Gastritis
Gastritis happens when the stomach lining is damaged and causes irritation, erosion, or inflammation. Gastritis is a common disease with a vast range of causes. It can occur either abruptly or gradually and is not a severe condition. If treated sooner, gastritis can improve quickly; if not, it can last long for years.
Reasons for gastritis
Gastritis can be a reason due to irritation caused by alcohol abuse, stress, smoking, chronic vomiting, or the use of specific medications. Other reasons are:
- Helicobacter pylori: A living bacteria in the mucous stomach lining. The infection can lead to ulcers or even stomach cancer if not treated sooner.
- Bile reflux: Backflow from the bile tract to the stomach. The bile tract connects the gallbladder and liver.
- Bacterial and viral infections
The condition can lead to severe blood loss and might increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.
Symptoms of gastritis
People who develop gastritis through bacteria or viral infection may not have any symptoms. However, in other cases, people commonly go through:
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Hiccups
- Less appetite
- Vomiting blood
- Black stools
- Gnawing/burning feeling in the stomach at night or during meals
Things to ease gastritis
- More frequent small quantity meals
- Avoid foods that affect the stomach, such as spicy, acidic, or fried foods.
- Cut down or avoid alcohol
- Quit smoking
- Manage the stress levels
Gastritis diagnosis
A doctor might recommend the following:
- Medications to reduce stomach acid
- Advice to avoid hot and spicy food
- A stool sample test for checking infection or bleeding
- An endoscopy
- X-rays with barium swallow
When to consult a doctor for gastritis?
Stomach pains are not always a sign. Changes in diet and lifestyle can always be the remedy for stomach pain and indigestion. But consult a health professional if:
- If indigestion lasts for a week or longer and causes severe discomfort or pain
- If you feel that pain is because of the medicines, you consume
- Blood vomiting or blood in stool
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 23 JUNE 2022