What is Gastritis? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Gastritis (Inflammation of the Stomach Lining)

Gastritis is a condition comprising several different disorders characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining. Excessive alcohol consumption, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or certain bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori can cause infection in the stomach lining. Gastritis is a very common health problem. In some cases, it may also develop due to major surgical interventions, traumatic injuries, burns, or severe infections. This disorder, which can cause symptoms such as pain, indigestion, and nausea, can last for years if left untreated. Diagnosis is usually based on clinical history and histological findings. Definitive diagnosis is made by endoscopy. Treatment is aimed at the cause, and treatment procedures typically include antacids, alginates, and antibiotic medications.

What is Gastritis?

Gastritis encompasses a number of medical conditions affecting the lining of the stomach, known as the mucosa. It occurs as a result of inflammation or swelling of the inner surface of the stomach. It is known that more than half of the population experiences gastritis at some point in their lives. There are many different types of gastritis. According to the severity of mucosal injury, it can be classified as erosive gastritis and non-erosive gastritis; according to the site of involvement, as cardia gastritis, corpus gastritis, and antral gastritis; and histologically as short-term acute gastritis and long-term chronic gastritis. Brief information about the types of gastritis can be given as follows:

Acute gastritis: Acute gastritis may result from toxins, excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, fungal causes, poor hygiene, or excessive alcohol consumption. Major surgical interventions, infections, and various physical traumas are also among the causes of acute gastritis. Additionally, acute gastritis can develop as a result of weight-loss procedures that involve banding and restructuring the digestive system. It is seen with equal frequency in both male and female sexes and can affect any age group. Symptoms of acute gastritis include nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, dyspepsia, hiccups, and fever.

Chronic gastritis: Chronic gastritis indicates persistent yet low-grade inflammation and damage to the stomach lining. Long-term gastritis usually occurs due to bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori. For this reason, it is also known as Helicobacter pylori gastritis. If left untreated, it can last a lifetime and increase the risk of developing stomach cancer. Bacterial-caused chronic gastritis is referred to as type B gastritis and is the most common type of chronic gastritis. Certain diseases such as various autoimmune disorders, HIV/AIDS, Crohn's disease, pernicious anemia, and chronic bile reflux can also lead to chronic gastritis. Gastritis developing due to these causes is referred to as type A gastritis and is the least common type of chronic gastritis. Symptoms such as digestive disorders, fatigue, anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, and numbness or tingling in the limbs can be listed as symptoms of chronic gastritis.

Erosive gastritis: These are ulcers characterized by cracks and sores forming in the stomach lining. It can develop after coming into contact with irritant substances. Symptoms of erosive gastritis, also called stress gastritis, include bleeding and ulcers. Although bleeding is mostly mild, it can be severe in some cases.

Non-erosive gastritis: It occurs when inflammation develops in the stomach lining, but no ulcers or tears form in the stomach lining along with the inflammation.

Autoimmune gastritis: It occurs as a result of the immune system attacking healthy cells in the stomach lining. Autoimmune gastritis is chronic and generally does not cause erosion of the gastric mucosa.

Postgastrectomy gastritis: The procedure in which a part of the stomach is surgically removed is called gastrectomy. Postgastrectomy gastritis is a type of gastritis seen in patients who have undergone this procedure. It usually occurs in the area where the tissue was re-sutured. It may occur as a result of surgery preventing blood flow to the stomach lining or exposure of the stomach lining to excessive amounts of bile.

What Are the Symptoms of Gastritis?

Gastritis may not always cause noticeable symptoms. This situation is generally considered a harbinger of more severe and chronicized gastritis. Gastritis symptoms can occur when the stomach lining becomes eroded to the point where it cannot defend itself against the acid and enzymes it produces. Although symptoms vary from person to person, they can be listed generally as follows:

Belching and hiccups,

Stomach discomfort, pain, and cramps that worsen especially after eating,

Abdominal bleeding,

Nausea and vomiting,

Pain and a feeling of pressure just below the ribs,

Abdominal bloating and a burning sensation in the stomach,

Loss of appetite,

A feeling of fullness occurring immediately after eating,

Blood in vomit or stool,

Indigestion,

Changes in bowel habits,

Fatigue,

Shortness of breath and a feeling of dizziness.

