Overview

Gastritis is inflammation, irritation, or damage of the stomach lining. It can develop suddenly, known as acute gastritis, or persist for a longer period, known as chronic gastritis. Common causes include infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), prolonged use of certain pain-relieving medicines, excessive alcohol consumption, and other conditions that irritate or damage the stomach lining.

The symptoms of gastritis can vary from mild discomfort to significant stomach pain. Common Gastritis Symptoms include upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, bloating, and feeling full quickly. Some people may have gastritis without noticeable symptoms.

At Sarvodaya Hospital, our gastroenterology team provides personalised Gastritis Treatment based on the underlying cause and severity of inflammation. Evaluation may include clinical assessment, laboratory testing, H. pylori testing, and endoscopy when required. Treatment may include medicines, dietary guidance, lifestyle modifications, and management of the underlying condition.

Symptoms of Gastritis

• Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
• Burning sensation in the upper abdomen
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Bloating
• Feeling full quickly after eating
• Loss of appetite
• Frequent belching
• Heartburn or acid-related discomfort
• Reduced appetite

Causes of Gastritis

• Helicobacter pylori infection
• Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Severe physical stress from serious illness or injury
• Autoimmune conditions
• Bile reflux
• Certain infections
• Radiation therapy involving the stomach
• Certain medical conditions

Risk Factors for Gastritis

• Pylori Infection : People infected with H. pylori may develop chronic inflammation of the stomach lining.
• Regular NSAID Use : Long-term or frequent use of medicines such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs can irritate and damage the stomach lining.
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption : Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining and contribute to inflammation.
• Increasing Age : The risk of some forms of gastritis increases with age as changes in the stomach lining become more common.
• Autoimmune Conditions : Certain autoimmune disorders can cause the immune system to attack stomach cells, leading to autoimmune gastritis.
• Severe Illness or Injury : Major illness, surgery, severe burns, or other significant physical stress can contribute to acute gastritis.
• Previous Gastric Conditions : A history of stomach inflammation, ulcers, or other gastrointestinal conditions may increase the risk of recurrent symptoms.

Diagnosis of Gastritis

• Medical History and Clinical Examination : The gastroenterologist reviews symptoms, dietary habits, alcohol intake, medication use, previous gastrointestinal conditions, and relevant medical history.
• Pylori Testing : Testing for H. pylori may be performed using stool tests, breath tests, blood tests in selected situations, or biopsy samples collected during endoscopy.
• Blood Tests : Blood investigations may help identify anaemia, nutritional deficiencies, inflammation, or other conditions contributing to symptoms.
• Stool Tests : Stool testing may be used to detect pylori or identify gastrointestinal bleeding when clinically appropriate.
• Upper GI Endoscopy : Gastritis Endoscopy Diagnosis involves using a flexible camera to examine the oesophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine. The doctor can directly assess inflammation, erosions, ulcers, bleeding, or other abnormalities.
• Gastric Biopsy : During endoscopy, small tissue samples may be collected to test for pylori, assess the stomach lining, and rule out other conditions.

Treatment Options for Gastritis

• Pylori Treatment : When H. pylori infection is confirmed, treatment generally involves a combination of medicines designed to eliminate the infection and reduce stomach acid. Follow-up testing may be recommended to confirm successful eradication.
• Acid-Reducing Medicines : Medicines that reduce stomach acid can help the stomach lining heal and relieve symptoms. Depending on the condition, treatment may involve proton pump inhibitors or other acid-suppressing medicines.
• Gastritis Medicine Treatment : Medicines are selected according to the underlying cause. Patients should not start, stop, or change long-term medicines without medical advice, particularly if NSAIDs or other medicines may be contributing to stomach irritation.
• Gastritis Pain Treatment : Managing the underlying cause is important for lasting pain relief. Acid suppression, treatment of pylori, avoiding stomach irritants, and dietary modifications may help reduce discomfort.
• Acute Gastritis Treatment : Focuses on removing the triggering factor, controlling symptoms, and allowing the stomach lining to heal. Depending on the cause, this may include acid-reducing medicines and treatment of infection.

Benefits of Early Gastritis Treatment

Timely Gastritis Treatment can help relieve symptoms and prevent inflammation from becoming persistent.

• Relieves Stomach Pain : Appropriate treatment can reduce burning, discomfort, and upper abdominal pain.
• Improves Digestion : Managing inflammation and the underlying cause can reduce indigestion, bloating, and nausea.
• Treats the Underlying Cause : Identifying pylori, medication-related irritation, or other causes allows treatment to be targeted appropriately.
• Prevents Complications : Early management may reduce the risk of ulcers, bleeding, nutritional deficiencies, and other complications in appropriate patients.
• Supports Stomach Lining Healing : Reducing irritation and controlling stomach acid can allow the stomach lining to recover.

Complications if Left Untreated

• Peptic ulcers
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Anaemia
• Vitamin B12 deficiency in autoimmune gastritis
• Gastric mucosal damage
• Atrophic gastritis
• Increased risk of gastric cancer in certain long-standing forms of gastritis

When Should You See a Doctor?

• Persistent upper abdominal pain
• Recurrent indigestion
• Frequent nausea or vomiting
• Symptoms that continue despite dietary changes
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Persistent bloating
• Recurrent gastritis symptoms
• Black or tarry stools
• Vomiting blood
• Symptoms associated with anaemia

Prevention & Lifestyle Modifications

Healthy habits can help reduce stomach irritation and the risk of recurrent symptoms.

• Avoid Unnecessary NSAIDs : Do not use pain-relieving medicines such as NSAIDs regularly without medical advice, particularly if you have a history of gastritis or ulcers.
• Limit Alcohol : Excessive alcohol can irritate the stomach lining and should be avoided or limited according to medical advice.
• Avoid Smoking : Smoking can negatively affect the stomach lining and increase the risk of gastrointestinal problems.
• Follow a Balanced Diet : Eat balanced meals and identify foods that trigger your symptoms rather than following unnecessary restrictive diets.
• Maintain Regular Meal Patterns : Eating regular, moderate-sized meals may help some people manage digestive discomfort.
• Manage Stress : Adequate sleep, relaxation, physical activity, and healthy stress-management techniques can support overall digestive health.
• Treat H. Pylori When Present : If pylori infection is diagnosed, completing the prescribed treatment and follow-up testing is important.

 Pre- and Post-Treatment Care

Pre-Treatment

• Detailed gastroenterology consultation
• Review of medications
• Assessment of dietary and lifestyle factors
• Blood investigations
• pylori testing
• Stool testing when indicated
• Upper GI endoscopy when required
• Gastric biopsy when appropriate
• Nutritional assessment

Post-Treatment

• Taking prescribed medicines as directed
• Completing H. pylori treatment when prescribed
• Follow-up testing after H. pylori treatment when recommended
• Avoiding known stomach irritants
• Following personalised dietary advice
• Avoiding unnecessary NSAID use
• Monitoring for recurring symptoms
• Attending gastroenterology follow-ups
• Reporting bleeding, persistent vomiting, weight loss, or worsening pain promptly