Burning abdominal pain could be due to acid reflux or peptic ulcers disease (PUD). Damage to the mucosal barrier, a gel-like substance that coats the stomach, weakens its ability to protect the deeper epithelial lining from the acid it produces. Exposure of the lining causes acidic damage with reoccurring inflammation or gastritis. Patients may be asymptomatic or may experience burning abdominal pain following meals, vomiting, bleeding or anemia. More than than 35 million people in the U.S. have PUD, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
Helicobacter pylori bacteria colonizes the lining of the stomach, disrupting its protective mucosal surface. It burrows deep into lower layers of the stomach's epithelium and produces urease to protect it from the acidic environment, causing chronic inflammation. Inhabiting more than 50 percent of the world's population, H. pylori is a common infection. An estimated 15 to 20 percent of people who have the infection experience symptoms. The American Association of Gastroenterology describes H. pylori as a well-known cause of gastric and duodenal ulcers. Treatment is aimed at healing ulcers and eradicating the responsible organism with antibiotics.
Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation. Drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and ketoprofen are readily available over the counter. Taken chronically for conditions such as back pain, arthritis or general aches and pain, these drugs may cause chemical damage to the lining of the stomach. Subsequently, acid is available to exacerbate damage to the exposed epithelial surface. An estimated 30 percent of NSAID users have one or more ulcers. In some patients, gastritis is silent or asymptomatic. NSAID use is the most common cause of peptic ulcer disease in the United States.
Medications (Other)
Chemically induced injury can occur with prescription medications as well. Medications associated with damage to the lining of the stomach are listed by Mayo Clinic as potassium, iron supplements and bisphoshanates (Actonel, Fosemax). Elderly and chronically ill patients are particularly susceptible to problems with medications.
Habits
Nicotine is thought to be responsible for damaging the stomach's surface. Alcohol causes direct damage to cells of the stomach. Alcoholics typically complain of symptoms related to peptic ulcer disease and GERD. Avoiding cigarettes and alcohol is the first line of treatment in these cases.
Other
Less common causes of peptic ulcer disease includes autoimmune disorders. Infecting organisms that may potentially cause PUD includes viral, parasitic and fungal microbes. It is assumed that other infecting organisms cause disease in a similar fashion to H. pylori.