How Does Gastritis Occur?

The mucus lining the stomach protects the stomach from the effects of digestive juices such as stomach acid and bile. Bile is a digestive secretion produced by the liver and helps with fat digestion. Gastritis occurs when this protection weakens or when digestive juices cause inflammation. Some factors that cause the stomach mucosa to weaken can be briefly mentioned as follows:

A bacterium named Helicobacter pylori can develop an infection and cause gastritis and other upper gastrointestinal disorders. It is one of the most common infections worldwide. It mostly leads to chronic gastritis. Exposure to this bacterium can occur if food or water contaminated with the vomit, feces, or saliva of an infected person is consumed.

Although not as common as bacterial infections, various parasitic infections and fungal infections can also cause acute or chronic gastritis.

Regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers, also known as NSAIDs, can cause acute and chronic gastritis.

With age, the stomach lining begins to thin. Consequently, stomach acid and bile fluid can cause irritation to the mucosa more easily. Additionally, since older adults are more likely to develop Helicobacter pylori infection and autoimmune disorders compared to young adults, their risk of developing gastritis increases.

Excessive alcohol and cigarette consumption can irritate and break down the stomach lining. This makes the stomach tissue vulnerable to digestive juices. Alcohol and cigarette use are more likely to cause acute gastritis.

Physical stresses such as major surgical interventions, injuries, burns, or infections, or psychological stresses are among the causes of acute gastritis.

Chemotherapy drugs or radiation treatments can increase the risk of gastritis.

Autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto's disease and type 1 diabetes can lead to chronic inflammation and cause autoimmune gastritis.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to gastritis.

The return of bile fluid to the stomach, known as bile reflux, can cause damage to the mucosa and trigger the development of gastritis.

How is Gastritis Diagnosed?

To diagnose gastritis, a detailed history of the patients' symptoms is taken. In this way, it is aimed to obtain information about the severity, frequency, and potential triggers of the symptoms. A history regarding the patient's lifestyle factors such as alcohol and cigarette use, dietary habits, and non-steroidal medication use is gathered. If physicians suspect gastritis in line with the gathered information, they may apply the following tests to make a definitive diagnosis:

Upper gastrointestinal series or barium swallow: It checks the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine located in the upper part of the digestive system. During the procedure, a metallic liquid called barium is swallowed. Barium coats all organs, making them visible on X-rays. In this way, the diagnosis of unusual conditions is ensured.

Upper endoscopy: With this diagnostic procedure, the interior of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum can be viewed. A thin, lighted tube called an endoscope is used. Imaging is obtained with the camera located at the tip of the tube. The physician performing the procedure inserts the tube down the throat and moves it toward the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. During this procedure, small tissue samples may be taken if deemed necessary by the doctor.

Blood tests: Blood tests may be resorted to for diagnosing bacterial species that may be present in the stomach.

Stool sample: Small samples taken from the stool are sent to the laboratory for analysis. During this analysis, blood and bacteria are searched for in the stool. Blood present in the stool may be a symptom of gastritis.

Urea breath test: This is the procedure in which stomach bacteria are analyzed in breath samples taken from the patient. For the test, a capsule or liquid containing urea labeled with a special carbon atom is swallowed. In the presence of bacteria, urea turns into carbon dioxide.

How is Gastritis Treated?

Depending on the type and cause of gastritis present, different treatment procedures can be applied. In most cases, antacid medications may be prescribed to reduce stomach acid secretion. These drugs can be beneficial in alleviating symptoms and healing the stomach lining. However, medications must be used under medical supervision. The following information can be given regarding gastritis treatment:

In Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis, the goal is to kill the bacterium. Physicians may apply various drug combinations to treat this type of gastritis. These combinations may include antibiotics and stomach protectors known as proton pump inhibitors. To prevent antibiotic resistance, doctors may prescribe antibiotics that the patient has not used previously. Medications must be used in the dose and duration recommended by doctors. Otherwise, bacteria may survive, causing the infection to recur and developing antibiotic resistance.

