Burning sensation in the epigastrium, causes of sensation and burning sensation after eating

Burning in the epigastrium

A symptom that many have encountered is a burning sensation in the epigastrium; the reasons for this unpleasant sensation are different. For some people it appears rarely, but it happens and torments constantly.

Sometimes it goes unnoticed, and sometimes it significantly reduces the quality of life. In any case, this signal from the body should not be ignored; it reports negative changes in normal physiology. Over time, discomfort can increase and ultimately lead to serious consequences.

A burning sensation in the stomach should be distinguished from ordinary heartburn, which is much more common and easier to diagnose and treat. First of all, you need to remember that heartburn is a burning sensation in the esophagus caused by the reflux of stomach contents, which is felt as a burning sensation behind the sternum. Under normal conditions this should not happen.

The reason is a malfunction of the valve separating these two organs. With heartburn, there is almost always nausea, a sour taste in the mouth, and a sore throat. It often worsens when overeating, playing sports, or wearing tight clothing.

Diet

The most important thing when you feel a burning sensation in the stomach is strict adherence to a diet, preferably compiled individually.
Limiting food consumption, or better yet, completely avoiding foods that can aggravate inflammation. A gradual transition to a healthy diet. If you have increased body weight, exercise and BMI monitoring are recommended. The diet, for the most part, should consist of boiled or steamed dishes. Porridges and soups made with vegetable broths, with a minimum amount of seasonings, are welcome. Fish and lean meat are allowed. Vegetables should be cooked or finely pureed. Overeating and dry food are unacceptable.

Burning in the epigastric area

Heartburn and burning in the epigastrium are caused by increased acidity of gastric juice.
Heartburn and burning in the epigastrium are caused by increased acidity of gastric juice. Moreover, an unpleasant sensation can occur before and after eating, when the secretion reaches the mucous membranes of the epigastrium. Please note that a strong burning sensation in the epigastrium is accompanied by other manifestations. Digestive system disorders can be diagnosed by a sour taste in the mouth and a specific odor.

The most common causes of heartburn are:

poor nutrition;
alcohol abuse;
Gastrointestinal diseases: gastritis, ulcers, etc.;
medications that suppress the body’s natural environment;

As you know, heartburn can be easily stopped and kept under control. And if the burning sensation in the epigastrium does not go away with taking medications, then what kind of disease could it be?

Kinds

Inflammation of the duodenum is divided into several types depending on the location, pathogen and course of the disease. According to etiology, acute and chronic duodenitis are distinguished. Acute duodenitis has pronounced symptoms and is characterized by the unexpected appearance of symptoms. With timely treatment, it does not leave changes in the mucous membrane.

Types of acute duodenitis:

№	Variety	Description
1	Catarrhal	The initial form of inflammation of the mucous membrane
2	Erosive-ulcerative	Ulcers and wounds appear on the mucous membrane of the organ
3	Phlegmonous	Purulent inflammation of the mucous tissues of the duodenum

Chronic duodenitis is characterized by a long course of the disease. With this form, the symptoms are almost invisible and in most cases are detected in other diseases of the digestive system.

Chronic duodenitis rearranges the structure of the duodenal mucosa and, depending on the structural changes, it happens:

superficial – the inflammatory process develops;
atrophic – leads to thinning of the organ;
interstitial - affects the entire thickness of the organ wall.

Based on the localization of foci of inflammation, duodenitis is classified into the following types:

local – the focus of inflammation is located on the walls of the duodenum in the area of the duodenal papilla (papillitis);
diffuse - multiple inflammatory processes affect the entire organ (panduodenitis);
bulbar - the source of inflammation affects the area of the bulb in the initial part of the organ (bulbit);
postbulbar - the inflammatory process develops deep in the bulb in the postbulbar region.

According to clinical manifestations, duodenitis is of three types:

erythematous - manifested by swelling and redness of the mucous membrane;
hemorrhagic – bleeding appears in the intestine;
nodular - formations in the form of nodules are observed on the mucous membrane.

