Gastritis

Gastritis refers to the inflammation of the stomach lining, which can cause discomfort and digestive issues. It may occur suddenly (acute) or develop over time (chronic). Gastritis can be caused by infections, irritants like alcohol or medications, and even stress. It’s important to address gastritis early to prevent complications such as ulcers or stomach bleeding.

What is Gastritis?

Gastritis is the inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining, which can lead to pain, indigestion, nausea, and other digestive issues. It can range from mild irritation to more severe conditions and may be caused by a variety of factors such as infections, certain medications, or excessive alcohol use.

Types of Gastritis

  • Acute Gastritis: Sudden and severe inflammation, often caused by infections, excessive alcohol use, or stress.
  • Chronic Gastritis: Long-lasting inflammation, often due to persistent factors such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection or prolonged use of NSAIDs.

How Common is Gastritis?

Gastritis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While some cases are mild and may go unnoticed, chronic gastritis can lead to more serious health complications, including stomach ulcers or an increased risk of stomach cancer.

Common Symptoms

  • Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Bloating or a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen
  • Loss of appetite
  • Indigestion or heartburn

Common Causes

  • Helicobacter pylori Infection: A common bacterial infection that damages the stomach lining and can lead to chronic gastritis.
  • Excessive Alcohol Use: Alcohol irritates and weakens the stomach lining, leading to inflammation.
  • Medications: Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin can cause gastritis.
  • Stress: Severe stress due to surgery, injury, or illness can lead to acute gastritis.
  • Autoimmune Disorders: In some cases, the immune system attacks the stomach lining, leading to gastritis.

FAQs

Mild cases of Gastritis may resolve with time and lifestyle changes, but persistent or severe cases require medical treatment to avoid complications. You may lower your risk of getting gastritis by:

  • Having good hygiene habits, especially washing your hands.
  • Not eating or drinking things that can irritate your stomach lining.
  • Not taking medicines, such as aspirin and over-the-counter pain and fever medicines.

It’s best to avoid spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, and acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus. These can irritate the stomach lining and worsen symptoms.

Diagnosis often involves endoscopy to examine the stomach lining, as well as tests for H. pylori infection or other underlying causes.

While mild Gastritis can be manageable, chronic Gastritis can lead to serious complications such as stomach ulcers or an increased risk of stomach cancer if left untreated.

Yes, severe stress from illness, injury, or surgery can contribute to the development of acute Gastritis, especially when combined with other factors.

The most common symptoms of Gastritis include stomach pain, hiccups, abdominal bleeding, nausea, burning in the stomach, loss of appetite, and blood in your vomit or stool. 

The symptoms of Gastritis may look like other health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Gastritis can raise your risk for other health problems such as peptic ulcer disease, gastric polyps, and stomach tumors.

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