Gastritis is the inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It can occur suddenly when it is referred to as acute or slowly over a period of time, referred to as chronic.
Infection by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, excessive alcohol intake, stress, bile reflux disease, and prolonged use of non steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) drugs can cause gastritis.
There may be auto-immune gastritis (which may be due to Vitamin B12 deficiency) or gastritis secondary to other diseases like HIV/AIDS, parasitic infections, liver and kidney failure, Crohn’s disease or some disorders of connective tissues.
The mucosal lining of the stomach protects it from the secreted acid. When this gets damaged or weak then the acid damage the lining of the stomach causing inflammation, gastritis.
Helicobacter pylori infections, prolonged use of aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or alcohol are the risk factors for gastritis.
Symptoms of gastritis are nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, indigestion, bloating, belching, feeling of fullness in upper abdomen or burning or pain in the abdomen which may be aggravated or relieved after eating. There may be blood in vomiting or black stool (melaena) which is due to bleeding in the stomach which requires urgent medical attention.
Nausea and vomiting are the symptoms of acute gastritis. Dull ache, feeling of fullness and loss of appetite after little food are the symptoms of chronic gastritis. In some people there are no symptoms of chronic gastritis.
Gastritis can be diagnosed on the basis of medical history but tests are also available to confirm it. The tests are blood tests, urea breath test (to find out H pylori infection), upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or x-ray of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
The treatment for gastritis varies depending on the cause. If the gastritis is due to H pylori then the medications are to kill and eradicate the bacteria. A combination of antibiotics together with acid blocker is given.
If the gastritis is due to non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or alcohol then by discontinuing their use the symptoms relieve.
Normally the treatment is for reducing gastric acid. They may be antacids (to neutralize secreted gastric acid), acid blockers (reduce acid secretion) and drugs that block acid pumps in the acid secreting cells.
Simple indigestion does not require medical care but if the symptoms of gastritis are for longer than a week or if there is blood in vomit or dark tar like stool then one must take medical advice immediately.
Eating in small quantities, frequently, high fiber diet, less acidic, less spicy, less fried and low fat diet is helpful. Avoiding alcohol and smoking can help prevent gastritis.
