Causes for Stomach Burning after Eating

Stomach burning, or indigestion, is something that 21% of people experience every year. It often leads to discomfort, bloating, nausea, belching, and even vomiting. No matter how you cut it, stomach burning is never a fun time. However, you still need to live and enjoy your life. So, understanding the underlying causes of indigestion can help you mitigate or even avoid the problem altogether.

We discuss the most common causes of this problem, what you can do at home and while you’re out, and when it’s time to schedule an appointment with a specialist at Digestive Health Centers in Allen, Bedford, Dallas, Redbird Square, North Richland Hills, or Plano.

Most Common Cause for Stomach Burning is Acid Reflux & GERD

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus, the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a ring of muscle at the base of the esophagus, relaxes or weakens, allowing acid to escape. Normally, the LES opens to let food pass into the stomach and then closes to prevent backflow. However, when the LES doesn’t function properly, stomach acid can irritate the esophageal lining, causing discomfort often referred to as heartburn. Over time, this persistent acid reflux can lead to more serious conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

GERD is a chronic form of acid reflux that occurs more than twice a week, and it can cause significant complications if left untreated. While acid reflux might be an occasional problem triggered by certain foods or eating habits, GERD is more persistent and often results in symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation of food or sour liquid, difficulty swallowing, and even chest pain.

Local Tip: If you regularly experience acid reflux, consider booking an appointment with a gastroenterologist at one of our Digestive Health Centers in North Texas for personalized care.

If left unmanaged, GERD can damage the esophagus and lead to further health issues like esophageal ulcers or Barrett’s esophagus.

Second Cause is Gastritis

When your stomach lining becomes inflamed or irritated, you experience gastritis. There are two types of gastritis you could face: acute and chronic.

Acute Gastritis is temporary damage to the stomach lining, while chronic gastritis is a long-term condition that gradually develops and can be difficult to relieve.

This discomfort is typically caused by factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), infection with Helicobacter pylori (H Pylori) bacteria, or stress. These irritants weaken the stomach’s protective mucus layer, allowing stomach acid to damage the underlying tissue. Digestive Health Centers can help diagnose and manage gastritis, providing relief from this irritating condition.

Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus, often due to damage caused by stomach acid.

Symptoms of peptic ulcers can include burning stomach pain, bloating, nausea, and in some cases, vomiting or melona (dark stools that indicate bleeding).

Risk factors for developing ulcers include infection with H pylori bacteria, long-term use of NSAIDs, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and high levels of stress.

Food Allergies

Food allergies and intolerances can often lead to uncomfortable digestive symptoms, including a burning sensation in the stomach. Common food triggers that may cause such reactions include lactose (found in dairy products), gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye), and certain nuts or shellfish.

When someone with a food intolerance consumes a trigger, their body struggles to digest the substance properly, leading to irritation and inflammation of the digestive tract, causing discomfort like stomach burning.

This reaction is due to the body’s inability to break down certain compounds, resulting in excess acid production or irritation in the stomach lining. While food intolerances primarily cause digestive issues such as bloating, cramping, or stomach burning, food allergies tend to involve a more systemic reaction, often accompanied by more severe symptoms beyond the digestive system.

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that creates recurring abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation. Due to oversensitive nerve endings, abnormal communication between the gut and brain, and potential intestinal muscle spasms, IBS can lead to your stomach burning.

It is often linked to dietary triggers such as certain foods and beverages, as well as stress, both of which can exacerbate symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements. The gastroenterologists at Digestive Health Centers in North Texas are experienced in treating IBS and can develop a personalized plan to manage symptoms effectively.

Gallbladder Problems

Gallstones are hardened deposits in the gallbladder, while bile reflux occurs when bile flows backward from the small intestine into the stomach and esophagus.

Both conditions can contribute to post-meal burning sensations, as gallstones can block the normal flow of bile needed for digestion, and bile reflux irritates the stomach lining and esophagus, leading to discomfort and pain after eating.

Rare Causes for Stomach Burning After Eating

We’ve discussed the most common causes for stomach burning after eating, but there are a few outliers we should also mention.

