Gastritis refers to inflammation of the stomach lining, also known as the gastric mucosa.
While gastritis can affect people of all ages, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
What does gastritis feel like?
Gastritis can present with a range of symptoms, and their severity depends on both the underlying cause and the condition’s stage.
Abdominal discomfort or pain is one of the most common symptoms. It can range from mild to intense and may come and go or be persistent, typically tied to the inflammation of the stomach lining.
Nausea, indigestion, vomiting, and heartburn are also frequently associated with gastritis.
In more severe cases, vomiting blood or finding blood in the stool may occur.
It’s worth noting that every person with gastritis experiences it differently; symptoms, intensity, and characteristics can vary widely. In some cases, a person may have no noticeable symptoms at all or none that significantly affect daily life. Even so, seeking specialized medical care is always important.
What causes gastritis?
Gastritis can stem from one or several contributing factors. The most common include:
- Bacterial infection: Helicobacter pylori infection is one of the leading causes of gastritis and can be transmitted through contaminated food or water.
- Medications: Prolonged use of certain medications can irritate the stomach lining.
- Alcohol and tobacco: Both substances irritate or weaken the stomach’s protective mucosal layer.
- Stress: Chronic stress increases gastric acid production, which can contribute to the onset of gastritis.
- Autoimmune disorders: In some cases, the immune system may attack the stomach lining directly.
- Other infections: Parasitic, viral, or fungal infections can also trigger gastritis.
- Genetics: Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to gastritis, which can amplify the impact of other risk factors.
It’s important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean a person will develop gastritis. Additionally, gastritis may be acute and self-resolving, or it may become a chronic condition requiring ongoing medical care.
How is gastritis treated?
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause and is best determined by a gastroenterologist. In general terms, management options may include:
- Acid-reducing medications: These help lower gastric acid production, relieving symptoms and allowing the stomach lining to heal.
- Antibiotics: If H. pylori is identified as the cause, antibiotics will be necessary.
- Antacids: These help neutralize stomach acid and provide symptom relief.
- Mucosal protective agents: Certain medications coat and protect the stomach lining, supporting the healing process.
- Dietary adjustments: Reducing or eliminating irritants such as alcohol, acidic, spicy, or fatty foods, and coffee is strongly recommended. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help manage symptoms.
- Stress management: Since chronic stress plays a significant role in gastritis, learning to manage it is an important part of treatment.
Consulting a gastroenterologist is essential for proper diagnosis, identification of the underlying cause, and guidance before starting any treatment.
One important distinction: medications for colitis and gastritis may seem interchangeable, but they should never be used to treat one condition in place of the other without prior medical evaluation.
ABC Medical Center’s Internal Medicine Department offers specialized care for gastritis. Contact us today.
Fuentes
MSD Manuals, NIH, URMC
