When the chemicals capsaicin (chillies), piperine (pepper), or isothiocynanate (mustard and radish) hit a person’s tongue, it causes the mouth to temporarily go numb.
What causes the loss of sensation?
This loss of sensation in the mouth is the body’s defence mechanism to protect itself against the pain induced by the spice. The receptors will go back to normal within two weeks.
What causes the burning sensation?
The burning sensation that you talk about can be due to several possible causes.
Gastritis
First, gastritis or irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining.
Common manifestations of gastritis include a burning sensation after a meal or when lying down, nausea, indigestion, and abdominal pain.
Reflux
Second, reflux, a condition in which the lower portion of the esophagus sphincter opens inappropriately or does not close fully, allowing for stomach acids to come up into the esophagus.
Risk factors of GERD include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and acidic products like citrus or tomato-based foods.
Food allergy or intolerance
Third, burning sensation in the stomach and chest can result from a food allergy or intolerance. This burning sensation can also occur after eating. When a person consumes food they cannot tolerate or are allergic to, they may also experience nausea and vomiting.
Medications
Fourth, it will be good to exclude medications and drugs that can compromise the protective layer of one’s stomach. This compromise can increase a person’s risk for gastritis.
Emotional Stress
Fifth, the role of emotional stress cannot be over-emphasised. Stress can slow down the digestive process, leaving stomach acids within the stomach thus increasing the risk of reflux. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is caused by the malfunction of nerves that control intestinal function and perception.
Symptoms of IBS include nausea, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, and constipation. Learning how to effectively manage stress is an important treatment component for IBS sufferers.
