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Burning or gnawing stomach pain

Also called: Peptic ulcer, gastritis, dyspepsia

A burning or gnawing pain in the upper belly is often from a peptic ulcer, gastritis, or indigestion. Ulcers are commonly caused by H. pylori bacteria or NSAIDs. Black stools or vomiting blood are emergencies.

Common causesUlcers, gastritis, NSAIDs, H. pylori
Usually serious?Usually not, but can bleed
Get checked ifIt lasts, or with black stools
If you think it's an emergency, call 911.Thinking about suicide? Call or text 988.

Overview

Ulcer pain is often burning, between meals or at night, and may improve or worsen with food.

NSAIDs, aspirin, H. pylori, alcohol, and smoking raise the risk.

When to get medical care

Call 911Vomiting blood or coffee grounds. Black, tarry stools with dizziness. Sudden severe pain.
Get care todayBlack stools. Pain with vomiting.
See a doctor soonPain lasting more than 2 weeks. Pain if you take NSAIDs regularly. Weight loss.

Causes

Causes include peptic ulcers, gastritis, indigestion, reflux, and, rarely, stomach cancer.

OwieClear has pages on 4 conditions that can cause burning or gnawing stomach pain. Each shows how soon to get care.

Common causes

  • Gastritis or stomach ulcerSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    Irritation of the stomach lining, or an open sore in the stomach or upper small intestine.

  • Zollinger-Ellison syndromeSee a doctor if it doesn't get better

    Rare tumors that make too much gastrin, a hormone that triggers lots of stomach acid.

Less likely causes

What you can do at home

  • Avoid NSAIDs and aspirin.
  • Limit alcohol
  • Don't smoke.

Medicines

Acid reducers and antibiotics for H. pylori heal ulcers.

At the doctor

Tests check for H. pylori.

Questions you may be asked

  • Pain pattern
  • NSAID use
  • Black stools

The exam

A belly exam.

Tests

  • H. pylori test
  • Endoscopy

Prevention

Protect your stomach.

  • Limit NSAIDs
  • Don't smoke

Check your symptoms

Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.

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Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.