Gastritis - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining that can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen.
Overview
Gastritis is extremely common and can be acute (sudden) or chronic (gradual). Helicobacter pylori infection is the most common cause worldwide, affecting about 50% of the global population.
Most cases of gastritis improve quickly with proper treatment. However, chronic untreated gastritis can lead to stomach ulcers, bleeding, and in rare cases, stomach cancer.
Symptoms of Gastritis
- Abdominal PainPrimary
Abdominal pain is discomfort felt anywhere between the chest and groin. It can range from a dull ache to sharp, severe pain and can have many causes.
- NauseaPrimary
Nausea is an uneasy feeling in the stomach that often comes before vomiting. It can be caused by many conditions including infections, pregnancy, motion sickness, and digestive disorders.
- Bloating
Bloating is a feeling of fullness, tightness, or swelling in the abdomen, often accompanied by gas and discomfort.
- Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite (anorexia) is a decreased desire to eat. It can be caused by physical illness, medications, emotional states, or psychological conditions.
Causes of Gastritis
H. pylori bacterial infection
Regular use of NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen)
Excessive alcohol consumption
Stress (especially from severe illness or surgery)
Bile reflux
Autoimmune gastritis
Spicy food (irritant, not a direct cause)
Viral infections
Treatment for Gastritis
Antibiotics for H. pylori (triple or quadruple therapy)
Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole)
H2 blockers (ranitidine, famotidine)
Antacids for symptom relief
Avoiding NSAIDs and alcohol
Dietary modifications
Bismuth subsalicylate
Treating underlying causes
Prevention
Limit NSAID use or take with food/PPI protection
Limit alcohol consumption
Eat regular, balanced meals
Practice good hygiene to prevent H. pylori
Manage stress
Avoid excessively spicy or acidic foods
Quit smoking
Risk Factors
H. pylori infection
Regular NSAID use
Heavy alcohol use
Older age
Stress from severe illness
Autoimmune conditions
HIV/AIDS or other infections
Crohn's disease
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if you have persistent indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. Seek emergency care for vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, or severe abdominal pain.
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Which Doctor to Consult for Gastritis
If you are experiencing symptoms of gastritis, you may want to consult a specialist in one of these areas:
Related Conditions
These conditions share similar symptoms with gastritis and may be relevant:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both).
GERD
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and irritation.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside the kidneys. They can cause severe pain when passing through the urinary tract.
Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis) is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver. It can be alcohol-related or non-alcoholic (NAFLD/NASH).
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a gradual loss of kidney function over months or years, eventually requiring dialysis or transplant if it progresses to end-stage.
Typhoid
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, spread through contaminated food and water, causing prolonged fever, weakness, and digestive problems.
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