Gastritis: What Causes My Stomach To Burn After Eating?

If you are experiencing burning in your stomach, then it is a common yet bothersome symptom. It usually stems from indigestion, medically known as dyspepsia. The burning sensation in your stomach is generally just one symptom of an underlying condition such as an intolerance to specific foods. A prescription from your healthcare provider can prevent and treat indigestion, along with some home remedies to help relieve symptoms. Even your diet and lifestyle can cause a significant impact on your digestive as well as overall health. This is why it is essential to pay attention to what you eat. In this article, we, at MH Surgery Clinic will help you learn why you are experiencing a burning sensation (Gastritis) in your stomach and what you can do to treat this condition. 

What Are The Causes Of The Burning Sensation In Your Stomach?

• Indigestion

Indigestion or dyspepsia basically means an upset stomach. One trigger of indigestion can cause sensations like stomach burning along with:

1. Heartburn
2. Gas
3. Bloating
4. Rumbling in your stomach
5. Nausea
6. Feeling full

Occasional indigestion is pretty common these days and does not necessarily imply any sign of an underlying condition. You may simply have eaten too much, something really spicy, or stale food.

• GERD

GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a condition that causes recurrent acid reflux. This reflux can occur when acid from your stomach moves up into your esophagus, thereby causing burning sensations in your chest and stomach. Other symptoms of GERD may include:

1. A sour, unpleasant taste in the back of your mouth
2. Difficulty in swallowing
3. Bloating and gas
4. A chronic cough
5. Regurgitation- involves food or stomach acid rising up to your mouth

Gastroesophageal reflux disease can also lead to certain complications. For example, stomach acid can start wearing away the esophagus, thereby increasing the risk of conditions like Barrett’s esophagus. It involves significantly harmful changes in the esophageal lining.

• Reactions To Specific Foods

You may have a strong reaction to specific foods, thereby resulting in GERD-like symptoms that include a burning sensation in the stomach. Foods that generally cause gastrointestinal problems may include:

1. Dairy products, particularly in people who are lactose intolerant
2. Nightshade foods like bell pepper, eggplant, and tomatoes
3. Gluten, mainly in people who are gluten intolerant
4. Alcohol

Alcohol can severely irritate your digestive tract, intestines, and stomach, thereby causing stomach burning as well as other issues.

• Medications

Particular medications that affect the gastrointestinal system can also lead to a burning sensation in your stomach. These include common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like:

1. Oxaprozin 
2. Naproxen
3. Aspirin
4. Ibuprofen
5. Celecoxib

Stomach Infections

Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that can severely infect your stomach. Some people with this condition may experience a burning sensation in the stomach along with other symptoms like:

1. Burping
2. Bloating
3. Unexpected weight loss
4. Nausea
5. A loss of appetite

Ulcers

Ulcers are basically sores that wear through the lining of your stomach. A lot of people with peptic ulcers complain about burning pain in the stomach and abdomen as the most common symptom. Ulcers can also cause:

1. Bloating
2. Heartburn
3. A feeling of fullness, even without eating
4. Nausea
5. Burping

People with ulcers also experience reactions to specific foods. For instance, spicy foods can worsen their symptoms.

What Is Gastritis?

Gastritis is an irritation, inflammation, or erosion of the lining of your stomach. Your stomach usually produces acid to help in breaking down the food you consume and in killing any bacteria or germs. The acid produced in your stomach is corrosive, however, there is often a balance between the amount of acid you make and a protective, natural layer of the mucous lining in your stomach. When there is an excessive amount of acid, you are at risk of developing gastritis. Although it is treatable, if gastritis is left untreated, then it can last a long time or may result in anemia or stomach ulcer. 

Symptoms Of Gastritis

Although the symptoms of gastritis may differ from one individual to another, some of the most common symptoms are as follows:

• Abdominal bloating
• An irritating burning sensation in the stomach between meals or at night
• Abdominal pain, particularly in the upper abdomen right below the breastbone or sternum
• Indigestion
• Recurrent upset stomach or nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Hiccups
• Darkening of the stool
• Vomiting blood

Foods That Can Trigger Gastritis

Usually, your diet does not cause chronic gastritis, however, some foods can worsen the symptoms such as spicy, fried, fatty, and highly acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus fruits. Other triggers may include coffee, alcohol, and fruit juice. There are several foods and beverages that can help treat the symptoms of gastritis and promote good digestive health such as:

• Low-fat foods such as lean meats, fish, and vegetables
• High-fiber foods such as fruits, whole grains, and beans
• Non-carbonated drinks
• Low-acidity foods like beans and vegetables
• Caffeine-free beverages

The most common cause of gastritis is Helicobacter pylori bacteria. This is why eating healthy, probiotic foods like kimchi, yogurt, kombucha, and sauerkraut can also help ease the symptoms as well.

How Can You Treat Gastritis?

Gastritis can improve rapidly once you start with the treatment, and the underlying causes have been resolved. Treatments may include:

• Alterations in your diet

You must avoid spicy and hot foods, and remove irritating foods from your diet such as gluten from wheat or lactose from dairy. Eating small and frequent meals can also have a significant effect on your digestive health.

• Acid-suppressing Medications

Your healthcare provider may encourage you to take antacids to reduce the production of acid in your stomach. 

If your gastritis is developed by a bacterial infection, then your gastro surgeon in Bangalore will prescribe antibiotics along with acid-blocking drugs. If the cause is pernicious anemia, then your doctor may also give you a B12 vitamin shot.

Bottom Line!

If you are experiencing any symptoms of gastritis or simply stomach burning, then you must follow up with your doctor right away so that they can conduct an endoscopy to confirm your diagnosis. MH Surgery Clinic is a leading gastroenterologist hospital in Bangalore where the doctors work endlessly in order to promote better digestive and overall health. So, make an appointment with us today and treat your gastritis symptoms the right way.

MIAS is a destination for all your minimally invasive surgeries. We’re board-certified, professionally trained surgeons. We at MIAS provide you with the most advanced procedure for your disease. MIAS was given life by Dr. Manjunath Haridas in Bangalore, India.

He is one of the leading surgeons for Gastrointestinal Sciences in Bangalore and Whitefield. His area of expertise includes Gastrointestinal Surgery – Colon Rectum, Foregut Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, and Minimally invasive surgery. Read more about our health blog, if you are suffering from any type of disease.

At MIAS we provide Minimally Invasive Advanced Surgeries and treatments like Surgical Gastroenterology, Hernia treatment, and surgery, Gallstone treatment and surgery, and Appendicitis surgery. MIAS has developed a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach not only to every disease but is tailored to every patient, we provide you with a detailed and personalized approach for all your surgical requirements.

MIAS is a destination for all your minimally invasive surgeries. We’re board-certified, professionally trained surgeons. We at MIAS provide you with the most advanced procedure for your disease. Now consult with our specialists.