Gastritis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention.

• Gastritis is a condition where the lining of the stomach becomes irritated, causing swelling, redness, or ulcers. This irritation results in abdominal pain and a burning sensation. It can be acute or chronic.
• Gastritis can be caused by various factors, including infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), long-term use of certain medications, excessive alcohol consumption, physical and mental stress, smoking, a diet high in spicy foods, acid reflux, autoimmune diseases, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections, and increasing age.
• Common symptoms of gastritis include epigastric pain, heartburn, stomach burning, bloating, flatulence, abdominal distension, sour belching, frequent belching, nausea, occasional vomiting, feeling full unusually quickly, loss of appetite, and chronic abdominal discomfort.

Gastritis is a condition where the stomach lining becomes inflamed, irritated, or damaged, causing symptoms such as pain, burning, bloating, nausea, or indigestion. It can occur acutely or chronically. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, or an increased long-term risk of stomach cancer.

This article will provide a comprehensive understanding of gastritis, from its causes and symptoms to treatment options and prevention methods, enabling you to properly care for your stomach health and maintain a high quality of life in the long term.

What is gastritis?

Gastritis is a condition where the lining of the stomach becomes irritated, causing swelling, redness, or ulcers. Normally, the stomach has a mechanism to protect it from acid and digestive juices, but if this mechanism is compromised, inflammation occurs. Gastritis is a common gastrointestinal disease that can affect people of all ages, both acutely and chronically. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as stomach bleeding or increase the risk of stomach cancer. It is also frequently relapsing in up to 80% of cases.

Types of Gastritis

Gastritis can be categorized into several types based on the onset and duration of inflammation. Each type differs in severity, symptoms, and treatment approaches. Understanding the different types of gastritis helps in recognizing symptoms and managing your condition appropriately.

1. Acute gastritis develops rapidly and presents with clear symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. It is often caused by infection, consuming irritating foods, drinking alcohol, or using certain pain medications.
2. Chronic gastritis is a prolonged inflammation with gradual or subtle symptoms. Common causes include H. pylori infection, continued use of certain medications, or irritating eating habits over extended periods.

What causes gastritis?

Gastritis is caused by an infection with the bacterium *H. pylori*, which can lead to chronic gastritis or stomach ulcers. Causes of gastritis include

1. Helicobacter pylori infection (H. pylori)
2. Long-term use of certain medications
3. Excessive alcohol consumption
4. Physical and mental stress
5. Smoking
6. Regular consumption of spicy, fatty, or sour foods
7. Bile reflux (acid reflux from the small intestine back into the stomach)
8. Autoimmune gastritis
9. Certain viral, fungal, or parasitic infections
10. Increasing age

What are the common symptoms of gastritis?

• Stomach pain or tightness in the epigastric region
• Heartburn or stomach burning
• Bloating, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort
• Sour belching or frequent belching
• Nausea and occasional vomiting
• Feeling full unusually quickly
• Loss of appetite
• Chronic abdominal discomfort

Gastritis Symptoms Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

• Severe or unusually sudden abdominal pain
• Vomiting blood or black, coffee-ground-like vomit
• Black, sticky, foul-smelling stools
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or extreme fatigue (possibly due to blood loss)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent vomiting, inability to eat or drink
• Difficulty swallowing, pain when swallowing, or a feeling of food stuck in the throat
• Fever accompanied by abdominal pain
• Abdominal pain accompanied by jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), or unusually dark urine
• A history of recurrent gastric bleeding or ulcers

Diagnosis of Gastritis

1. Medical history and symptom assessment
2. Physical examination of the abdomen
3. Testing for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
4. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (Gastroscopy)
5. Biopsy
6. Blood tests
7. Stool tests
8. X-rays or CT scans (in some cases)

How is gastritis treated?

Gastritis is often characterized by abdominal pain, nausea, or bloating due to irritation of the stomach lining. It can be treated with medication, lifestyle changes, and ongoing monitoring to improve symptoms. Treatment methods include

Medication

1.Acid-reducing medications help reduce stomach lining irritation, alleviating pain, burning, and bloating. These include

• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) such as Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, and Pantoprazole.
• H2 receptor blockers such as Ranitidine and Famotidine.

2.Antacids

• These are long-used first-line medications to reduce symptoms and prevent stomach irritation by reducing stomach acidity. They can be taken continuously and have a short-acting effect. Examples include Aluminium hydroxide and Magnesium hydroxide.

3.Gastric coating agents

These help protect the stomach lining from acid erosion. Examples include Sucralfate and Bismuth compounds.

4.Histamine receptor antagonists inhibit acid secretion. Treatment with these medications is usually effective after about one month.