Hiatal Hernia

When the top of your stomach bulges through an opening in your diaphragm, your body develops a Hiatal hernia. It’s a common condition that can cause stomach acid to leak into the esophagus and cause acid reflux.

Signs of a Hiatal hernia include heartburn, chest pain, bad breath, a sour taste in your mouth, nausea or vomiting.

Esophagitis

Esophagitis is the inflammation of the esophagus that leads to swallowing pain, chest pain, heart burn, and a sore throat.

Its main causes are acid reflux, GERD, medicines (Tetracycline, gelatin capsules, large-sized pills).

Stomach Cancer

Stomach cancer is a rare but serious cause of stomach burning. Some symptoms to watch out for concerning stomach cancer include appetite loss, excessive weight loss, anemia, abdominal pain, regular vomiting, blood in stool , and fatigue.

If you recognize any of these symptoms regularly you should seek medical help to obtain proper care.

Treatment Options for Stomach Burning

When dealing with stomach burning, various treatment options depend on the severity of symptoms. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can offer quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid or reducing its production.

Antacids are great for short-term relief, while H2 blockers and PPIs are better suited for longer-lasting relief, though they come with potential side effects like headaches or constipation.

Doctors may prescribe stronger versions of PPIs or antibiotics for more chronic conditions to treat *H. pylori* infections, which are often the root cause of ulcers.

Medication isn’t the only treatment option. Making dietary changes by avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and managing your stress through mindfulness and yoga are all lifestyle steps to mitigate symptoms.

It’s also important not to lie down immediately after eating, as this can worsen reflux and stomach burning. Combining these strategies can provide lasting relief and improve overall digestive health.

Foods to Soothe Stomach Burning After Eating

When it comes to managing stomach burning, the foods you eat play a critical role. Certain trigger foods like spicy, fatty, and acidic dishes can increase stomach acid production, irritating the stomach lining and causing discomfort.

Avoiding these triggers is essential for reducing symptoms. On the other hand, incorporating soothing, low-acid, easy-to-digest foods—such as bananas, oatmeal, and leafy greens—can help calm the digestive system.

Adding anti-inflammatory foods like ginger and turmeric to your diet may also reduce irritation and promote gut health. Eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large portions can also prevent the overproduction of stomach acid and ease digestion.

As a pro tip from us, timing meals to avoid eating late at night and giving your body time to digest before lying down are important practices for minimizing symptoms.

When to See a Gastroenterologist for Stomach Burning

Stomach burning may be a common issue, but there is always the risk that something more serious is going on with your body. If you regularly experience stomach burning or acid reflux, we suggest keeping a symptom diary that can help you identify and avoid potential triggers.

Be on the lookout for red flag symptoms like rapid weight loss and vomiting blood. These are issues that warrant immediate medical attention.

Consider scheduling an appointment with one of our board-certified gastroenterologists at Digestive Health Centers in Allen, Bedford, Dallas, Redbird Square, North Richland Hills, or Plano. Our team can help you identify triggers, manage symptoms, and provide comprehensive care.

During your initial appointment with Dr. Lisa Alvarez or Dr. David Hall – who specialize in gastroesophageal reflux disease – you can expect to review your family history, health history, symptoms, and a physical examination of your abdominal area.

From there, you may be scheduled for an endoscopy, allergy testing, and pH monitoring.

 FAQs

Is it normal to have stomach burning after eating spicy foods?

Yes, for some people, eating spicy foods can lead to a burning sensation in the stomach.

Can anxiety cause stomach burning?

Stress-induced gastritis is a stomach problem that creates a burning sensation. So, yes, anxiety can cause stomach burning.

How to get rid of burning sensation in stomach?

To relieve a burning sensation in the stomach, try taking antacids or proton pump inhibitors, avoid trigger foods, eat smaller meals, and incorporate stress management techniques like relaxation or mindfulness.

Can stomach acid burn your throat?

GERD can cause a burning sensation in your throat when stomach acid leaks into the esophagus.

Why does my stomach burn when I drink alcohol?

Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining and increase stomach acid production, leading to a burning sensation, especially in those with gastritis or acid reflux.