Burning sensation in the epigastrium

The most common stomach diseases are gastritis or ulcers. Any inflammation of the epigastric membrane is characterized by the following symptoms:

burning in the esophagus;
aching pain in the side or stomach area;
sour taste in the mouth;
belching air.

For an accurate diagnosis, you should observe when an unpleasant sensation occurs. If you are bothered by a burning sensation in the stomach after eating, then this characterizes gastritis. A stomach ulcer can be diagnosed if pain appears some time after eating or on an empty stomach.

If you have a burning sensation, morning or evening pain in the epigastrium or right side, then this is a duodenal ulcer.

To make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment, you should immediately consult a doctor. The reasons that can cause discomfort in the esophagus may lie not only in stomach diseases. For example, angina pectoris is also characterized by a burning sensation in the chest area.

So, gastroenterologists divided painful sensations in the epigastrium into 3 groups according to the severity of burning in the esophagus:

Easy. The symptom appears extremely rarely, in most cases it occurs once and lasts several minutes.
Average. The condition is characterized by a single case of exacerbation.
Heavy. The person feels a constant burning sensation that lasts for quite a long time, and vomiting is possible.

Severe cases are complicated by bleeding, damage to the respiratory and swallowing organs, as well as extremely unpleasant odor from the mouth. This condition is typical during the development of a cancerous tumor or other severe inflammation.

Possible diseases

Diseases of the duodenum provoke the development of an inflammatory process in the mucous membrane.
Diseases of the duodenum are inflammatory processes in the mucous membranes of the organ, which affect its functioning and the digestive chain as a whole.

Various diseases that affect the performance of the entire body can provoke the development of inflammation. Every year the average age of patients decreases, which is due to the rhythm of life, bad habits, eating on the go and other factors. Atrophy of the mucosa, duodenal hormonal insufficiency, fistulas, bleeding are common complications of inflammatory processes of the duodenum in a neglected state.

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Duodenitis of the duodenum

Duodenitis is a disease of the duodenum, which is localized in the transitional section of the intestine. Inflammation can be secondary (accompanying another disease) or primary. This causes spasm of the sphincter of Oddi and thickening of the walls of the organ. Often occurs against the background of secretory insufficiency. An advanced disease can lead to atrophy of the organ mucosa. There are signs of pathology that depend on the neglect of the process and the concomitant disease:

pain in the epigastrium - just below the stomach of a dull or acute nature;
nausea;
gagging;
spasms;
burning in the esophagus;
prostration;
swelling of the organ mucosa;
feeling of fullness in the stomach after eating.

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Peptic ulcer disease

Duodenal ulcer is an inflammation that is accompanied by the appearance of ulcers on the mucous membranes of the organ.
The pathology is chronic and often recurs. The endoscopic picture shows thickening of the intestinal wall. The disease can spread to other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. If the disease is not treated, fistulas, mucosal atrophy and severe bleeding may appear, which is life-threatening for the patient. In the absence of adequate medical care, complications can lead to death. The most common cause of ulcers is Helicobacter. This type of pathological microorganisms affects the mucous membranes of the digestive organs with toxins, the release of which occurs during their vital activity. They enhance the secretion of enzymes in the organ. Peptic ulcer disease is often secondary, and occurs as a consequence of gastritis and duodenitis. Other reasons:

genetic predisposition;
stress and psycho-emotional problems;
drinking alcohol and smoking;
poor nutrition.

Symptoms:

sharp pain in the epigastric region that shoots into the back and ribs;
nausea and vomiting due to stagnation of food;
pain on the right under the ribs due to stagnation of bile;
blood impurities in vomit and feces (sometimes).

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Erosion of the duodenum

Erosion is an inflammatory process on the surface of the mucous membrane of an organ, which does not penetrate the muscle layer, and is accompanied by the appearance of eroded areas. Ultrasound shows thickening of the organ wall. The disease can be provoked by:

stress and psycho-emotional stress;
smoking;
Helicobacter;
poor nutrition;
medicines.

Erosion of the duodenum is accompanied by a number of symptoms.
Signs of the pathological process:

belching;
burning in the esophagus;
problems with stool;
pain syndrome.

