Gastritis – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Gastritis refers to a set of conditions that cause inflammation in the stomach lining. This inflammation typically stems from bacterial infections, particularly the same bacteria responsible for stomach ulcers.
Regular use of certain pain medications and excessive alcohol consumption can also trigger gastritis. The condition can develop rapidly (acute gastritis) or gradually over time (chronic gastritis).
Gastritis can lead to ulcers and a higher risk of stomach cancer, but most people recover quickly with proper treatment. For the majority of patients, gastritis is not a serious condition when addressed promptly and appropriately.
Signs and Symptoms
Gastritis may not always show symptoms. When it does, you might notice:
- Burning or gnawing pain in your upper abdomen (indigestion)
- Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea)
- Throwing up (vomiting)
- Feeling too full after eating
The pain in your upper belly might get better or worse after meals.
When Medical Help Is Needed
Most people have had short periods of stomach pain or indigestion that go away on their own. However, you should see your doctor if your symptoms last for a week or more.
Get medical help right away if you:
- Have severe stomach pain
- Cannot keep any food down due to vomiting
- Feel dizzy or lightheaded
- Notice blood when you vomit
- See blood in your stool or have black, tarry stools
Inform your doctor if stomach discomfort starts after taking medications, particularly aspirin or pain relievers. These drugs can sometimes irritate the stomach lining.
Causes
Gastritis happens when the stomach lining gets inflamed. Our stomachs have a protective mucus barrier that shields the stomach wall from harm. When this barrier weakens or is damaged, stomach acid can reach the lining and cause inflammation.
Several factors can raise your risk of developing gastritis:
- Inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease
- Bacterial infections
- Overuse of pain medications
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Stress
- Autoimmune reactions
These factors can either directly damage the stomach lining or reduce its natural protections.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your chance of developing gastritis:
H. pylori Infection
This common bacterial infection affects many people worldwide. Not everyone with H. pylori gets gastritis, though. Your risk may be higher based on:
- Genetic sensitivity
- Lifestyle choices like smoking
- Diet habits
Pain Medication Use
Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can damage your stomach lining. Common NSAIDs include:
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen sodium
Age
As you get older, your risk increases because:
- Stomach lining naturally thins with age
- H. pylori infections are more common
- Autoimmune disorders occur more frequently
Alcohol Consumption
Drinking too much alcohol can:
- Irritate your stomach lining
- Break down protective barriers
- Make your stomach more sensitive to digestive juices
Severe Stress
Physical stress from major injuries, surgeries, burns, or serious infections can trigger acute gastritis.
Cancer Treatments
Both chemotherapy and radiation therapy can harm your stomach lining.
Autoimmune Reactions
Sometimes your immune system mistakenly attacks cells in your stomach lining. This type happens more often in people who have:
- Hashimoto’s disease
- Type 1 diabetes
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency
Other Health Conditions
Gastritis may develop alongside several other medical conditions, including:
- HIV/AIDS
- Crohn’s disease
- Celiac disease
- Sarcoidosis
- Parasitic infections
Complications
If gastritis is not treated properly, it can lead to more serious health issues. Stomach ulcers may develop when the stomach lining becomes damaged enough to form open sores. These ulcers can cause pain and discomfort.
Stomach bleeding is another possible complication. When gastritis damages blood vessels in the stomach lining, they may break and cause bleeding. This can be serious and requires immediate medical attention.
Some symptoms of stomach bleeding include:
- Black, tarry stools
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Feeling dizzy or faint
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
In rare cases, certain types of chronic gastritis can increase the risk of stomach cancer. This risk is higher for people who have:
- Extensive thinning of the stomach lining
- Changes in the cells of the stomach lining
- H. pylori infection for many years
- A family history of stomach cancer
Long-term use of medications to treat gastritis, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), may have side effects. Some studies suggest that long-term use may increase the risk of hip, wrist, and spine fractures.
Contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms don’t improve despite treatment. This could indicate that:
- The diagnosis needs to be reconsidered
- Your treatment plan needs adjustment
- Complications may be developing
Regular follow-up appointments are important for monitoring your condition, especially if you have chronic gastritis. Your healthcare provider may recommend periodic examinations to check for changes in your stomach lining.