If the cause of gastritis is bile reflux, doctors may prescribe various medications containing bile acids that can help heal the stomach lining. In some cases, they may deem a surgical intervention necessary to cut off the flow of bile into the stomach.

In gastritis developing due to the long-term use of various medications, doctors may consider terminating the use of these drugs. They may offer different medication suggestions to treat the pain. If the use of the medication causing gastritis is mandatory, they may also prescribe a stomach-protective medication alongside this drug.

If gastritis is associated with food allergies or celiac disease, doctors can create a gastritis diet list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gastritis patients should not overconsume food, should not consume foods that are not cooked under appropriate conditions, should not drink excessive amounts of tea, coffee, or alcohol, and should not consume spicy foods frequently and in large amounts. Pastries, overly hot or cold foods, pickles, and carbonated beverages are also among the foods to be avoided. Gastritis dislikes unhealthy and unhygienic eating habits, irregular medication use, neglected gastritis treatment, untreated autoimmune diseases, alcohol and cigarette use, intense stress, and physical traumas. Water can help control the fluid level in the stomach. This situation can promote the healing process of gastritis. 8 to 10 glasses of water should be consumed throughout the day. However, water consumption should not be carried out simultaneously with meals. Because water drunk immediately before or during meals can negatively affect the digestion process. Gastritis pain usually radiates to the upper abdomen and stomach. However, gas trapping in the stomach can sometimes cause the pain to be felt in different places. Probiotic organisms are beneficial in improving the digestive system and regulating bowel movements. Consuming yogurt, a food rich in probiotic content, can allow good bacteria to enter the digestive system and prevent the spread of bacterial gastritis. Additionally, various studies have proven that certain beneficial bacterial strains found in yogurt are good for gastritis by lowering the infection level and increasing the effectiveness of applied treatments. In some studies, it has been observed that mineral water consumption reduces acid production in patients with gastritis. However, this situation may not apply to every patient. Therefore, gastritis patients may be advised to consult a doctor before consuming mineral water. Gastritis treatment can be supported with certain methods applied at home. In this way, the recovery process can be accelerated. Eating frequently with small portions, consuming adequate amounts of water, doing relaxing exercises such as meditation and yoga to avoid the stress created by the disease, and removing fatty, spicy, and acidic foods from the nutritional routine are among the supportive practices that can be done at home. Patients showing symptoms of gastritis must definitely get a doctor's consultation to recover as soon as possible. Because treatments applied at home and medications taken can worsen the course of the disease. Doctors will determine the factor causing gastritis and choose the treatment procedure most appropriate for the patient. Applying the determined treatment without disruption can ensure that the disease passes as soon as possible. Gastritis does not directly affect the heart. However, the gas trappings it causes can sometimes be confused with heart pain. In some cases, the anxiety and stress created by stomach pain can lead to changes in heart rhythm. Therefore, stomach problems can be confused with heart conditions. If individuals show a heart-related symptom, it is recommended to consult a physician as soon as possible. If there is gastritis in the stomach, this indicates that inflammation has developed in the stomach lining. In some people, symptoms such as pain, bloating, and indigestion may develop due to inflammation. In heartburn, medications aimed at balancing the stomach acid level under doctor control can be used. Apart from this; avoiding intense caffeine intake, not consuming fatty and spicy foods, limiting the consumption of acidic fruits such as tomatoes, grapes, pomegranates, etc., can reduce the complaint of heartburn. Diarrhea is generally not among the symptoms. Diarrhea is among the symptoms of gastroenteritis developing as a result of viral infections such as stomach flu.

If you are experiencing symptoms of gastritis, it is important to consult a specialist doctor without wasting time. The physicians of Hisar Hospital Gastroenterology Department offer you the most appropriate solutions in the diagnosis and treatment of gastritis and other stomach diseases. To get more information or make an appointment, you can visit our Make an Appointment or Contact page.