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Duodenostasis

Duodenostasis is also called dyskinesia - a disease that affects the motor function of the duodenum, which is why food gruel (chyme) cannot be evacuated from the small intestine, which causes long-term stagnation of food. Dysfunction is accompanied by the following symptoms:

loss of appetite;
pain in the stomach area and on the right under the ribs;
be sick;
I'm worried about constipation.

Causes of the disease:

endocrine disorders;
problems with the autonomic and central nervous system;
parasites;
surgical intervention;
diseases of the duodenum or adjacent organs.

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Parasitic infection

Parasites enter the body through food, if basic hygiene rules are not followed. They can affect any organ and not make themselves felt for a long time. One of the parasites that is often found in the duodenum is nematodes (crooked head or necator). The larvae can be transmitted by the fecal-oral route or through skin pores. They can affect not only the duodenum, but also enter other organs through the blood. Over time, mucosal atrophy occurs. Signs:

rash;
itching of the skin;
diarrhea;
pain (pain in the peritoneum);
heartburn.

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Neoplasms

Malignant tumors of an internal organ do not occur often.
Duodenal cancer is diagnosed extremely rarely, usually in older people. Its development is preceded by dysplasia. There are 3 degrees of pathology. With stage 3 dysplasia, the development of cancer can rarely be avoided. With dysplasia, the histological structure of the epithelial tissue of the organ is disrupted.

Symptoms are similar to other diseases of the organ:

painful sensations that are enhanced by palpation;
lack of appetite up to aversion to food;
prostration;
sudden weight loss;
obstructive jaundice due to impaired excretion of bile.

Lymphofollicular hyperplasia is a submucosal lesion of the duodenum, which can spread to all digestive organs and peritoneal lymph nodes. It is also considered a precancerous condition. If lymphofollicular hyperplasia extensively affects intestinal tissue, external signs appear. But if it is limited to a small area of the duodenum, there may be no symptoms at all. With any tumor, uniform thickening of the intestinal walls is visible.

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Obstruction

Chronic organ obstruction develops for many reasons. Among them:

malrotation of the intestine;
inverted and mobile intestine;
congenital malformations;
vascular compression.

It is possible for gallstones to enter the stomach through a fistula between the organ and the duodenum or stomach. The stone migrates through the alimentary canal and gets stuck in the small intestine. This type of obstruction is diagnosed extremely rarely. Before the onset of pathology, the patient has been bothered by pain on the right under the ribs for a long time. Gallstone obstruction of the small intestine is usually diagnosed in older females.

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Developmental defects

Duodenal diverticula are a congenital disease.
Abnormal development of the organ is rare. One of the pathological conditions is congenital stenosis, which is diagnosed in the first hours of a child’s life (vomiting, regurgitation, lack of stool). Congenital anomalies include diverticulum (protrusion of the wall). Lymphangiectasia belongs to this group of diseases. The cause of development is unilateral lymphedema. Lymphangiectasia can develop due to other malformations of the gastrointestinal tract, for example, against the background of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis.

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Burning sensation in the epigastrium causes

The most common unpleasant sensation is associated with heartburn. However, there are a number of other reasons that cause a burning sensation in the stomach.

Nutrition. Even the right food can cause discomfort if the body does not accept it. Doctors recommend limiting your consumption of fatty, salty or smoked foods, especially if you have stomach diseases.
Bad habits. If you notice that a burning sensation in the epigastrium occurs immediately after drinking alcohol or smoking, then most likely you have an ulcer, gastritis or severe poisoning. If pain occurs the day after the celebration, then we are talking about intoxication of the body.
Fat deposits located around the stomach slow down the digestion of food and the absorption of microelements.
Excess weight. Fat deposits located around the stomach slow down the digestion of food and the absorption of microelements. For this reason, a burning sensation in the esophagus area is a constant companion for obese people.
Medicines. Potent medications irritate the epigastric membrane, since they fight not only pathogenic, but also beneficial microorganisms. Also, a burning sensation can occur due to an overdose.
Pregnancy. Heaviness in the stomach area in the initial stages of an interesting position indicates a restructuring of the body that is preparing for motherhood. A burning sensation in the epigastrium in the last trimester is due to the fact that the uterus, increasing in size, presses against the internal organs.
Lifting weights. If there is severe pain against the background of a burning sensation, this may indicate the presence of a hernia, inflammation of appendicitis, or diseases of the abdominal organs. This symptom is also characteristic of gastritis, cholecystitis and pancreatitis.

