Gastritis: Symptoms, Causes, Risk factors, Treatment & Prevention

 

The term "gastritis" refers to a collection of illnesses characteristic of stomach lining inflammation. The most common causes of gastritis inflammation are either frequent use of certain pain relievers or infection with the same bacteria that causes the most of stomach ulcers. Excessive alcohol consumption might also contribute to gastritis.

Acute gastritis can strike unexpectedly, but chronic gastritis develops gradually over time. Gastritis can occasionally result in ulcers and a higher risk of stomach cancer. However, gastritis is not a serious condition for most people and gets well rapidly with treatment.

Also Read: Diarrhea: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

What is gastritis?

Inflammation of the stomach lining is known as gastritis. Your stomach's mucosa, a soft tissue lining it, protects it from the acids, enzymes, and microbes that flow through it on a daily basis. When your immune system senses that this barrier is being threatened, gastritis develops. In order to combat infections and aid in the healing process, your immune system causes inflammation in the tissues.

What types of gastritis are there?

Both acute and chronic gastritis are possible.

Acute gastritis occurs suddenly and is temporary. It is also caused by acute disorders.
Chronic gastritis is a long-term condition, though you may not notice it all the time (or at all). It usually arises gradually as a consequence of another long-term illness.



Both erosive and non-erosive gastritis are possible.

When you have erosive gastritis, the condition destroys the lining of your stomach, leaving behind lesions called ulcers. It is frequently a chemical, such as bile, alcohol, narcotics, or acid.

Though it doesn't result in erosive changes, non-erosive gastritis can cause discomfort, including the stomach lining turning red. The lining of your stomach may shrink or atrophy as a result of atrophic gastritis, a particular type of non-erosive gastritis. Digestive problems may result from this.


Depending on the cause, there may be a more precise name for gastritis. Here are a few examples:

• Gastritis that is infectious.
• Gastritis is caused by drugs.
• Gastritis is caused by alcohol.
• Gastritis is brought on by stress.
• Gastritis is autoimmune.
• Gastritis that is eosinophilic.

Symptoms:

Indigestion is the burning or gnawing sensation that usually occurs at night or in between meals.

Symptoms of gastritis are not always present. When it occurs, gastritis symptoms could include:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting and feeling queasy
• Bloating
• Abdominal pain in the stomach region
• Hiccups Loss of appetite

An after eating sensation of fullness in your upper abdomen.

Causes:

An inflammation of the stomach lining is called gastritis. The stomach wall is shielded by the mucus-lined stomach lining. The stomach lining can become inflamed and injured by digestive juices when the barrier is compromised. Several disorders and situations might raise the risk of gastritis. Among these are inflammatory diseases like Crohn's.

Your body's reaction to weakening or damage to the lining of your stomach is gastritis. It can result from many things, including:

• Long-term usage of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines) like naproxen or aspirin
• Overuse of cocaine, alcohol, or tobacco
• Repeated vomiting
• Stress brought on by an accident, surgery, or severe sickness
• infections brought on by germs like Helicobacter pylori
• Other illnesses, such as "stomach flu" viruses, HIV/AIDS, and parasitic infections.
• Bile reflux is a condition when bile, a digestive fluid, backs up into your stomach.
• An autoimmune reaction occurs when the cells lining your stomach are attacked by your immune system.
• Inflammatory diseases including sarcoidosis, Crohn's disease, and celiac illness
• Treatments with radiation and chemotherapy

Risk factors:

You run a higher risk of developing gastritis if you:

• Bacteria infection. H. pylori, another name for Helicobacter pylori, is a bacterial infection that is among the most prevalent in the globe. However, gastritis and other upper gastrointestinal diseases only occur in a small percentage of infected individuals. According to medical authorities, sensitivity to the bacteria may be inherited. Dietary and lifestyle decisions like smoking can also contribute to sensitivity.

• Regular use of painkillers. NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, are painkillers that can lead to both acute and chronic gastritis. Naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox DS) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others) are examples of NSAIDs. Overconsumption or frequent use of these painkillers might harm the lining of the stomach.

• Older age. Because the stomach lining thins with age, older persons are more likely to develop gastritis. Additionally, older folks are at higher risk because they are more likely than younger adults to have autoimmune illnesses or an H. pylori infection.

• Excessive drinking. Alcohol can damage and irritate the lining of your stomach. This increases the susceptibility of your stomach to digestive fluids. Acute gastritis is more likely to occur in people who drink too much.

• Stress. Acute gastritis can be brought on by extreme stress from major surgery, trauma, burns, or serious infections.

• Cancer treatment. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy medications may raise your risk of developing gastritis.

• Your stomach's cells are being attacked by your own body. This type of gastritis is known as autoimmune gastritis, and it develops when your body targets the cells that line your stomach. The protective barrier in your stomach may be weakened by this reaction.

