What is Gastritis 

This condition involves inflammation or erosion of the stomach lining. Heavy alcohol use, long-term use of NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), and certain bacterial infections, especially Helicobacter pylori, are some of the usual causes of gastritis.

To better understand what gastritis is, it’s helpful to know that, as we age, our stomach lining naturally thins. This makes older adults, as well as people with autoimmune diseases, more prone to gastritis. Other groups, like chemotherapy patients and heavy drinkers, are also at higher risk. Still, research shows that gastritis can affect anyone—both men and women.

Due to its widespread nature, gastritis remains a major health issue in developing countries. This focuses on the need for better education and effective treatments 

Types of Gastritis 

Acute Gastritis 

Acute gastritis happens when the stomach lining suddenly becomes inflamed.

Chronic Gastritis 

Unlike acute gastritis, chronic gastritis develops over months or even years. Acute vs. chronic gastritis may sound similar but differ in duration and causes. Acute gastritis happens suddenly, while chronic gastritis is a slow, ongoing process.

Erosive Gastritis

Erosive gastritis can be acute or chronic. It creates erosions or lesions on the stomach lining. It is majorly caused due to high stress, or binge drinking. Severe instances may cause painful ulcers and bleeding.

H. pylori-Related Gastritis 

This type is directly caused by H. pylori infection. It’s common worldwide, and if untreated, it can lead to serious issues like peptic ulcers or even stomach cancer

Other Types of Gastritis 

• Atrophic Gastritis: This involves a thinning stomach lining, typically due to a long-standing H. pylori infection or other inflammatory conditions. It can lead to vitamin deficiencies and increase the risk of stomach cancer.
• Reactive Gastritis: Also known as chemical gastritis, this happens when substances like bile irritate the stomach lining. It can occur after certain surgeries or due to bile reflux.

Causes of Gastritis 

Gastritis happens for various reasons—often due to infections, certain drugs, lifestyle habits, or underlying health issues. Understanding the causes of gastritis can help in managing gastritis more effectively.

Infections 

• Helicobacter pylori Infection: This is a common bacterial infection and a leading cause of gastritis worldwide. Even though some people with H. pylori don’t show symptoms, it’s a frequent trigger of ongoing gastritis.
• Viral Infections: Certain viruses, especially those associated with gastroenteritis, can lead to short-term (acute) gastritis.

Alcohol Consumption 

Excessive alcohol consumption irritates the stomach lining. This increases the risk of both acute and chronic gastritis, as the stomach becomes more vulnerable to digestive acids.

Autoimmune Disorders 

Sometimes, the immune system mistakenly targets the stomach lining, treating it as a threat. This leads to autoimmune gastritis, which often occurs alongside other autoimmune diseases, like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or type 1 diabetes.

Dietary Choices 

Consuming spicy foods, coffee, or acidic drinks frequently can worsen gastritis symptoms. While they don’t typically cause gastritis, they can make existing issues worse.

High-Stress Levels 

Severe stress from surgeries, injuries, or major illnesses can trigger acute gastritis. This happens because stress reduces blood flow to the stomach, weakening its natural defenses.

By understanding the causes of gastritis and adjusting lifestyle factors, people can focus on managing gastritis to ease symptoms and improve their quality of life

Symptoms of Gastritis 

Gastritis symptoms don’t always show up right away. However, when they develop, they might range from moderate to severe. Here’s what to watch for:

• Indigestion: This feels like a gnawing or burning sensation in your upper belly. It might get better or worse after eating.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Many people with gastritis feel nauseous and may vomit now and then.
• Fullness After Eating: You might feel unusually full or bloated in your upper belly, even after a small meal.
• Abdominal Pain: This pain is often in the upper middle part of your belly. It might be a subtle aching or severe agony.
• Loss of Appetite: Gastritis can make you less interested in eating, which might worsen your symptoms.
• Blood in Vomit or Stool: In serious cases, gastritis can cause ulcers that bleed. This might show up as blood in your vomit or black, tarry stools. These signs need emergency care.

When to See a doctor? 

Reach out to a healthcare provider if:

• Your symptoms continue longer than a week.
• You have intense stomach pain or vomit blood.
• You notice dark, tarry stools, which could mean bleeding in the stomach or upper digestive tract.

Recognizing gastritis symptoms early and managing gastritis can make a real difference in how you feel and recover.

Gastritis Diagnosis 

To diagnose gastritis, doctors typically rely on a physical exam, a series of tests, and a detailed review of the patient’s medical history. They focus on the stomach and upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract to spot any signs of inflammation or other issues.

Patient History and Symptoms 

The first step in diagnosing gastritis involves understanding the patient’s symptoms and medical history. Common symptoms of gastritis include:

• Stomach pain or discomfort
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Indigestion (Dyspepsia)

Doctors consider how long and how intensely these symptoms have been present, which helps guide the diagnosis. 

