What Causes a Burning Sensation in the Upper Abdomen in Females?

A burning sensation in the upper abdomen can be caused by several digestive conditions.

Common causes include:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): When stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, it causes heartburn and a burning sensation, particularly after eating.

• Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, often due to Helicobacter pylori infection, excessive alcohol use, or prolonged NSAID use.

• Peptic ulcers: Sores on the stomach or small intestine lining can lead to burning pain, especially when the stomach is empty.

• Functional dyspepsia: This is indigestion without an obvious medical cause, often triggered by stress or certain foods, resulting in discomfort or a burning feeling.

• Gallstones or gallbladder disease: If a gallstone obstructs bile flow, it can cause pain and a burning sensation in the upper abdomen.

• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, often due to excessive alcohol consumption or gallstones, can cause intense upper abdominal pain.

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS can cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, and burning sensations, often related to food intake or stress.

If you experience a persistent burning sensation, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause. Proper diagnosis through imaging tests, endoscopy, or lab work can guide the appropriate treatment to relieve symptoms.

Yes, stress can contribute to a burning sensation in the upper abdomen. When the body is under stress, it triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can affect the digestive system in various ways:

• Increased stomach acid production: Stress may cause the stomach to produce more acid, leading to acid reflux, which can result in heartburn and a burning sensation in the upper abdomen.

• Slowed digestion: Stress can hinder the digestive process, causing symptoms like bloating, discomfort, and a burning sensation in the stomach.

• Worsening of underlying conditions: Stress can aggravate symptoms of existing digestive issues, like GERD, gastritis, or peptic ulcers, leading to a more pronounced burning sensation.

• Functional dyspepsia: Stress is a known trigger for functional dyspepsia, a condition where no clear physical cause is found for the digestive discomfort, but the sensation of burning and bloating is present.

Managing stress through relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and physical activity can help reduce its impact on the digestive system. If stress-related symptoms persist, seeking medical advice can help address both the physical and emotional factors contributing to the discomfort.

A burning sensation in the upper abdomen can be accompanied by various other symptoms, depending on the underlying cause.

Common accompanying symptoms include:

• Nausea or vomiting: Often seen in cases of gastritis, ulcers, or acid reflux, these symptoms can occur when stomach acid irritates the stomach lining.

• Heartburn: A common symptom of GERD, heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing a burning feeling in the chest or throat.

• Bloating: A feeling of fullness or tightness in the stomach after eating, often associated with indigestion or gastritis.

• Indigestion: A general discomfort in the stomach area, often caused by overeating, stress, or digestive disorders.

• Loss of appetite: Common in conditions like gastritis or peptic ulcers, where the burning sensation can lead to a decreased desire to eat.

• Abdominal pain: A more severe, cramp-like pain that may radiate to the back, often seen in conditions like peptic ulcers, gallstones, or pancreatitis.

• Changes in bowel movements: Symptoms such as diarrhea or constipation can sometimes accompany abdominal burning, especially in functional gastrointestinal disorders like IBS.

If you experience these symptoms along with a burning sensation, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis. Testing may involve blood work, imaging, or endoscopy to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

It’s important to see a doctor if you experience a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, especially if the discomfort is persistent or severe.

Here are signs that you should seek medical help:

• Persistent pain: If the burning sensation lasts for more than a few days or frequently returns, it could indicate a more serious condition that requires treatment.

• Severe or worsening pain: Intense or worsening abdominal pain that does not improve with over-the-counter medications should be evaluated by a doctor.

• Accompanying symptoms: If you experience other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or fever, these may signal a more serious condition like an ulcer, infection, or gallbladder disease.

• Blood in stools or vomit: If the burning sensation is accompanied by black or tarry stools or vomiting blood, it may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which requires immediate medical attention.

• Jaundice: If your skin or eyes turn yellow, this may suggest liver or gallbladder issues, and you should see a doctor promptly.

At Digestive Disease Care, our gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing the causes of upper abdominal discomfort and providing personalized treatment options. Early intervention is key to preventing complications and ensuring optimal digestive health.

If you’re experiencing persistent or recurring upper abdominal burning, it’s important to consult a gastroenterologist to determine the underlying cause. This sensation could be a sign of common conditions like acid reflux or gastritis, but it may also indicate more serious issues such as peptic ulcers or gallstones. At Digestive Disease Care, we specialize in diagnosing and treating digestive disorders that affect the stomach and upper abdomen. Our board-certified gastroenterologists take the time to listen to your symptoms and provide a comprehensive evaluation, ensuring you receive the right care for lasting relief.

If you’ve been struggling with upper abdominal burning for weeks or have additional symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing, it’s time to seek professional care. Early diagnosis is crucial in preventing complications and improving your quality of life. Our expert team at Digestive Disease Care offers personalized treatment options to manage your condition. We work closely with patients to identify the root cause and develop an effective treatment plan tailored to their needs. Please contact us for more information or request an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Lake Success NY, Melville NY, Mineola NY, Massapequa NY, New Hyde Park NY and Riverhead NY.