Gastritis – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining that can occur suddenly or develop over time. It causes symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, and bloating.
Wissenswertes über "Gastritis"
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining that can occur suddenly or develop over time. It causes symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, and bloating.
What is Gastritis?
Gastritis refers to inflammation of the stomach lining (mucosa). It can develop suddenly as acute gastritis or persist over a longer period as chronic gastritis. The stomach lining normally protects the stomach from its own acid. When this protective barrier is damaged or compromised, inflammation, irritation, and even ulcers can develop.
Causes
The most common causes of gastritis include:
- Helicobacter pylori infection: This bacterium colonizes the stomach lining and is the leading cause of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers worldwide.
- NSAIDs and medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin can damage the stomach lining with regular use.
- Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption irritates and inflames the gastric mucosa.
- Stress: Severe physical stress, such as that caused by major surgery or critical illness, can trigger acute stress gastritis.
- Autoimmune gastritis: In this form, the immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach lining, often leading to vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Other factors: Caffeine, spicy foods, smoking, and acid reflux can aggravate symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms of gastritis vary depending on the type and severity, and may include:
- Pain or burning sensation in the upper abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating and a feeling of fullness
- Loss of appetite
- Belching
- In severe cases: blood in the stool (dark or tarry stools) or vomiting blood
In some cases, particularly with chronic gastritis, there may be no noticeable symptoms until complications arise.
Diagnosis
Gastritis is diagnosed using several methods:
- Gastroscopy (upper endoscopy): A flexible tube with a camera is used to directly examine the stomach lining. Tissue samples (biopsies) may also be taken for laboratory analysis.
- Helicobacter pylori testing: The bacterium can be detected via a urea breath test, blood test, stool antigen test, or biopsy.
- Blood tests: Used to check for signs of inflammation and to detect anemia, which may occur in autoimmune gastritis.
Treatment
Medication
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the gastritis:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Medications such as omeprazole or pantoprazole reduce stomach acid production and help the lining to heal.
- Antacids: Provide short-term relief by neutralizing stomach acid.
- Antibiotics: A combination of antibiotics and a PPI is used to eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection (known as eradication therapy).
- Stopping triggering medications: NSAIDs should be discontinued or replaced with stomach-friendlier alternatives when possible.
Diet and Lifestyle
In addition to medication, the following lifestyle adjustments are recommended:
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
- Eat small, frequent meals rather than large portions
- Avoid fatty, spicy, and acidic foods
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques such as yoga or mindfulness
Complications
Untreated gastritis can lead to serious complications including peptic ulcers (gastric ulcers), gastrointestinal bleeding, and -- in cases of long-term Helicobacter pylori infection -- an increased risk of stomach cancer in some patients.
References
- Malfertheiner P. et al. - Management of Helicobacter pylori infection: the Maastricht VI/Florence consensus report. Gut, 2022.
- World Health Organization (WHO): Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer. Available at: https://www.who.int
- Laine L. et al. - ACG Clinical Guideline: Upper Gastrointestinal and Ulcer Bleeding. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 2021.
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Related search terms: Gastritis + Gastric inflammation + Stomach inflammation