5.Mucosal protective agents create a protective barrier around the stomach lining, promoting faster healing. To prevent irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa.

6.Eliminating Helicobacter pylori (if present) will be considered upon detection, with medication prescribed by a physician. The physician will prescribe antibiotics along with antacids for 10-14 days, such as PPI + Amoxicillin + Clarithromycin.

Lifestyle and Behavior Modifications

• Eat meals on time every day, focusing on soft, easily digestible foods. If you feel bloated, eat smaller meals more frequently.
• Avoid spicy and fatty foods, and abstain from alcohol and caffeine.
• Quit smoking to reduce the risk of duodenal ulcers.
• Avoid using aspirin and other pain relievers without consulting a doctor.
• Take prescribed medication strictly and continuously for at least 4-8 weeks. Do not self-medicate.
• Take care of your mental health and get enough rest. Avoid stress and anxiety, and get enough sleep.
• Monitor for any unusual symptoms such as black stools, anemia, weight loss, or difficulty swallowing, and seek medical attention immediately if these occur.

Follow-up and Monitoring

After treatment, closely monitor symptoms every 1-2 weeks. If improvement occurs, continue taking medication for 4-8 weeks as prescribed by your doctor. However, if severe abdominal pain persists or symptoms recur, return to the doctor for re-evaluation. Elderly patients, in particular, should be watched for serious complications such as black stools, vomiting blood, loss of appetite, or unusual weight loss, which may be signs of gastric bleeding or perforation. Additionally, the doctor may perform endoscopy, blood tests, or repeat H. pylori testing to ensure that inflammation has subsided and prevent further spread.

Self-Care for Gastritis

When suffering from gastritis, self-care can help improve symptoms and prevent recurrence. This includes adjusting eating habits such as eating on time, having smaller, more frequent meals, chewing slowly, and avoiding lying down immediately after eating to reduce acid reflux. Foods to avoid include

1.Foods to Eat

• Rice porridge, congee, clear soups
• Chicken breast, steamed fish, tofu, boiled eggs (emphasize egg whites)
• Soft cooked vegetables such as carrots and broccoli
• Non-sour fruits such as bananas, ripe papayas, apples, and pears

2.Foods to Avoid

• Spicy, sour, and salty foods
• Fried foods, fatty meats, coconut milk, and cheese
• Tea, coffee, carbonated drinks, and alcohol
• Sour fruits, smoking, and raw milk

Complications of Gastritis

• Peptic ulcer
• Gastric bleeding
• Anemia
• Gastric perforation
• Gastric outlet obstruction
• Chronic gastritis
• Atrophic gastritis
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Increased risk of stomach cancer
• Reduced quality of life due to chronic symptoms

Prevention of Gastritis

1. Eat meals on time and avoid letting your stomach be empty for too long.
2. Avoid foods that irritate the stomach.
3. Avoid or limit alcohol consumption.
4. Quit smoking.
5. Avoid unnecessary use of NSAIDs.
6. Maintain good hygiene of food and hands before eating.
7. Manage stress and get enough rest.
8. Avoid overeating at each meal.
9. Get regular checkups and see a doctor when you experience any unusual symptoms.
10. Eat foods that help protect the stomach.

How long does it take to recover from gastritis?

Many people worry about how long it takes to recover from gastritis. In reality, this disease is often relapsing and can recur at any time if not properly managed. While pain usually improves within 3-7 days after medication, it's necessary to continue taking medication for 4-8 weeks for the ulcer to heal completely. Therefore, discipline in treatment and proper lifestyle changes are crucial to prevent recurrence.

Treating Gastritis at Vibhavadi Hospital

Gastritis is a health condition that can affect people of all ages and should not be ignored. If left untreated, it can worsen. You can receive treatment, including abdominal ultrasound examinations, or assess your health with specialized health check-up packages at Vibhavadi Hospital. We are equipped with modern equipment, allowing doctors to accurately detect abnormalities, provide appropriate treatment, and monitor your condition.

Summary

Gastritis is a digestive system disorder that can occur at any age. It results from inflammation, irritation, or damage to the stomach lining. It can be acute or chronic. If left untreated, it can lead to other complications. Symptoms often include heartburn, abdominal pain, frequent belching, nausea, feeling full unusually quickly, and occasional vomiting.

If you have gastritis, you should see a doctor and receive treatment immediately. Treatment focuses on taking antacids, stomach-coating medications, lifestyle adjustments, and continuous monitoring. At Vibhavadi Hospital, we have modern equipment and provide sincere care by expert doctors, from physical assessment and symptom examination to close follow-up, so you can return to a confident and happy life.