In this article, you will learn what gastritis is, what causes it, which symptoms to watch for, and how doctors treat it.
What is Gastritis?
Gastritis means inflammation of the stomach lining. It can start suddenly (acute gastritis) or build up slowly over months or years (chronic gastritis). Mild cases often heal with simple changes. Untreated cases can lead to ulcers and bleeding, so it is important to take it seriously.
Causes of Gastritis
Several things can irritate or damage the stomach lining:
- Alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol irritates the stomach lining.
- Pain medicines. Regular use of aspirin, ibuprofen, and similar anti-inflammatory drugs can harm the lining.
- Infection. A bacterium called Helicobacter pylori, also known as H. pylori, is one of the most common causes.
- Severe stress. Major illness, surgery, or injury can trigger gastritis.
- Other causes. Smoking, bile reflux, and autoimmune conditions can also lead to gastritis.
What is H. pylori?
Helicobacter pylori, once called Campylobacter pylori, is a spiral-shaped, gram-negative bacterium. It lives in the stomach and damages its protective layer. Many people carry it for years without knowing. Doctors can treat it with medicine.
Common symptoms of Gastritis
Some people with gastritis feel nothing at all. Others notice symptoms, and these vary with the type of gastritis. The most common ones are:
- Indigestion, which means your body struggles to digest food.
- Burning or aching pain in the upper belly.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Loss of appetite.
- Bloating, or feeling full after eating only a little.
When to see a doctor right away
Get medical help quickly if you vomit blood, vomit material that looks like coffee grounds, or pass black, tarry stools. These signs mean your stomach may be bleeding. Also see a doctor if your symptoms last more than a week.
Types
- Erosive gastritis. This type wears away the stomach lining and can cause sores or bleeding.
- Non-erosive gastritis. This type inflames the lining without wearing it away, so it usually causes milder damage.
How Doctors Diagnose Gastritis
Your doctor may ask about your symptoms and the medicines you take. Then they may order one or more of these tests:
- Stool test: The lab checks a small stool sample for signs of H. pylori.
- Endoscopy: A doctor passes a thin tube with a small camera through your mouth, down your food pipe, and into your stomach. The camera shows any inflammation. The doctor may also take a tissue sample (biopsy) to find the cause.
- Blood test: Your doctor can check your blood for H. pylori antibodies.
- Breath test: This test also detects H. pylori. You drink a special liquid and then breathe into a bag.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Your doctor may suggest:
- Antibiotics for H. pylori: Doctors usually combine two antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, amoxicillin, or metronidazole, with a medicine that lowers stomach acid. Finish the full course, even if you feel better.
- Acid-reducing medicines: Antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) lower acid and give the lining time to heal.
- Changes to your other medicines: If pain medicines caused the problem, your doctor may switch you to a safer option. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own.
Tips to Prevent and Ease Gastritis
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Eat smaller meals more often instead of a few large ones.
- Limit spicy, fried, and very acidic foods if they upset your stomach.
- Take pain medicines with food, and only when you need them.
- Wash your hands often and drink clean water to lower your risk of H. pylori infection.
- Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as walking or deep breathing.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only. It is not medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about your own health.