What is gastritis?
Also called dyspepsia, gastritis is an inflammation of the
lining of the stomach. It can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually
(chronic). Chronic gastritis occurs in two out of every 10,000
people, whereas acute gastritis is more common, occurring in eight
out of every 1,000 people.
What causes gastritis?
Gastritis can be caused by irritation due to excessive alcohol
use, chronic vomiting, stress, or the use of certain medications,
such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs. It may also be caused
by any of the following:
- Helicobacter Pylori: A bacteria that lives in
the mucous lining of the stomach. Without treatment, the infection
can lead to ulcers and, in some people, stomach cancer.
- Pernicious anemia: A form of anemia that
occurs when the stomach lacks a naturally occurring substance
needed to properly absorb and digest vitamin B12.
- Bile reflux: A backflow of bile into the
stomach.
- Infections caused by bacteria and viruses
- Autoimmune disorders
If gastritis is left untreated, it can lead to severe blood loss
or, in some cases, increase the risk of developing stomach
cancer.
What are the symptoms of gastritis?
Symptoms of gastritis vary among individuals, and in many people
there are no symptoms. However, the most common symptoms
include:
- Nausea
- Abdominal bloating
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Hiccups
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
- Black, tarry stool
How is gastritis diagnosed?
After reviewing your personal and your family's medical
history as well as performing a thorough physical evaluation, your
doctor may recommend any of the following tests to diagnose
gastritis:
- Endoscopy. The doctor eases a endoscope, a
thin tube containing a tiny camera, through your mouth and down
into your stomach to look at the stomach lining. The doctor will
check for inflammation and may perform a biopsy, a procedure in
which a tiny sample of tissue is removed and then sent to the
laboratory for analysis.
- Blood test. The doctor may check your red
blood cell count to determine whether you have anemia, which means
that you do not have enough red blood cells.
- Stool test. This test checks for the presence
of blood in your stool, a sign of gastritis.
How is gastritis treated?
Treatment for gastritis usually involves taking antacids and
other drugs to reduce stomach acid, which causes further irritation
to inflamed areas. These medications will help relieve symptoms and
promote healing. Your doctor will also recommend that you avoid
foods and beverages that aggravate symptoms (such as hot or spicy
foods).
For gastritis caused by infections, your doctor will prescribe
antibiotics. Once the underlying problem disappears, the gastritis
usually does, too. You should talk to your doctor before stopping
any medicine or starting any gastritis treatment on your own.
What is the prognosis for gastritis?
Most cases of gastritis improve quickly once treatment has been
started.