A burning sensation in the stomach and the reasons for this phenomenon should cause you concern and cause you to see a doctor.

Prevention

To prevent burning in the intestines, you need to follow the simplest recommendations, which are as follows:

It is necessary to strictly follow hygiene standards;
Do not frequently get carried away with taking laxatives;
You need to lead an active life, and ideally, engage in some kind of sports, because an active lifestyle helps improve intestinal motility;
Try to take antibiotic drugs only in special cases and as prescribed by a doctor;
Adjust your diet, food should be healthy and rational, without harmful foods;
If any pathological signs of damage to the gastrointestinal tract arise, then it is necessary to consult a doctor for treatment; it is unacceptable to ignore and neglect the pathology;
If you have a desire to defecate, you cannot restrain the urge;
Unhealthy habits need to be eradicated.

Do not forget about the generally accepted drinking rule, which requires drinking at least 1.5-2 liters of ordinary water per day.

If you suddenly experience burning discomfort in the intestinal area, you need to immediately change your diet to a more gentle nutrition program, eliminating all irritating foods such as marinades and smoked foods, spicy and fatty foods, overly seasoned foods, etc.

Self-medication is unacceptable in any situation. Only a gastroenterologist will be able to understand the true source of the problem, the causes of burning and select the most effective therapy. You can mistakenly mistake burning discomfort for a gastrointestinal disease, but in reality the source of the problems will be localized in the genitourinary system, reproductive organs, etc.

Burning in the epigastrium after eating

Individual intolerance to certain drugs that cause burning in the epigastrium is possible: citrus fruits, tomatoes, garlic and onions. Under no circumstances should you eat dry food or on the go, take long breaks between meals, or eat foods that are too hot or too cold. It is also advisable to follow these rules:

You should not eat or drink later than two hours before bedtime.
You cannot wear tight clothes, belts, trouser belts, tight trousers, or jeans.
There is no need to lean back and lie down immediately after eating.
It is advisable to raise the head of the bed by 10-15 cm.

Following simple recommendations and adjusting the diet, giving up bad habits will significantly alleviate the condition of a person suffering from a burning sensation in the epigastrium.

Burning sensation in the epigastrium diagnostics

A patient who is bothered by a constant burning sensation in the stomach, which is not heartburn, is recommended to first consult a gastroenterologist. List of recommended examination procedures in this situation:

Ultrasound of the peritoneal organs;
radiography;
gastroscopy;
assessment of the acidity level of gastric juice;
laboratory tests to identify parasites and bacterial pathogens.

If the factors causing a burning sensation from the stomach and intestines are absent, then the pathological syndrome is due to other reasons. Psychologist, endocrinologist, allergist and neurologist can join the therapy.

Medicines

The vulnerable lining tissues of the gastrointestinal tract require long-term treatment. The following drugs are used:

Omez - inhibits the secretion of gastric acid, effective for peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Festal is a proven drug consisting of pancreatin, hemicellulase and bile components, improves digestion.
Almagel - best used in short courses, the drug has many contraindications, has an antacid and local anesthetic effect.
Tribimol is an antiseptic and antiulcer agent.
Omeprazole is a drug that can inhibit gastric secretion without significantly affecting motility.
Smecta - improves and stabilizes the gastric mucous barrier, reduces the negative effects of toxins and removes them.

Burning sensation in the epigastrium treatment

Treatment of a condition accompanied by epigastric burning, but not heartburn, depends on the causes. It is necessary to undergo a diagnosis from a doctor and identify factors that provoke exacerbation of the pathology. Treatment consists of taking medications, using folk remedies and following a diet.

Treatment of burning sensation in the epigastrium consists of taking medications, using folk remedies and following a diet

The drug therapy regimen is built in accordance with the type and stage of the pathology. Thus, in the acute period of stomach diseases, treatment is supposed to be intensive, and during recovery or remission - supportive, aimed at preventing relapses.

