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Gastritis Symptoms – Signs and Causes

Gastritis symptoms include upper abdominal pain, nausea, and heartburn. Learn about the causes, warning signs, and when to seek medical advice.

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Things worth knowing about "Symptoms of gastritis"

Gastritis symptoms include upper abdominal pain, nausea, and heartburn. Learn about the causes, warning signs, and when to seek medical advice.

What is gastritis?

Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach, known as the gastric mucosa. This protective layer can be damaged by various factors, leading to a range of digestive symptoms. Gastritis can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long-lasting) and may range from mild discomfort to severe complications if left untreated.

Symptoms

The symptoms of gastritis can vary widely between individuals. In some cases, gastritis causes no symptoms at all. Common signs include:

Upper abdominal pain or discomfort: A dull, burning, or gnawing sensation in the stomach area, often occurring shortly after eating or on an empty stomach.
Nausea and vomiting: A persistent feeling of sickness, sometimes accompanied by vomiting.
Heartburn: A burning sensation behind the breastbone caused by stomach acid rising into the esophagus.
Bloating and fullness: An uncomfortable feeling of pressure in the abdomen, especially after meals.
Loss of appetite: Reduced desire to eat or aversion to food.
Belching: Frequent burping of air or acidic stomach contents.
Dark or tarry stools or blood in vomit: A serious warning sign that may indicate bleeding from the stomach lining.

Acute vs. chronic gastritis

Acute gastritis

Acute gastritis develops suddenly and is often associated with intense stomach pain, severe nausea, and occasional vomiting. It typically resolves within a few days once the underlying trigger is removed.

Chronic gastritis

Chronic gastritis develops gradually over months or years. Symptoms are often milder but persistent. Over time, it can lead to complications such as a peptic ulcer or, in rare cases, stomach cancer.

Possible causes

Gastritis symptoms arise when the protective lining of the stomach is damaged or weakened. The most common causes include:

Helicobacter pylori: Infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori is the most common cause of chronic gastritis worldwide.
NSAIDs (painkillers): Regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin can irritate and damage the stomach lining.
Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption irritates the gastric mucosa and can trigger acute gastritis.
Stress: Severe physical or psychological stress, such as after surgery or serious illness, can cause stress-related gastritis.
Autoimmune conditions: In autoimmune gastritis, the body's own immune system attacks the cells of the stomach lining.

When to see a doctor

Mild stomach discomfort can sometimes be temporary, but you should seek medical advice if you experience:

Pain that lasts more than a few days or is very severe
Blood in vomit or black, tarry stools
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent nausea and vomiting that prevent normal eating
Symptoms that do not improve with self-care measures

Diagnosis

A doctor will evaluate your symptoms through a medical history interview, a physical examination, and, if necessary, an upper endoscopy (gastroscopy), where the stomach lining is directly visualized and a tissue sample may be taken. A breath test or blood test can also detect a Helicobacter pylori infection.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the gastritis:

Acid-suppressing medications: Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole) or antacids help relieve symptoms by reducing stomach acid production.
Antibiotics: A confirmed Helicobacter pylori infection is treated with a combination of antibiotics.
Discontinuing triggers: Painkillers that irritate the stomach lining should be stopped or replaced after consulting a doctor.
Dietary adjustments: A bland, stomach-friendly diet and avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods can support recovery.

References

Laine L, Takeuchi K, Tarnawski A. Gastric mucosal defense and cytoprotection: bench to bedside. Gastroenterology. 2008;135(1):41-60.
World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO). WGO Global Guideline: Helicobacter pylori. 2021. Available at: www.worldgastroenterology.org
Vakil N. Peptic ulcer disease and gastritis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Elsevier; 2020.

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