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Gastritis

Definition

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. Gastritis can be defined as:
  • Acute—comes on suddenly and lasts for a short time
  • Chronic—either long lasting or recurrent
Gastritis can be erosive. Erosive gastritis can wear away the lining of the stomach. It may also cause ulcers and bleeding.

Causes

Causes of acute gastritis include:
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin
  • Steroid medications
  • Alcohol use
  • Smoking
  • Severe stress from sepsis, burns, or injury
Causes of chronic gastritis include:
  • Bacterial infection, such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
  • Viral infection
  • Fungal infection
  • NSAID use
  • Alcohol use
  • Reflux of bile into the stomach
  • Autoimmune diseases such as Crohns disease, or sarcoidosis
  • Pernicious anemia, a cause of autoimmune gastritis
  • Radiation treatment
  • Swallowing caustic substances

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chance of acute gastritis include:
  • NSAID use
  • Alcohol use
  • Head injury
  • Surgery
  • Respiratory failure
  • Kidney failure
  • Liver failure
Factors that increase your chance of getting chronic gastritis include:
  • H. pylori infection
  • NSAID use
  • Alcohol use

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:
  • Abdominal burning and pain
  • Indigestion
  • Acid reflux, when stomach acid comes up the esophagus
  • Burping
  • Bloating
  • Loss of appetite
  • Feeling full
  • Nausea and vomiting
If the gastritis is causing bleeding, you may notice:
  • Bloody or black vomit
  • Bloody or dark black, tarry stools

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests may include:
  • Upper GI series—a series of x-rays of the upper digestive system taken after drinking a barium solution
  • Endoscopy—a thin, lighted tube inserted down the throat and into the stomach to examine the inside of the stomach
  • Biopsy
  • Blood, breath, or stool tests—to check for infection with the bacteria H. pylori
Upper GI Endoscopy
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Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Options may include:

Medications

Medications for gastritis help relieve symptoms and help heal the stomach lining. Medications are available over-the-counter or by prescription. Your doctor may recommend:
  • Antacids
  • H-2 blockers
  • Proton pump inhibitors
  • Antibiotics if an infection is present or possible
Treatment may also include stopping or changing NSAIDs or other medications that may be causing the irritation.
If you are diagnosed with gastritis, follow your doctor's instructions.

Prevention

To reduce your chance of getting gastritis from NSAIDs:
  • Use other drugs when possible for managing pain.
  • Take the lowest possible dose.
  • Don't take drugs longer than needed.
  • Don't drink alcohol while taking the drugs.
To reduce your chance of getting H. pylori infection:
  • Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food.
  • Drink water from a safe source.
If you smoke, quit. Avoid alcohol.

RESOURCES

The American Gastroenterological Association http://www.gastro.org

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders http://niddk.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES

The Canadian Association of Gastroenterology http://www.cag-acg.org

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

References

Acute gastritis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated March 18, 2013. Accessed May 1, 2013.

Chronic gastritis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated June 6, 2012. Accessed May 1, 2013.

Gastritis. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gastritis. Updated April 23, 2012. Accessed May 1, 2013.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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