Gastritis

Symptoms: Diarrhoea, nausea, bloating, loss of appetite, indigestion, burning sensation in the stomach, hiccups, vomiting.

Risk Factors: Excessive alcohol consumption, medications, stress, chronic vomiting, food allergies, smoking, other diseases.

Prevalence: Currently, 40% of people worldwide have gastritis but are asymptomatic. In India, the total number of individuals suffering with gastritis is approximately 3 cases per 869 individuals. 

Severity: Mild- Severe.

Gender affected: Both male and female populations can be affected by gastritis

Which doctor to consult: General physician, gastroenterologist.

Overview: 

Gastritis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the stomach lining. It can manifest through various symptoms and has several potential causes. 

Symptoms of Gastritis may include nausea, abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, indigestion, burning sensation in the stomach, hiccups, loss of appetite, black, tarry stools. Gastritis can be caused due to various reasons such as excessive alcohol consumption, chronic vomiting, stress, use of certain medications like pain relievers, bacterial infection, particularly by H. pylori, Bile reflux, Food allergies, and other diseases like Crohn’s disease, HIV/AIDS.

Gastritis is firstly address the underlying cause and reduce the excess amount of acid in the stomach. This condition can be treated by taking proper medication and diet modifications, such as, antibiotics (Clarithromycin, Amoxicillin, and Metronidazole), Vitamin B12 supplements, Acid blockers, antacids (Aluminum hydroxide, Magnesium hydroxide).

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of gastritis, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Foods to eat for managing gastritis High-fiber foods like raw vegetables, whole grains, and beans, Low-fat foods like lean meats and dairy products, Probiotics like kombucha, yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut.

Types of Gastritis:

Gastritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining. There are several types of gastritis, each with its own causes and symptoms. Here’s a brief overview:

Acute Gastritis: This type occurs suddenly and typically has severe symptoms. It can be caused by factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, chronic vomiting, stress, or the use of certain medications like pain relievers

Chronic Gastritis: This form develops gradually and can last for years. It may not always cause symptoms but can lead to complications if left untreated. Chronic gastritis can be caused by persistent infection, such as with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, bile reflux, or autoimmune disorders.

Erosive Gastritis: This less common type can lead to bleeding and ulcers in the stomach lining. It’s often related to chemical irritants like medications, alcohol, or bile.

Nonerosive Gastritis: This form doesn’t cause significant erosion or ulcers but may result in redness and irritation of the stomach lining. It can be associated with atrophic gastritis, where the stomach lining thins or wastes away, potentially causing digestive issues.

Atrophic Gastritis: A chronic inflammation that leads to the loss of the stomach lining and glands. This type can increase the risk of stomach cancer and is often associated with H. pylori infection or autoimmune conditions.

Other Specific Forms: Depending on the cause, gastritis may also be referred to as infectious, drug-induced, alcohol-induced, stress-induced, autoimmune, or eosinophilic gastritis.

Symptoms

Gastritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining, and it can present with various symptoms. Common symptoms of gastritis include:

• Nausea

• Abdominal bloating

• Abdominal pain

• Vomiting

• Indigestion

• Burning sensation in the stomach

• Burning sensation in the chest

• Hiccups

• Loss of appetite

• Black, tarry stools

• Feeling of fullness

• Bleaching or burping

• Gripping pain in the stomach

These symptoms can vary in severity and may sometimes lead to complications if left untreated. It’s important to consult a healthcare provider if you experience new, severe, or persistent symptoms.

Causes and Risk factors:

Gastritis, the inflammation of the stomach lining, can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some common causes:

• Infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the major cause of gastritis.

• Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen

• Chronic vomiting

• Stress, especially severe stress due to major surgery, injury, or illness

• Bile reflux, a backflow of bile into the stomach

• Food allergies

• Other diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or HIV/AIDS

• Fungal infections weakens the immune system and can cause gastritis

• Age can also be the cause of gastritis. Older people are at greater risk than the young people.

• Alcohol and smoking: Prolonged consumption of alcohol and long term use of smoking can affecting the protective lining of the stomach resulting in gastritis.

It’s important to identify the specific cause of gastritis in order to treat it effectively. If you suspect you have gastritis, consulting a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan is recommended.

