Dyspepsia, a gnawing or burning pain in the stomach, occurs frequently and for a number of causes. As many as 25 percent of people have a burning feeling in the stomach at some time in their lives, FamilyDoctor.org reports. Medications, chronic disease or dietary indiscretion can all cause a burning feeling in the stomach.
Causes
Burning pain in the stomach can be caused by problems within the stomach such as gastritis; inflammation of the stomach; alcohol abuse; overeating; and excess acid production that causes heartburn or ulcers in the stomach lining. Around 10 percent of Americans have an ulcer at some point in their lives, the Mayo Clinic states. Stomach cancer, which normally affects people in their 60s and 70s, the University of Maryland Medical Center states, can also cause burning stomach pain. Drugs that irritate the stomach lining such as aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medicines can also cause burning pain.
Diagnosis
Sometimes burning pain in the stomach is easily diagnosed as a temporary problems related to eating or drinking too much. Other times, diagnosis of the problem requires an endoscopy, passing a lighted scope down the gastrointestinal tract through the mouth to view the interior of the stomach. If the doctor suspects an ulcer, a blood test for the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, the most common cause of ulcers, may help diagnose the cause. A stool sample that tests for blood helps diagnose stomach cancer and other causes of stomach pain. An upper GI test, also called a barium swallow test involves drinking a chalky substance that coats the organs and makes them visible on X-ray. Taking a careful medical history uncovers potential causes such as smoking, drinking alcohol and stress, which can cause gastritis or exacerbate burning stomach pain from ulcers.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Stopping offending substances helps in many cases. Antibiotics help treat peptic ulcers. Medications that decrease acid production help minimize heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux. Stomach cancer may require surgical removal of part of the stomach, radiation or chemotherapy.
Complications
Some causes of burning stomach pain need prompt evaluation. Stomach ulcers can eat through the stomach lining, causing massive hemorrhage with vomiting of blood. Black, tarry stools also indicate heavy bleeding within the intestinal tract and can indicate ulcer or stomach cancer. An acute gallbladder attack can also lead to inflammation and gallbladder rupture, requiring immediate treatment.
Prevention
Many times, burning in the stomach from gastritis can be prevented by avoiding food and substances that irritate the stomach, such as alcohol, certain medications and smoking. These steps also help prevent stomach cancer and gastroesophageal reflux.
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