Gastritis:
What is gastritis?
Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining. While the lining of the stomach is very strong and regularly withstands stomach acid, it can sometimes become irritated and inflamed. Gastritis isn't one disease but a group of conditions, all of which are characterized by inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Commonly, the inflammation results from infection with the same bacterium that causes most stomach ulcers. Yet other factors, including traumatic injury and regular use of certain pain relievers, may also contribute to gastritis.
In spite of the many conditions associated with gastritis, the signs and symptoms of the disease are very similar: A burning pain in your upper abdomen and occasionally, bloating, belching, nausea or vomiting. In some cases, gastritis can lead to ulcers and an increased risk of stomach cancer. For most people, however, gastritis isn't serious and improves quickly with treatment.
What causes gastritis?
Gastritis may be caused by several factors. Some of these include:
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Eating spicy foods
- Smoking
- Prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Bacterial infection such as E. coli, Salmonella, or Helicobacter pylori (H pylori)
- Major surgery
- A severe infection
- Traumatic injury or burns
- Certain diseases such as anemia, chronic bile reflux, or autoimmune disorders
Symptoms of gastritis:
The signs and symptoms of gastritis, which are often relatively mild and short-lived, include:
- A gnawing or burning ache or pain (indigestion) in your upper abdomen that may become either worse or better when you eat
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Belching or bloating
- A feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating
- Weight loss
Gastritis that occurs suddenly (known as acute gastritis) usually results in the classic combination of nausea and burning pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen, whereas chronic gastritis, which develops gradually, is more likely to cause a dull pain and a feeling of fullness or loss of appetite after a few bites of food. For many people, though, chronic gastritis causes no problems at all.
Diagnosis:
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, a physician may use one or more of the following methods in order to diagnose gastritis:
- Blood tests. A physician may order a blood test to check for the presence of H. pylori antibodies. A positive test shows that the patient has come in contact with the bacteria at some time in his or her life, but it doesn't necessarily indicate current infection. Blood tests can also check for anemia, which may result from stomach bleeding associated with gastritis.
- Breath test for H. pylori infection: This simple test can help determine whether the patient is currently infected with H. pylori bacteria.
- Stool tests: This test checks for H. pylori in a sample of stool. A positive test suggests a current infection. A doctor may also test for the presence of blood in stool, which is a sign of stomach bleeding that may accompany gastritis and stomach ulcers.
- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: This procedure allows your doctor to see abnormalities in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that may not be visible on X-rays. For the test, a doctor inserts a thin, flexible, lighted tube (endoscope) through the patient’s mouth and into his or her esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine.
- Upper gastrointestinal X-ray: These X-rays of the stomach and small intestine check for signs of gastritis and other digestive problems. They're often taken after the patient swallows a liquid (barium) that coats the lining of their digestive tract, making it show up more clearly on the X-rays.
Treatment options:
Specific treatment options will be determined by a physician and will be based upon the patient’s age, overall health, and the extent of the condition. Generally, treatment for gastritis involved antacids and other medications that will reduce stomach acid and promote the healing of the stomach lining. Patients are also often advised to refrain from consuming foods, beverages, and medications that may irritate the stomach. Smoking should also be avoided.
Related information:
| University of Missouri Health Care | This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. |
