Gastritis is an inflammation, irritation, and bleeding of the stomach wall that can be acute or chronic, depending on how long it lasts and how severe it is. It affects the stomach lining and can cause inflammation, irritation, and bleeding. The most common causes of Gastritis are:
The bacterium Helicopylori (H. pylori) lives in the stomach and can cause damage to the mucus layer covering the stomach lining. It is very common for people to develop stomach ulcers and stomach cancers after contracting H. pylori infection. It can also be spread through food, water, or saliva.
Inflammation, pain, and fever can be reduced with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and others. If taken for a long time or in high doses, NSAIDs can irritate the stomach lining and cause gastritis.
Consuming too much alcohol can damage the stomach lining and lead to gastritis; it can also interfere with the production of stomach acid and mucus, which protect the stomach.
The release of hormones and chemicals can worsen inflammation and increase stomach acid production when you are under severe stress. Stress can also affect blood flow to the stomach and cause gastritis.
Gastritis can also be caused by bile reflux, autoimmune disorders, infections, allergies, trauma, surgery, radiation therapy, and certain diseases.
The symptoms of gastritis can vary from person to person and depend on the cause and severity of the condition. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience:
Abdominal pain or discomfort: This is the most common symptom of gastritis. The pain may be dull, burning, gnawing, or stabbing. It may occur in the upper or middle part of the abdomen and may worsen or improve with eating.
Nausea or vomiting: Some people may feel nauseous or vomit when they have gastritis. The vomit may contain blood or look like coffee grounds, which indicates bleeding in the stomach.
Loss of appetite or weight loss: Gastritis can affect the appetite and cause people to eat less or lose weight unintentionally.
Bloating or gas: Gastritis can cause excess air or gas to accumulate in the stomach and cause bloating or belching.
Indigestion or heartburn: Gastritis can affect the digestion of food and cause symptoms such as indigestion or heartburn. This is a burning sensation in the chest or throat that occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.
Black or tarry stools: This is a sign of bleeding in the digestive tract. The blood may turn black or tarry as it passes through the intestines.
Doctors usually diagnose gastritis by asking about symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle habits. They may also perform some tests to confirm the diagnosis and identify the cause of gastritis.
Blood tests: These are done to check for anemia (low red blood cell count), infection (such as H. pylori), inflammation (such as C-reactive protein), or other conditions that may cause gastritis.
Stool tests: These are done to check for blood in the stool or H. pylori infection.
Breath tests: These are done to detect H. pylori infection by measuring the amount of carbon dioxide in the breath after swallowing a special substance.
Endoscopy: This is a procedure that involves inserting a thin tube with a camera and a light at its end into the mouth and down into the stomach. The doctor can examine the inside of the stomach and take samples (biopsies) of the stomach lining for further testing.
X-rays: These are done to check for ulcers, tumors, or other abnormalities in the stomach.
Symptoms, inflammation, complications, and eradicating any underlying infection or disorder are the primary goals of treatment for gastritis. Treatment options include:
Medications: There are various types of medications that can help treat gastritis. They include:
Antacids: These are drugs that neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief from pain and discomfort.
Acid blockers: These are drugs that reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach. They include histamine-2 (H2) blockers (such as ranitidine, famotidine, and cimetidine) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, and esomeprazole).
Antibiotics: These are drugs that kill bacteria that cause infection, such as H. pylori. They are usually given in combination with acid blockers for a period of 7 to 14 days.
Cytoprotective agents: These are drugs that protect the stomach lining from damage by forming a protective layer over it. They include sucralfate and bismuth subsalicylate.
Anti-inflammatory drugs: These are drugs that reduce inflammation and pain. They include corticosteroids (such as prednisone) and immunosuppressants (such as azathioprine and cyclosporine).
Lifestyle changes: There are some changes that can help prevent or manage gastritis. They include:
Avoiding or limiting the intake of alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, fatty foods, and other foods that may irritate the stomach.
Quitting smoking or using tobacco products, as they can damage the stomach lining and increase the risk of ulcers and cancer.
Eating smaller and more frequent meals, rather than large and heavy ones, to avoid overloading the stomach.
Chewing food well and eating slowly, to aid digestion and reduce pressure on the stomach.
Drinking enough water and fluids, to keep hydrated and dilute stomach acid.
Managing stress, as it can worsen gastritis symptoms and trigger inflammation. Some ways to cope with stress include meditation, yoga, exercise, hobbies, counseling, or therapy.
In cases of severe or complicated gastritis that fail to respond to other treatments, surgery may be considered. In surgery, part or all of the stomach can be removed (gastrectomy) or a new connection can be made between the stomach and small intestine (gastrojejunostomy).
The prevention of gastritis mainly involves avoiding or treating the factors that can cause or worsen it. Some preventive measures are:
Getting tested and treated for H. pylori infection, if present.
Using NSAIDs with caution and only when necessary. Taking them with food or milk, using the lowest effective dose, and switching to other pain relievers (such as acetaminophen) may help reduce the risk of gastritis.
Limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption, especially if prone to gastritis or have a history of liver disease.
Quitting smoking or using tobacco products, as they can increase the risk of gastritis, ulcers, and cancer.
The right diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. Foods that may trigger or aggravate gastritis symptoms, such as spicy, fatty, citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, etc., should be avoided.
Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding obesity, as excess weight can put pressure on the stomach and increase acid reflux.
Infections that can cause gastritis can be prevented by practicing good hygiene and sanitation habits, such as washing hands often, using clean utensils and dishes, drinking clean water, and avoiding contact with sick people.
You should seek medical attention promptly if you experience any signs or symptoms of gastritis, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, etc. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.
There are many causes and symptoms of gastritis, which can affect anyone at any age. It can be mild or severe, acute or chronic. It can be diagnosed by a doctor through a physical examination and some tests. It can be treated by medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery. Managing or avoiding the factors that can cause or worsen it can prevent it from occurring. Generally, gastritis is not a life-threatening condition, but if left untreated it can lead to serious complications. It is important to be aware of gastritis and seek medical attention when necessary.
