Overview
Gastritis is inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the stomach lining (mucosa). It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). It is one of the most common digestive disorders.
Most cases are mild and improve with treatment. However, if neglected, it can lead to ulcers, gastric bleeding, and even stomach cancer.
Symptoms
- Pain, burning, or pressure in the upper stomach
- Indigestion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Feeling full or bloated
- Loss of appetite
- Discomfort after eating
- Excessive belching
- Sometimes bloody vomiting ("coffee grounds" appearance)
- Black, tarry stools
- Weakness (due to blood loss)
Some people may have no symptoms.
Causes
Most common causes:
- Helicobacter pylori infection (very common in our country)
- NSAID medications: Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen (long-term use)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Stress
- Autoimmune diseases (autoimmune gastritis)
- Bile reflux
- Other infections (viral, parasitic)
Other triggers:
- Smoking
- Excessively spicy, fatty, acidic foods
- Caffeine
- Long intervals between meals
- Severe burns, trauma, surgery (stress gastritis)
- Cocaine use
Risk Factors
- Over age 60
- H. pylori infection
- Frequent NSAID use
- Excessive alcohol use
- Smoking
- Stressful life
- Excessively salty, acidic, or spicy diet
- Autoimmune diseases
- HIV, Crohn's disease
Complications
- Peptic ulcer (stomach or duodenal ulcer)
- Stomach bleeding
- Iron deficiency anemia
- B12 deficiency anemia (atrophic gastritis)
- Stomach cancer (long-term risk)
When to See a Doctor
- If stomach complaints last more than 1 week
- Bloody vomiting or black stools (emergency)
- If symptoms developed after taking medication
- Extreme weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing
- Frequently recurring complaints
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis:
- Upper endoscopy (gastroscopy) + biopsy
- H. pylori tests: breath test, stool antigen test, blood test, endoscopic biopsy
- Complete blood count (anemia)
- Fecal occult blood
Treatment:
1. Acid-suppressing medications:
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole
- H2 blockers: Famotidine
- Antacids: Quick temporary relief
- Mucosal protectants: Sucralfate
2. H. pylori treatment (if present):
- Triple therapy: PPI + 2 antibiotics (clarithromycin, amoxicillin)
- 14-day treatment followed by eradication check
3. Removing triggers:
- Discontinuing NSAIDs
- Stopping alcohol
Prevention and Lifestyle
- Eat stomach-friendly meals (small and frequent, warm, not spicy)
- Avoid extremely acidic (citrus, tomato), fatty, and fried foods
- Limit alcohol and caffeine
- Quit smoking
- Do not use NSAIDs unnecessarily; use with a stomach protector if needed
- Manage stress
- Finish meals at least 2-3 hours before bedtime
- Pay attention to hygiene (to prevent H. pylori transmission)
- Get regular check-ups if you are in a risk group