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Gastritis is a condition in which the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed, irritated, or eroded. This protective lining, called the mucosa, normally shields the stomach from strong digestive acids and enzymes. When it is weakened or damaged, stomach acid can irritate the stomach wall, leading to inflammation. Gastritis can be short-term (acute) or long-lasting (chronic) and may range from mild irritation to severe inflammation, erosion, or ulcers. It can interfere with normal stomach function and may cause symptoms such as stomach pain, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and, in rare cases, bleeding.
Gastritis does not always cause noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
⦁ Nausea Or Vomiting.
⦁ Loss Of Appetite.
⦁ Bloating Or Stomach Discomfort.
⦁ Heartburn.
⦁ Nausea Or Vomiting.
⦁ Upper Abdominal Pain Or Burning Sensation.
⦁ Indigestion Or Feeling Of Fullness After Eating.
⦁ Bloating And A Feeling Of Fullness.
Gastritis can take different forms based on its cause, duration, and the severity of stomach lining inflammation.
Acute Gastritis:
Acute gastritis is a sudden inflammation of the stomach lining, often causing sharp upper abdominal pain. It is typically triggered by short-term irritants such as NSAIDs, alcohol, stress, or infections, and usually improves once the cause is treated.
Chronic Gastritis:
Chronic gastritis is a long-lasting inflammation of the stomach lining that develops gradually. It is commonly associated with Helicobacter pylori infection or autoimmune conditions and can lead to ulcers or, in rare cases, stomach cancer.
Erosive Gastritis:
Erosive gastritis is characterized by the erosion or wearing away of the stomach lining, which may cause bleeding. It is often caused by prolonged NSAID use, alcohol consumption, severe stress, or infections.
Atrophic Gastritis:
Atrophic gastritis is a chronic condition where the stomach lining thins and loses function, leading to reduced acid and enzyme production. It can affect digestion, nutrient absorption, and may increase the risk of stomach cancer.
The stomach’s protective lining can become inflamed or damaged due to several common causes, including:
Long-Term Use Of NSAIDs: Pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin can irritate or damage the stomach lining over time.
Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) Infection: H. pylori bacteria live in the stomach lining and weaken its protective mucus, allowing acid to irritate the stomach wall. Often unnoticed for years, this infection can cause chronic inflammation, ulcers, and, in some cases, more serious complications.
Lack Of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle slows metabolism, making fat buildup more likely.
Rapid Weight Loss Or Malnutrition: Losing weight too quickly can release fat into the liver.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can erode and inflame the stomach lining, increasing the risk of gastritis.
Stress: Severe physical or emotional stress can contribute to inflammation of the stomach lining.
Autoimmune Conditions: In some cases, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach lining, leading to chronic inflammation and damage over time.
Other Infections Or Irritants: Certain viruses, bacteria, or even irritating foods can trigger inflammation in the stomach lining, contributing to gastritis in some people.
Diagnosing gastritis requires reviewing symptoms and medical history and performing tests to confirm stomach lining inflammation. The following tests are used to confirm gastritis:
Factors that increase your risk of gastritis include:
Older Age: Adults over age 60 are more likely to develop gastritis because the stomach lining naturally thins with age and protective defenses weaken.
Severe Stress: Major physical stress from surgery, serious injury, burns, or severe infections can disrupt blood flow to the stomach and trigger gastritis.
Excessive Alcohol Use: Heavy drinking irritates and wears down the stomach lining, making it more susceptible to inflammation
Regular Use Of NSAIDs: Frequent use of pain relievers such as ibuprofen or aspirin can damage the stomach’s protective lining and raise the chance of gastritis.
Helicobacter Pylori Infection: A common bacterial infection that can weaken and inflame the stomach lining, increasing the risk of gastritis.
Cancer Treatments: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can irritate the stomach lining and increase gastritis risk.
Autoimmune Disorders: When the immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach lining, it can lead to chronic gastritis. This is more common in people with other autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes or Hashimoto’s disease.
Other Medical Conditions: Conditions such as HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, sarcoidosis, and parasitic infections may be associated with a higher likelihood of gastritis.
Treatment of gastritis depends on the specific cause. Common Treatments Include:
Antacids: Antacids neutralize existing stomach acid, providing quick, temporary relief from burning or discomfort. They do not treat the underlying inflammation but can ease occasional symptoms.
Vitamin B12 Injections: In chronic or autoimmune gastritis, the stomach may not absorb nutrients properly. If vitamin B12 deficiency occurs, injections can restore healthy levels and prevent complications like anemia.
Changing Or Stopping Certain Medications: Medicines like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen or aspirin) can irritate the stomach lining. Doctors may recommend stopping them or switching to alternatives that are gentler on the stomach.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces, giving the lining time to heal. They are usually prescribed for several weeks and help both with symptom relief and long-term healing.
H2-Receptor Blockers: These medicines also lower stomach acid but are generally milder than PPIs. They may be used for mild symptoms or when PPIs are not suitable.
Antibiotics for Helicobacter Pylori: If a bacterial infection (H. pylori) is found, a course of antibiotics is prescribed to eliminate the bacteria. This is usually combined with acid-suppressing medication to help the stomach heal and prevent the infection from returning.
Follow-Up Care And Monitoring: Doctors may schedule follow-ups to ensure treatment is working, particularly after H. pylori therapy. Persistent symptoms might require additional tests, such as repeat endoscopy or blood tests.
Protect Your Liver: Avoid alcohol and substances that can harm the liver. Take medications exactly as prescribed, and check with your doctor before using herbal supplements or over-the-counter drugs.
Medical Treatment: If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medical treatments may be needed. Doctors may prescribe medications to manage diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure; recommend vitamin E for certain cases; or consider new drugs under study for liver inflammation. In rare, severe cases where fatty liver leads to cirrhosis and liver failure, a liver transplant may be necessary.
