTC) antacids are something you can try first. These can often by effective and help to relieve your pain quickly.
If OTC medicines don't work, your doctor may prescribe medications to help reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. These medications include Zantac (ranitidine hydrochloride), Axid (nizatidine) and Pepcid (famotidine). There are other medications, called proton-pump inhibitors, which stop the tiny pumps in the acid-secreting cells in your stomach from releasing acid. Your doctor may decide that this group of medications is more suitable for your symptoms.
2. Medications to Treat H. Pylori
Another possible cause of the burning sensation in your stomach is the bacterium H. pylori. This bacterial infection is extremely common and breaks down your stomach's protective lining. Your doctor can treat this with a combination of antibiotics and proton-pump inhibitors.
3. Limit Your Use of Pain Relievers
If you frequently take non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for headaches or pain, you may be unknowingly increasing your chances of developing gastritis, a condition that can cause a burning sensation in your stomach. Aspirin and ibuprofen are examples of NSAIDs and are best taken only occasionally. If you experience pain often, discuss other pain-relief options with your doctor.
4. Manage Emotional Stress
Digestive problems of all kinds are often linked to stress. If you are experiencing a lot of stress, your body's digestive system may have difficulty functioning properly. Stress can also cause your stomach to release excessive amount of stomach acid, contributing to the burning sensation in your stomach.
Stress-management techniques can help relieve many of the physical manifestations of stress. You can use exercise, such as yoga, or meditation techniques to combat stress. Regular exercise of any kind, adequate sleep and a healthy diet are all good ways of managing stress. Massage therapy or working with a trained counselor may also help.
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