• People with other autoimmune diseases are more likely to have autoimmune gastritis. These include type 1 diabetes and Hashimoto's illness. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is also linked to autoimmune gastritis.

• Other diseases and conditions. Other medical disorders may be associated with gastritis. These could include parasite infections, sarcoidosis, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and HIV/AIDS.

Complications:

If left untreated, gastritis can result in bleeding and ulcers in the stomach. On rare occasions, certain types of persistent gastritis may raise your risk of developing stomach cancer. If you have significant stomach lining thinning and cell alterations, your risk is elevated.

If your gastritis symptoms don't get better after treatment, let your doctor know.

How is a diagnosis of gastritis made?

A medical professional will begin by asking about your medical history and symptoms. Based on your responses, they may suspect gastritis, but without testing, they cannot be certain that you have it. An imaging test, like an upper GI series or a series of X-rays of your upper GI tract, may be the first step. Although gastritis itself is not often detected by this test, it can identify erosion or ulcers in the stomach lining.

Since the true evidence of gastritis is tiny, a tissue sample is required for confirmation by a medical professional. During an upper endoscopy examination, they can obtain a sample (biopsy). Using a tiny camera on the end of a lengthy catheter (endoscope), this examination enters your upper gastrointestinal tract. Through the endoscope, an endoscopist can perform a biopsy. Usually, they can visually identify gastritis before a biopsy proves it.

To determine the cause of your gastritis or to look for any consequences, you may require more testing. Your supplier might place an order for:

• Blood tests.
• Stool test.
• Test for H. pylori in breath.

Treatment:

Does gastritis resolve on its own?

Acute gastritis resolves when the underlying cause does. Your immune system will usually get rid of an infection quickly, and the inflammation will then subside. In the event of a brief alcohol or medication overdose, your stomach lining will quickly heal itself. Your stomach lining will start the mending process if blood flow to your stomach is temporarily reduced but has now been restored.

Treatment can help chronic gastritis go away, but it doesn't go away on its own. There is a connection between chronic gastritis and another chronic illness you have. Some of these disorders can be cured with specific treatments. Long-term therapies can lessen the inflammation that certain illnesses generate, but they cannot be cured. Your tissues may take longer to repair if you have chronic gastritis since it may have caused deeper damage.

How can I quickly get rid of gastritis?

OTC medications that reduce irritation and neutralize stomach acid, such as Pepto Bismol® or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can help you manage your symptoms. While your stomach heals, these may provide some short-term relief. However, you must confirm that the source of your gastritis has been removed. Thus, even if you're self-medicating, be sure to visit a doctor.

How can gastritis be permanently cured?

Chronic gastritis must be treated by a professional. The cause will determine the course of treatment.


It could indicate:

• H. pylori is treated with antibiotics and other medications.
• Locating alternate medications for ailments you've been using NSAIDs to cure.
• Assistance for treating cocaine addiction or alcohol use disorder.
• Medications that target autoimmune disorders.
• Rarely, surgery may be necessary to treat ischemia, bile reflux, or gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.
• Prescription medications that inhibit acid to aid in the healing process.

Prevention

The infections that cause gastritis are communicable, but the illness itself is not. The majority of people on the planet have been infected with H. pylori, and almost half of them have developed chronic gastritis as a result. The fecal-to-oral pathway is how it spreads. Maintaining proper hygiene, such as washing your hands before handling food and after using the restroom, can help stop the spread of illnesses. This could stop a lot of gastritis cases.

These things may help you avoid gastritis, or keep your symptoms from getting worse if you have it:

• Good hygiene. H. pylori can be passed from person to person or in contaminated food or water. The most important way to keep it from spreading is to wash your hands often, especially after you use the restroom and before you handle food.

• Stop smoking. Smoking raises your risk for infection with H. pylori and for peptic ulcers.

• Limit alcohol. Because alcohol can irritate your stomach lining and make it more prone to damage, drink it in moderation if you drink it at all.

• Don't overuse NSAIDs. NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can also irritate your stomach lining. Don't use them for long periods or at high doses. See your doctor if you need other pain relief options.

• Manage stress. Since stress may contribute to gastritis, look for healthy ways to handle it. Relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness meditation, tai chi, or yoga, may help.

References:

• Merck Manual Professional Version. Nonerosive Gastritis (https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/gastritis-and-peptic-ulcer-disease/nonerosive-gastritis). / Erosive Gastritis (https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/gastritis-and-peptic-ulcer-disease/erosive-gastritis). Accessed 7/14/2023.

• Cleveland Clinic: "Gastritis."

• Mayo Clinic: "Gastritis."

• Gastritis and gastropathy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastritis-gastropathy. Accessed Dec. 3, 2021.

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (U.S.). Gastritis and Gastropathy (https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastritis-gastropathy). Accessed 7/14/2023.