Where That "Burning Sensation" In Your Stomach Might Be Coming From

Causes of stomach burning range from mild to severe. Fortunately, many causes respond well to treatment when caught early.

1. Eating spicy food

One of the most benign causes of stomach burning is eating a heavily spiced dish or a naturally spicy ingredient. Capsaicin is one of the main constituents of spicy peppers and registers as pain or burning in the stomach.[1]

Some common spicy foods responsible for a burning sensation in the stomach include:

• Chiles
• Hot peppers
• Ginger
• Cayenne pepper
• Sichuan peppercorns
• Hot sauce
• Curries

It typically takes between several minutes to an hour for these foods to stop having a “burning” effect on your stomach.

In rare cases, people can have serious reactions to highly spicy foods. In fact, some people who eat extremely spicy foods like peppers will reject and expel the object naturally by vomiting.[2]

2. Acid reflux

Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when gastric acid (stomach acid) leaves the stomach and re-enters the esophagus.[3] GERD usually happens when the stomach sphincter is weak or relaxes inappropriately, allowing stomach acids to irritate your esophagus.

Stomach burning is a common symptom of acid reflux, though it can also cause:

• Regurgitation of food or sour-tasting saliva
• Heartburn
• Chest pain
• Problems swallowing
• Chronic coughing

While acid reflux can start out as mild, it can cause long-term problems if it’s not managed through lifestyle changes or medical treatment. Structural changes to the esophagus can develop, and there’s also the risk of developing esophageal precancer, also known as Barrett esophagus.[3]

To that end, you’ll want to have acid reflux diagnosed by a healthcare professional to ensure you’re treated properly. Common treatment interventions include:

• Over-the-counter antacids – These contain calcium carbonate to help minimize acute acid reflux symptoms, including stomach burning.
• Medication – More aggressive medications use histamine blockers to help reduce acid production in the stomach. If your esophagus has been damaged, some medications help quiet acid production long enough to give your esophagus time to heal.

Lifestyle changes like the GERD diet can also significantly improve acid reflux symptoms.[4] This diet may require you to reduce or eliminate foods that are extremely fatty, salty, or spicy, as well as aggravating foods like:

• Soda
• Tomato and tomato-based sauces
• Citrus fruit
• Chocolate
• Peppermint
• Alcohol

Instead, you’ll opt for high-fiber options and alkaline ingredients, which are less acidic and may help offset gastric acid production naturally.

3. Gastritis

Gastritis is not a single condition, but rather a term for inflammation of the stomach lining—a condition that can arise in several digestive ailments. This can result in a burning or “gnawing” sensation that may worsen when you eat. It can also be accompanied by a feeling of early fullness, nausea, or an upset stomach after eating.[5]

Gastritis is most commonly caused by:

• Excessive alcohol use
• Bacterial infection, specifically H. pylori
• Advanced age
• Stress
• Excessive use of pain relievers, specifically NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

Gastritis can be acute or chronic. Most cases of gastritis respond well and heal quickly with proper treatment. However, chronic gastritis can increase the risk of ulcers and stomach cancer.

Depending on its cause, gastritis may be treated with:

• Limiting or eliminating alcohol use
• Antibiotics, if your gastritis is caused by a bacterial infection
• Antacid medication
• Medication that helps neutralize gastric acids

4. Dyspepsia (indigestion)

Dyspepsia is the clinical term for indigestion, but it can be a complex condition to identify and manage. Sometimes, it arises from something as ordinary as eating too much food too quickly.[6] At other times, it may be a symptom of an underlying condition like thyroid disease or diabetes.

If you have dyspepsia, you may notice a wide range of symptoms, including a burning sensation in your stomach, as well as:

• Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
• Feeling full after eating a small amount of food
• Feeling uncomfortably full after eating a complete meal
• Heartburn
• Bloating easily
• Nausea

While indigestion is common, there are some occasions where it can be serious. If you notice symptoms like black stool, vomiting blood, unexplained weight loss, or difficulty swallowing, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.[6]

Indigestion may require simple home remedies or more intensive treatment depending on your healthcare provider’s assessment and recommendations. Some home remedies that may help ease dyspepsia include:

• Identifying trigger foods and reducing or eliminating them from your diet
• Eating smaller portions more regularly
• Reducing or eliminating caffeine and alcohol
• Finding ways to reduce chronic stress and anxiety

Indigestion can also be a side effect of certain medications, including some pain relievers.[7] If you’re concerned your medication is causing digestive symptoms, consult your healthcare provider about alternatives that may be less likely to cause digestive distress.

5. Peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers)

A peptic ulcer, also called a gastric ulcer, happens when gastric acid degrades the lining of the stomach. This can cause a burning sensation, as well as:

• Sores on the stomach lining
• Bleeding
• Bloating
• Pain
• Dyspepsia
• Nausea and vomiting

Ulcers, like gastritis, are often caused by bacterial infection and the long-term use of NSAIDs. Often, both lifestyle changes and medical interventions are necessary for treatment.

It’s important to visit a healthcare provider if you suspect you might have a gastric ulcer. They may prescribe:

• Antibiotics, if your stomach ulcer is caused by H. pylori
• Medications such as H2 blockers to help reduce acid production in the stomach
• Antacids to help relieve acute burning or gnawing sensations
• An endoscopy, a procedure that helps healthcare providers evaluate your stomach and monitor treatment progress

If you’ve developed a stomach ulcer as a result of lifestyle factors—like NSAID overuse, alcohol misuse, or excessive stress—it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to find the support and treatment you need.

Experiencing a burning sensation in the stomach from time to time isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. But if it’s a frequent problem, it’s a wise idea to reach out to a healthcare provider.

Many causes of a burning sensation in the stomach are treatable, but they may lead to complications if they aren’t properly diagnosed and addressed early.

Stomach burning could also be the result of an underlying condition or food sensitivity. For instance, many people with celiac disease experience dyspepsia and abdominal pain when they eat gluten or after eating gluten for a long period of time.[8] Because celiac disease can cause structural damage to the small intestine, it’s very important to receive a diagnosis and adopt a gluten-free diet if you have it. Learn more about whether gluten can cause headaches.

In general, any symptom that lasts a long time without improving on its own is a good reason to reach out to a healthcare provider for evaluation. They can provide a more thorough assessment of your symptoms and recommend treatment options that best fit your condition.

Recurring stomach burning, indigestion, bloating, or digestive discomfort can sometimes be linked to foods you eat regularly. While symptoms like these should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider when persistent or severe, understanding how your diet may be affecting your body can be a helpful step toward improving your overall digestive wellness.

If you’re looking to better understand potential food sensitivities that may contribute to digestive discomfort, Everlywell’s at-home Food Sensitivity Test can help identify foods that may be associated with your symptoms. With physician-reviewed results and convenient at-home sample collection, Everlywell makes it easier to take a proactive approach to your health from the comfort of home.