The subjective feeling of internal heat or burning is a common symptom that can range from mild warmth to intense, painful heat. This uncomfortable sensation, which feels like a fire within the body, originates from various sources, including physical processes and psychological states. Understanding the root cause is the first step in addressing this discomfort, as the feeling of “burning” is not specific to a single medical condition. It often points to irritation of internal tissues, a malfunction in the nervous system, or a heightened state of physiological arousal.
Internal Burning from Digestive and Inflammatory Causes
A burning sensation often originates in the torso, frequently linked to the digestive system and the effects of stomach acid. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, commonly known as GERD, is a frequent cause where the lower esophageal sphincter weakens, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. This highly acidic content irritates the sensitive lining of the esophagus, which the body interprets as the painful “heartburn” or internal burning.
The stomach itself can also be the site of this discomfort due to conditions like gastritis or peptic ulcers. Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining, while ulcers are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or the small intestine. Both conditions expose tissue to corrosive stomach acids, resulting in a gnawing or burning ache in the upper abdomen.
This localized internal burning can also be a sign of general inflammation or a low-grade infection within the body. In the case of peptic ulcers, the Helicobacter pylori bacterium is a common cause, which leads to chronic inflammation and subsequent sores. Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can also directly irritate the stomach lining and contribute to the burning feeling. Digestive discomfort may also be heightened by consuming acidic foods, carbonated drinks, or high-fat meals, which can trigger or worsen acid reflux symptoms.
How Stress Creates a Physical Burning Sensation
Intense emotional states can directly translate into physical manifestations, including the feeling of internal burning. The body’s acute stress response, often called the fight-or-flight mechanism, is triggered by the release of powerful hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This surge prepares the body for immediate action by causing a number of rapid physiological changes.
These hormones increase heart rate and blood pressure while simultaneously redirecting blood flow away from non-essential areas like the skin and digestive system and toward major muscles. This swift change in circulation and the heightened activity of the nervous system can be interpreted as a burning, flushed, or stinging sensation on the skin or throughout the body. Sustained or chronic stress leads to a state of nervous system dysregulation, known as hyperstimulation.
In this hyper-alert state, sensory nerves can become overly sensitive and misfire, sending signals of heat or burning even when no physical threat or temperature change is present. Generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks are common psychological drivers that activate this stress response repeatedly. Muscle tension, a reflex reaction to stress, also contributes to the feeling of heat, as taut muscles generate warmth and can affect localized blood flow.
Systemic and Neurological Explanations
Beyond localized digestive issues and psychological stress, the feeling of internal burning can result from systemic problems affecting the entire body or from nerve damage. One common systemic cause is hormonal fluctuation, particularly the hot flashes experienced during perimenopause and menopause. These are known as vasomotor symptoms, characterized by a sudden, intense feeling of warmth spreading across the face, neck, and chest, often followed by sweating and chills.
The mechanism for hot flashes is believed to involve declining estrogen levels, which impact the hypothalamus, the brain’s temperature control center. This causes the body to mistakenly believe it is overheated, triggering a chain of events to cool down rapidly. Other endocrine issues, such as an overactive thyroid, can also cause systemic heat intolerance and a feeling of internal warmth due to a heightened metabolic rate.
Neurological issues, specifically peripheral neuropathy, are another significant cause of burning pain. Peripheral neuropathy involves damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, which can cause abnormal sensations like burning, tingling, or numbness. This nerve damage can be a complication of conditions like long-term diabetes or deficiencies in certain vitamins, such as B12.
Identifying When the Sensation is Serious
While many causes of internal burning are manageable, certain accompanying symptoms suggest a serious medical event requiring immediate attention. You should seek urgent medical care if the burning is accompanied by:
- Sudden, severe chest pain, especially if it radiates to the arm, jaw, or back, which may indicate a cardiac issue.
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- Sudden, excruciating abdominal pain that is unrelenting, or accompanied by bloody stools or vomiting.
- Persistent high fever, unexplained weight loss, confusion, or a rapidly spreading rash.
- Signs of a stroke, such as facial drooping or sudden weakness on one side of the body.