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Gastritis Symptoms - Causes and Treatment
Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, causes symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, nausea, and bloating. Learn when to seek medical advice.
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Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, causes symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, nausea, and bloating. Learn when to seek medical advice.
What is Gastritis?
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining, known medically as the gastric mucosa. This lining normally protects the stomach from its own acid. When it becomes irritated or damaged, characteristic symptoms develop. Gastritis can occur in an acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long-lasting) form.
Symptoms of Gastritis
The symptoms of gastritis can vary depending on the severity and type of inflammation. Some people experience few or no symptoms, while others are significantly affected.
Common Symptoms
- Upper abdominal pain or pressure: A dull, burning, or sharp pain in the upper abdomen is the most common complaint.
- Nausea and vomiting: Persistent nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting, is frequently reported.
- Bloating and a feeling of fullness: An uncomfortable sensation of fullness, especially after eating.
- Heartburn: A burning feeling behind the breastbone caused by rising stomach acid.
- Loss of appetite: Many patients lose their appetite because eating can worsen symptoms.
- Belching: Frequent belching of acidic or bitter fluids.
Symptoms of Severe or Chronic Gastritis
- Blood in stool or black tarry stools: This can indicate a stomach bleed and requires immediate medical attention.
- Blood in vomit: Red or coffee-ground-like vomit is a medical emergency.
- Unexplained weight loss: Particularly in chronic gastritis, a noticeable loss of body weight may occur.
- Persistent fatigue and paleness: These may indicate anemia resulting from chronic inflammation or bleeding.
Causes of Gastritis
Symptoms arise when the protective mucosal barrier of the stomach is weakened or destroyed. Common causes include:
- Helicobacter pylori: Infection with this bacterium is the most common cause of chronic gastritis worldwide.
- Pain medications (NSAIDs): Long-term use of medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin can irritate the stomach lining.
- Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption directly damages the gastric mucosa.
- Stress: Severe physical or emotional stress can trigger acute gastritis.
- Autoimmune conditions: In autoimmune gastritis, the body's own immune system attacks the stomach lining.
Diagnosis
Gastritis is diagnosed using several methods:
- Gastroscopy (upper endoscopy): The gold standard for directly visualizing the stomach lining. Tissue samples (biopsies) can also be taken.
- Helicobacter pylori testing: Breath tests, blood tests, or stool tests can detect the presence of the bacteria.
- Blood tests: Used to rule out anemia or to detect autoantibodies in suspected autoimmune gastritis.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the inflammation:
- Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole): These reduce stomach acid production and promote healing of the mucosa.
- Helicobacter pylori eradication: A confirmed infection is treated with a combination of antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor.
- Stopping irritating medications: NSAIDs should be discontinued where possible, or replaced with more stomach-friendly alternatives.
- Dietary adjustments: Eating light meals, avoiding alcohol, coffee, and spicy foods, and opting for smaller, more frequent meals can help relieve symptoms.
- Stress management: Stress reduction techniques support the healing process.
When to See a Doctor
The following symptoms require immediate medical evaluation:
- Blood in stool or black tarry stools
- Blood in vomit
- Severe, sudden-onset upper abdominal pain
- Symptoms persisting for more than one week
- Significant, unintentional weight loss
References
- Malfertheiner P. et al. - Management of Helicobacter pylori infection: the Maastricht VI/Florence consensus report. Gut. 2022;71(9):1724-1762.
- Lanas A., Chan F.K.L. - Peptic ulcer disease. The Lancet. 2017;390(10094):613-624.
- World Health Organization (WHO): Helicobacter pylori. Available at: www.who.int
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