Definition Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach.
What is going on in the body? Gastritis occurs when the normal protective mechanisms in the stomach are overwhelmed and damage occurs to the stomach lining. The lining of the stomach becomes irritated and inflamed. Gastritis may occur suddenly, which is called acute gastritis, or develop gradually over a long period of time, which is called chronic gastritis.
What are the signs and symptoms of the disease? The signs and symptoms of gastritis may include:
a gnawing or burning pain in the stomach or upper abdomen
black, tarry stools due to bleeding from the stomach
What are the causes and risks of the disease? Possible causes of gastritis include:
infection with a bacteria called H. pylori
a viral infection
irritation caused by medications, such as antibiotics, aspirin or non-steroidal inflammatory drugs called NSAIDs
too much acid produced by the stomach
bile flowing back into the stomach from the gallbladder
ingestion of caustic or corrosive materials
severe trauma or illness
autoimmune disorders, which are conditions in which the immune system may attack the stomach for unknown reasons
frequent ingestion of irritating foods, such alcohol
smoking
stress
What can be done to prevent the disease? Prevention of gastritis depends upon the specific cause of the inflammation. Some ways to prevent gastritis are:
eating and drinking in moderation
avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and irritating foods such as spicy, or highly seasoned foods
avoiding aspirin or non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
taking medications such as a histamine type 2-receptor blocker, such as ranitidine or cimetidine, to reduce acid secretion
stopping smoking
limiting stress
How is the disease diagnosed? Doctors use several methods to diagnose and classify different kinds of gastritis. These include:
doing a physical examination and asking about symptoms of gastritis
checking the appearance of the stomach lining with an endoscope, a camera on a long, thin tube that goes down through the mouth and into the stomach
checking the appearance of the stomach lining with tests such as an upper GI and small bowel series. This is usually done after the person swallows a liquid called barium. The barium helps to visualise any inflammation or other problems in the stomach on the X-ray.
doing a biopsy, which means taking a sample of tissue from the stomach lining for examination under a microscope
If the bacteria H. pylori is suspected, a blood test, breath test, or biopsy may be done to see if it is present in the body.
What are the long-term effects of the disease? Depending on the cause of the gastritis, the long-term effects may vary. Untreated gastritis may lead to ulcers. Ulcers may cause severe and even life-threatening bleeding if not treated. Some forms of chronic or long-term gastritis are thought to increase the risk of stomach cancer. It is important that the cause of gastritis be identified and the appropriate treatment given to prevent these complications.
What are the risks to others? Viral and bacterial gastritis may be contagious. The other forms of gastritis generally pose no risk to others.
What are the treatments for the disease? The goals of treatment are to relieve the symptoms and treat the underlying cause. This can be accomplished by:
antibiotics if H. pylori is thought to be the cause
antacids to decrease or neutralise the gastric acid
medications such as cimetidine or omeprazole if the antacids are not effective
changes in lifestyle, such as avoiding spicy food, not smoking and limiting alcohol
surgery, if more conservative treatments are not effective
What are the side effects of the treatments? Side effects of the medication may include:
dizziness
fatigue
rash
diarrhoea
What happens after treatment for the disease? Gastritis is often curable if the cause can be eliminated. People who have had gastritis should eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce acid secretion, and avoid hot or spicy food. They should seek medical care if they vomit blood, notice dark black stool, or have severe pain. If treatment is effective, persons are generally free to return to their normal activities.
How is the disease monitored? Gastritis is monitored by regular visits to the doctor and monitoring for a return of the gastritis symptoms.
Author: David J. Craner, MD Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