Physical Examination 

During a physical exam, doctors check for pain or other signs of problems in the abdomen. This helps them find any areas of tenderness that might need further investigation.

Diagnostic Tests 

To confirm gastritis and its cause, doctors may perform various tests:

• Upper GI Endoscopy: Using an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera), the doctor examines the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. A small biopsy may be taken to check for inflammation or infection, including H. pylori bacteria.
• Upper GI Series (Barium Swallow): The patient drinks a barium solution, which coats the upper GI tract, making any ulcers or irregularities visible on X-rays.
• Blood Tests: These tests can identify anemia, H. pylori infection, or other stomach issues that may contribute to gastritis.
• Stool Tests: A stool sample is analyzed for hidden blood or signs of H. pylori infection, both of which may indicate gastritis.
• Urea Breath Test: This non-invasive test can detect H. pylori infection. The patient drinks a urea solution, and a breath sample is taken to measure specific byproducts.

With these steps, doctors can confirm a diagnosis of gastritis and tailor treatment to address the root cause.

Gastritis Treatment 

To manage symptoms and aid in recovery, doctors often recommend a combination of medication and lifestyle changes for gastritis treatment options. Here’s a look at some of the common approaches:

Lifestyle Changes 

Lifestyle changes are essential for reducing symptoms and supporting gastritis treatment options alongside medication:

• Diet Adjustments: Avoid foods and drinks that can irritate the stomach, like coffee, alcohol, spicy foods, and acidic items. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also be helpful.
• Eat: Whole grains (like brown rice and oats), lean proteins (such as fish and chicken), low-fat dairy, and mild fruits and vegetables (such as cooked carrots and bananas).
• Avoid: Processed snacks, high-fat or fried foods, and drinks with caffeine or carbonation, as these can worsen symptoms.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking irritates the stomach lining and increases acid production, which can worsen gastritis.
• Manage Stress: Stress often contributes to gastritis. Practices like yoga, mindfulness, and getting good sleep can help reduce stress levels.

Medicines used to treat gastritis include:

• Antibiotics to kill H. pylori. For H. pylori in your digestive tract, your healthcare professional may recommend a combination of antibiotics to kill the germs
• Medicines that block acid production and promote healing. Medicines called proton pump inhibitors help reduce acid.

Regular Follow-Ups 

If symptoms are severe or ongoing, patients should stay in close contact with their healthcare provider. Regular check-ups can address any underlying issues contributing to gastritis and help ensure the treatment plan is working effectively.

Gastritis Complications 

If untreated, gastritis may lead to:

Peptic Ulcers 

Peptic ulcers are uncomfortable, exposed sores that develop in the esophagus, duodenum, or stomach. They often stem from chronic gastritis due to Helicobacter pylori infections. Symptoms include bloating, nausea, and burning stomach pain. In severe cases, these ulcers may start bleeding, which could cause anemia and even require surgery.

Gastrointestinal Bleeding 

Bleeding may result from damage to the stomach lining caused by erosive gastritis. This bleeding might show up as black, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. If the bleeding is severe, it may cause iron deficiency anemia and need additional medical care.

Gastric Outlet Obstruction

The gap between the stomach and small intestine may narrow due to scar tissue from ulcers or chronic inflammation. Food finds it difficult to pass through the obstruction that results from this. As a result, people may feel abdominal pain, nausea, and may vomit.

Stomach Perforation

A severe peptic ulcer can create a hole in the stomach wall, a condition called gastrointestinal perforation. This is a medical emergency because stomach contents can leak into the abdominal cavity, causing peritonitis—a serious infection that can be life-threatening.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Chronic gastritis, especially when linked with autoimmune diseases, can interfere with nutrient absorption. For instance, it can block vitamin B12 uptake, causing pernicious anemia. It can also reduce the absorption of iron, folic acid, and other vital nutrients.

Atrophic Gastritis

The stomach lining becomes thinner due to persistent inflammation in atrophic gastritis. This condition, often caused by H. pylori infection or autoimmune gastritis, can increase the risk of gastric cancer. Close monitoring may be necessary to manage this complication of gastritis.

Gastric Cancer

Stomach cancer can develop from chronic gastritis over time, particularly if it is associated with an H. pylori infection or other inflammatory conditions.

FAQ

What Is Gastritis?

Gastritis is when the stomach lining becomes inflamed. This usually happens because of irritants, infections, or immune system reactions.

What Are The Typical Signs of Gastritis? 

People with gastritis often feel stomach pain, nausea, and might even throw up. It may also result in a decrease in appetite. In some cases, there may be blood in vomit or stool.

How Is Gastritis Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose gastritis through a physical exam and a review of the patient’s health history. They might also use tests like imaging scans or endoscopy to get a closer look.

What Causes Gastritis?

Common causes include stress, infections like H. pylori and heavy alcohol use.

How Is Gastritis Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause. It can involve lifestyle changes, medications for infections, and drugs to reduce stomach acid.