Learn about gastritis, its symptoms, causes, and effective treatments. Get comprehensive information and support on Meri Sehat.

Gastritis

Overview

Gastritis refers to the inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the stomach lining. 
&nbsp;

Gastritis is a common condition that affects nearly half of the population worldwide. In the US, specifically, acute gastritis affects 8 out of every 1,000 individuals, whereas chronic gastritis affects 2 out of every 10,000 individuals.<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>

While often mild and manageable, gastritis causes more serious health problems if left untreated. 
&nbsp;

These include:<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Acute Gastritis - Develops suddenly and is often caused by certain medications or stress; typically resolves quickly with treatment</li>
	<li>Chronic Gastritis - Develops over time and can persist for years if not treated; often associated with bacterial infection or ongoing irritant exposure</li>
	<li>Erosive Gastritis - A severe form, usually caused by a chemical like bile, acid, or drugs, wears away the stomach lining, leaving ulcers</li>
	<li>Nonerosive Gastritis - May not present with <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/peptic-ulcer">ulcers</a>; some individuals may experience atrophic gastritis (a form of non-erosive gastritis) that leads to atrophy of the stomach lining.</li>
</ul>

Sometimes, gastritis is also categorized according to the cause. For instance: stress-induced gastritis, infectious gastritis, and eosinophilic gastritis. 
 
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Sign and Symptom

The symptoms of gastritis can vary, but common ones include:

<ul>
	<li>Upper abdominal pain or discomfort</li>
	<li>Nausea and vomiting</li>
	<li>Bloating and belching</li>
	<li><a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/indigestion">Indigestion</a> or loss of appetite</li>
</ul>

Note: In severe cases, patients may present with bloody vomit, rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, and black stool. Consult your healthcare provider immediately if your symptoms worsen. 
&nbsp;

Causes

Various factors can cause gastritis, such as:<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Viral or bacterial infections associated with the stomach flu</li>
	<li>OTC pain and fever medicines, like ibuprofen and aspirin</li>
	<li>Smoking</li>
	<li>Traumatic injury, burns, or major surgery 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Diagnosis

Healthcare providers start with an initial assessment, including a medical history and a physical examination of the patient. They may order an upper endoscopy or barium swallow to examine the stomach lining.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a> 
&nbsp;

Additionally, the following tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis:

<ul>
	<li>Blood tests to detect anemia or infections</li>
	<li>Stool sample to detect H. pylori or blood in the stool</li>
	<li>Breath tests for H. pylori detection 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause as well as the patient&rsquo;s age, symptoms, and general health. Generally, after the diagnosis of gastritis, medications (e.g., antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, and antacids) and lifestyle changes (e.g., quitting smoking) are recommended to relieve symptoms. 
&nbsp;

If left untreated, gastritis can lead to complications such as:<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Peptic ulcer disease</li>
	<li>Gastrointestinal bleeding</li>
	<li>Scarring and gastric outlet obstruction</li>
	<li>Gastrointestinal perforation and sepsis</li>
	<li>Stomach cancer</li>
	<li>Pernicious anemia 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Several factors increase the risk of developing gastritis, including:<a href="#accordion">[1][2]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Older age</li>
	<li>Severe physical stress</li>
	<li>Underlying autoimmune disorders, chronic bile reflux, or pernicious anemia</li>
	<li>Cancer treatment 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

The following measures can help:

<ul>
	<li>Limit NSAID use and opt for alternative pain relief methods</li>
	<li>Avoid spicy, acidic, and fried foods if they trigger symptoms</li>
	<li>Practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of spreading the H. pylori infection</li>
	<li>Manage stress through exercise, meditation, etc.</li>
	<li>Regular medical check-ups, especially if risk factors or ongoing symptoms are present 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>Gastritis is the inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the stomach lining.</li>
	<li>Types of gastritis include acute, chronic, and erosive.</li>
	<li>The condition is characterized by upper abdominal pain or discomfort, nausea and vomiting, bloating, and loss of appetite.</li>
	<li>Severe cases may involve vomiting blood or black stools.</li>
	<li>Gastritis typically occurs due to infection, stress, bile reflux, autoimmune disorders, or as a side effect of certain medications.</li>
	<li>Doctors may order blood tests, stool and breath tests, and an endoscopy or biopsy if they suspect gastritis.</li>
	<li>Lifestyle changes such as avoiding trigger foods and medications such as antacids or antibiotics may help treat it.</li>
	<li>Gastritis causes complications like stomach ulcers, anemia, and an increased risk of stomach cancer.</li>
	<li>Old age is a significant risk factor for gastritis.</li>
	<li>It is possible to prevent gastritis by limiting NSAID use, practicing good hygiene, managing stress, and getting regular medical checkups in cases of high risk.</li>
</ul>

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