A Burning Sensation in the Stomach After Eating

A Burning Sensation in the Stomach After Eating
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You may develop anxiety whenever you eat if you develop a burning sensation every time you eat. A burning sensation that occurs consistently may be a sign of a chronic digestive condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerance or a food allergy. If you only develop the burning sensation after a single occasion, you may have the beginning signs of food poisoning. It's important to see your doctor because a burning sensation in your stomach after eating may be caused by various conditions.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Your stomach may burn every time you eat if you have irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. IBS is a digestive condition that is not fully understood by the medical community. Most symptoms of IBS are related to the stomach, small intestine and the colon. If you have IBS, the burning sensation is the result of inflammation in the lining of your intestines or stomach and will result in chronic diarrhea or constipation. IBS symptoms are believed to be the result of inconsistent movements of the muscles that line the colon, although it has not been proven, notes MayoClinic.com.

Food Intolerances

If you're intolerant to a certain food or ingredient, you may feel a burning sensation in your stomach after eating. Food intolerances occur because of a lack of specific enzymes in the intestines. For example, if you lack the enzyme that allows fructose to be absorbed by the body, you will develop stomach pain, burning, cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Other common substances that people have intolerances to are lactose, MSG, histamine, additives and gluten.

Food Allergy

If you eat a food that you're allergic to, you can develop pain and burning in your stomach. Food allergies are not caused by a defect in the digestive system but are rather a reaction from the immune system. Foods that commonly cause an allergic reaction include fish, peanuts, eggs, soy, milk, wheat and tree nuts. Eating foods that contain allergens can trigger symptoms within a few minutes. You will develop other symptoms aside from the digestive system, such as skin rashes, asthma and nasal congestion.

Food Poisoning

If you develop burning in your stomach that continually progresses, you may have food poisoning. You can get food poisoning from eating any food if it contains infectious organisms such as bacteria, toxins or parasites. Food poisoning will cause a low-grade fever, nausea, vomiting and excessive diarrhea for one to 10 days.

References

Article reviewed by Christine Brncik Last updated on: Apr 17, 2011

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