Complications:

Complications of gastritis can be serious if the condition is left untreated. Some of the potential complications include:

Anemia: Erosive gastritis can cause chronic bleeding, which in turn can lead to anemia, characterized by symptoms such as paleness, a racing heartbeat, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

Atrophic Gastritis: Chronic inflammation can lead to the loss of the stomach lining and glands, known as atrophic gastritis, which can increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Peptic Ulcers: Ulcers can form in the lining of the stomach and duodenum, leading to pain and bleeding.

Growths in the Stomach Lining: Both benign and malignant growths can develop in the stomach lining. If Helicobacter pylori bacteria cause gastritis, they also increase the risk of a specific form of cancer known as gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma.

Gastric Cancer: Chronic gastritis caused by H. pylori infection can lead to a reduction of the protective mucus of the stomach lining, causing chronic inflammation, cellular atrophy, and potentially cancer.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Chronic gastritis may affect the stomach’s ability to produce intrinsic factors, which are necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12, leading to a condition known as pernicious anemia.

It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience new, severe, or persistent symptoms of gastritis. A healthcare provider can offer diagnosis and treatment to manage the condition and prevent these complications

Prevention:

Preventing gastritis involves several lifestyle adjustments and choices to reduce the risk of inflammation in the stomach lining. Here are some general guidelines for the prevention of gastritis:

• Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol can irritate and erode the stomach lining, leading to inflammation.

• Avoid Excessive Use of Pain Relievers: Certain over-the-counter pain medications, like aspirin and ibuprofen, can cause stomach inflammation if used too often.

• Manage Stress: High stress levels can increase the stomach’s production of acid, which can lead to gastritis.

• Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: This can help ease the effects of stomach acid and reduce symptoms of indigestion.

• Avoid Irritating Foods: Spicy, acidic, fried, or fatty foods can aggravate the stomach lining.

• Quit Smoking: Smoking can damage the mucus lining of the stomach, making it more susceptible to gastritis.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can increase the risk of gastritis due to increased pressure on the abdomen and the potential for acid reflux.

• Consume Cooked Foods Properly: Ensure that foods are thoroughly cooked to avoid infections that can cause gastritis.

It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms of gastritis, which can include nausea, abdominal bloating, pain, vomiting, indigestion, and a burning sensation in the stomach. If you experience these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Remember, these are general guidelines and it’s always best to seek personalized advice from a healthcare professional.

When to visit a doctor:

You can visit an general physician or a gastroenterologist if you have any symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, unexpected weight loss, frequent vomiting, blood in stool or right lower abdomen pain. Based on your physical examination and the signs and symptoms, your doctor will advise diagnosis.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of gastritis typically involves a combination of methods, including:

Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will start with a physical exam and a review of medical history.

Esophageal pH test: This test helps measure stomach acid by checking how much stomach acid enters through the food pipe and how long it stays in the stomach.

Laboratory Tests: These may include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for anaemia or signs of infection.

• Stool Test: To detect the presence of blood in the stool, which can be a sign of gastritis.

• Endoscopy: A procedure using a small tube with a camera (endoscope) inserted into the stomach to check for inflammation and take tissue samples (biopsy) if necessary.

• X-ray: An upper GI tract X-ray, sometimes with a barium swallow, to visualize the stomach and detect abnormalities.

Biopsy: A small piece of tissue is removed from the inside of the stomach for further testing and analysis. 

Treatment:

The treatment of gastritis typically involves a combination of medications and dietary modifications to manage the symptoms and address the underlying causes. Here’s a general overview:

Medications for Gastritis:

Antibiotics: If the gastritis is caused by H. pylori infection, a course of antibiotics such as Clarithromycin, Amoxicillin, or Metronidazole may be prescribed.

Acid Blockers: Medications like Famotidine is used to reduce the amount of acid released in the digestive tract, which can help relieve symptoms and promote healing

Antacids: These can help neutralize the existing acid in the stomach and may contain ingredients like Aluminium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, or simethicone.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Drugs such as omeprazole or pantoprazole reduce stomach acid secretion, which can help treat gastritis.

Dietary Modifications:

• Try to eat High-fiber foods (raw vegetables, whole grains, beans), low-fat foods (lean meat, dairy products), and probiotics (kombucha, yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut).

• Avoid foods such as Carbonated drinks, fried foods, spicy foods, and allergenic foods as it can increase gastritis.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your specific condition. If you are experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Remember, the information provided here is general and should not replace professional medical advice.