Discomfort in the stomach caused by gastrointestinal diseases is treated using many groups of medications, a list of the main ones:

alginates and antacids - help neutralize hydrochloric acid in the stomach, prescribed for gastritis, peptic ulcers and for their prevention;
gastroprotectors – protect the epithelial gastric layer from damage;
analgesics and antispasmodics – relieve attacks of pain and eliminate spasms of smooth muscle tissue;
prokinetics - prescribed for reduced motor function of the gastrointestinal tract to speed up the digestion of food and absorption of nutrients;
enzyme preparations - facilitate the process of digesting food;
antibiotics - recommended by a doctor for a burning sensation in the epigastrium caused by the development of a bacterial infection;
prebiotics and probiotics – necessary to restore the normal balance of intestinal flora;
rehydrants and enterosorbents - cleanse the intestines of waste and toxins, prevent dehydration in severe diarrhea.

It is important to know! If infection with helminths is suspected and a burning sensation occurs in the gastrointestinal tract, antiparasitic drugs are prescribed for this reason . It is not possible to get rid of a feeling similar to heartburn with just one dose of antacids - it is necessary to eliminate the root cause, that is, the underlying disease.

Traditional methods

Treatment of burning sensation in the epigastrium can also be carried out using traditional methods of therapy, especially if the examination revealed inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa at the initial stage of development. Popular and effective recipes for getting rid of the problem:

saline or soda solution - it is used as an aid in an emergency to eliminate a burning sensation similar to heartburn (dissolve a teaspoon of this or that product in 250 ml of water and drink);
milk - a glass of drink will help get rid of burning and discomfort in the esophagus;
activated carbon - it is recommended to keep it with you and take it for people prone to burning in the gastrointestinal tract;
potato juice - it is squeezed out of the grated tuber and consumed orally, 2 tbsp. l. three times a day for a weekly course;
horse sorrel - the plant helps eliminate burning and heartburn if you add it to vegetable salads or eat it every morning;
gastric collection No. 3 - it contains mint and nettle leaves, buckthorn bark, calamus and valerian roots (2 tablespoons of the collection are brewed with a glass of water, drink 50 ml three times a day).

To reduce the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, doctors recommend drinking mineral table water without gas in a heated form. Drink it a glass a day in small sips, the course of treatment is determined by a specialist.

Diet

When treating a burning sensation in the epigastrium, which resembles heartburn, you must eat right. Oversalted, spicy and smoked foods containing large amounts of animal fats should be excluded from the diet. You should also avoid flour, baked goods, carbonated drinks and acidic foods that aggravate the symptoms of burning in the gastrointestinal tract.

Against the background of a constant feeling similar to heartburn, you should exclude strong coffee and tea, chocolate, seeds, and also stop drinking alcohol. It is advisable to give preference to foods of plant origin, chicken broths, and cereal dishes. It is better to cook food by steaming, avoiding frying in vegetable oil. You can eat lean fish and meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, and drink freshly squeezed non-acidic juices.

Nutrition

Therapy will have an effect only if you follow a moderate diet with foods that are as gentle as possible to the mucous membrane. The cooking method should be either steaming or boiling. Preference should be given to dishes with a semi-liquid consistency (soups, cereals) and moderate temperature (in no case should it be hot). Mineral water (Borjomi, Essentuki) also has a beneficial effect, since it contains bicarbonates that neutralize acidity.

Smoking provokes gastric secretion, and no matter what caused the burning sensation, excess stimulation will lead to an increase in this symptom, so it makes sense to refrain from smoking. Fried, fatty and spicy foods are taboo for the treatment period. It is recommended to abstain from chocolate, coffee and strong drinks. Instead, it is better to add natural fruit juices, jelly, compotes and fresh vegetables and fruits (excluding sour citrus fruits) to your diet.

But in some cases (for example, with hyperacid gastritis in the acute stage), it is better to refuse food altogether for the first time, so as not to further injure the damaged and inflamed mucous membrane. As with drug therapy, your doctor can prescribe a more detailed diet after learning all aspects of your illness.