Gastritis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Gastritis is an inflammation or irritation of the lining of the stomach which can lead to severe abdominal pain. This inflammation is caused due to erosion of the protective covering on the lining of the stomach. It can be caused due to various factors, like excessive consumption of alcohol, bacterial infection, or use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a long period.

Gastritis can be triggered by many elements, ranging from bacterial infection to excessive alcoholism. The most common bacteria that can lead to chronic gastritis is Helicobacter pylori. This bacteria, which can be transferred from person to person, breaks down the stomach's inner protective covering and harms the lining of the stomach.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like Aspirin and Naproxen, can lead to both chronic as well as acute gastritis. Excessive drinking can also erode the stomach lining and trigger acute gastritis.

Other factors which can cause gastritis include stress due to a major surgery or a traumatic injury, and medical conditions such as parasitic infections or connective tissue disorders. In some cases, the human body itself destroys cells that make up the stomach lining. This condition is called autoimmune gastritis. It is mainly caused due to deficiency of vitamin B12.

The symptoms of this disease vary in every individual. The most common symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Bloating of the stomach
• Loss of appetite
• Black stools
• Weight loss

The person may also experience a burning feeling in the stomach at night or while having meals. Acute gastritis may lead to nausea and discomfort in the stomach; while, chronic gastritis can cause slight pain along with feeling of fullness or lost appetite.

In rare cases, gastritis may lead to internal bleeding in the stomach, and eventually the patient may start to vomit blood or pass black stools. There can be cases wherein initial symptoms like pain may not be noticed, until the victim experiences more severe complications such as internal bleeding. This problem is, most often, noticed in adults.

Taking into consideration the personal and family medical history of the patient, a few tests can be recommended as a part of gastritis diagnosis. In upper endoscopy, an endoscope is inserted through the mouth to check the stomach lining, and if any infection is noticed, a biopsy is performed and the damaged tissue is removed and analyzed by a pathologist.

A blood test or stool test is also recommended to ascertain the presence of bacteria. A test to detect anemia is also taken into consideration, as anemia can be caused due to internal bleeding. Signs of gastritis can also be acknowledged by taking an upper gastrointestinal X-ray.

It is very important to know the underlying causes of this condition to begin the treatment process. Acute gastritis, which is caused mostly due to excessive use of certain substances, such as NSAIDs or alcohol, can be relieved by discontinuing the use of those substances.

Chronic gastritis, which is caused due to bacterial infection, can be treated by eradicating the bacteria with the help of antibiotics. A proton pump inhibitor can also be given, along with antibiotics, to reduce pain and nausea, and increase the effectiveness of the antibiotics.

Stomach acid adds to the irritation of inflamed tissues in the stomach, thus making it a more painful condition. Therefore, treatment of gastritis may also include taking drugs, such as antacids and acid blockers that help control the symptom. Medication should be strictly followed according to the doctor's recommendation.

Antacids such as Maalox and Mylanta neutralize the stomach acid and provide relief from the pain. If antacids are not effective, then acid blockers such as Ranitidine or Nizatidine can be taken, after consulting the doctor.

Gastritis can be prevented by taking simple steps such as following a healthy diet. Eating simple and frequent meals helps to keep a check on stomach acid. It is strongly recommended to stay away from spicy or acidic food. Drinking alcohol and smoking should be strictly avoided.

Although, it doesn't seem to be a serious disease, gastritis can be very irritating and painful at times, and therefore, it is best prevented.