Burning Stomach Pain after Eating

The stomach is a vital organ of the digestive system. The main function of the stomach is breaking down the food that we eat with the help of digestive enzymes and acids. A burning stomach pain after eating is an indication that the digestive system is not functioning normally. If you occasionally get this kind of pain due to overeating or eating in a hurry, then it is not a matter of serious concern. However, if you experience it after every meals, then it is a clear sign that the digestive system is not working properly.

Causes

There could be several causes that can lead to burning pain in the stomach soon after having a meal. One of the main cause of stomach pain after eating spicy foods is heartburn. In this condition, the weak sphincter that lies in between stomach and esophagus allow stomach acids to enter the esophagus which then causes irritation in its lining. Thus burning sensation is felt not just in stomach but also in the chest and throat. This pain intensifies after lying down or bending forward. A more serious form of heartburn is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If ulcers have developed on the stomach lining, then one can get a burning sensation in the stomach after eating spicy foods. Such food substances irritate the ulcers giving rise to pain.

Pancreas is a vital gland in our body that helps in the digestion process. When it gets inflamed for some reason, then the condition is known as pancreatitis. It shows symptoms of abdominal pain after eating which is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Diverticulitis is a condition where inflammation occur in the digestive tract resulting in stomach pain after having food. Here the area at the location of the stomach becomes tender to touch. Gallbladder diseases like gallstones can give stomach pain after eating fatty foods. This pain continues for several hours after eating and in extreme cases may get extended up to the shoulder area.

If you get burning stomach pain after eating raw foods, then it could be triggered by some virus or bacteria that entered the stomach through the foods that you have taken. It happens particularly due to eating unwashed fruits or vegetables. Gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal obstruction are some of the other causes of burning stomach pain.

Treatment

The treatment of burning stomach depends on the underlying cause. Heartburn and stomach ulcer cases are treated with the help of medicines and change in diet and lifestyle. At an early stage, antacids are given to control acid formation in the stomach. If it fails to show results, then other medicines like acid blockers or proton pump inhibitors are used to reduce acid secretion in the stomach. If any sign of infection is observed, then it has to be treated with the help of antibiotics. In serious cases, other medicines may also be given to treat the condition. Pancreatitis requires intravenous (IV) fluids and suitable medicines to provide relief from the pain and inflammation of the gland. Gallstones are removed by surgical means.

Dietary changes are also an integral part of this treatment. Any spicy foods, acidic foods including citrus fruits should be avoided as they tend to cause irritation in the stomach lining. If you find it difficult to eat heavy meals, then it should be done in smaller quantities but increase the number of meals that you take. Alcohol can aggravate stomach lining inflammation. For this reason, you must stop drinking alcohol to prevent worsening of the condition. Smokers must stay away from smoking as they can cause extensive damage to stomach lining.

As you can see burning stomach pain after eating may not be a serious health issue all the time but you must not ignore it either. If you take it lightly, then it may have a severe impact on your digestive health. It can be prevented by maintaining a healthy and stress free life.