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What is Gastritis?

A Kaminsky
A Kaminsky

Gastritis, at its most basic, is a stomachache. Specifically, gastritis means the stomach's lining is inflamed. Gas and diarrhea may accompany gastritis, depending on the cause.

Most people have experienced this condition at one point or another in their lives. The causes can be bacterial, viral, fungal, from anti-inflammatory medications, autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, or even caused by cigarette smoke.

Many people experiencing this condition self-medicate first, and if the cause is transitory, antacids and the like may be effective. However, for chronic gastritis, a person needs to see a physician.

An illustration of a human stomach, including the stomach lining, which becomes inflamed in those with gastritis.
An illustration of a human stomach, including the stomach lining, which becomes inflamed in those with gastritis.

The doctor will usually take a complete medical history first, and prescribe a proton pump inhibitor medication, to see if less acid in the stomach will take care of the problem. The physician will probably also prescribe a bland diet low in fat and acid. If the symptoms do not resolve, the doctor will often order an upper GI panel to determine if the patient has an ulcer causing the symptoms, and will treat the patient accordingly.

Cigarette smoke can cause gastritis.
Cigarette smoke can cause gastritis.

If the patient does not have an ulcer, the doctor may then test for the presence of H. pylori and other Helicobacter species. If these bacteria are present, the doctor will then prescribe antibiotics and keep the patient on the proton pump inhibitor, until the symptoms have resolved, and the patient no longer tests positive for H. pylori.

Chronic gastritis should be taken as a symptom of an underlying cause. The chronic presence of H. pylori is known to contribute to stomach cancer, and a peptic ulcer left untreated can also turn malignant.

Rice contains little acid and is a good food for gastritis sufferers.
Rice contains little acid and is a good food for gastritis sufferers.

The goal of treatment is to reduce the symptoms, and promote healing of the stomach lining, especially from H. pylori. Most people are able to achieve relief with an initial proton pump inhibitor medication, and thereafter with over the counter antacids such as Maalox® or Mylanta®.

Gastritis is rarely fatal, but can mask other diseases such as acute coronary syndrome or aortic aneurysm rupture. Because of this, a person should always see a doctor when symptoms do not abate.

Discussion Comments

Ruggercat68

@pollick, I'm glad you found something that worked for your gastritis. I wish it were that easy for me. I didn't think my diet was all that bad, but apparently I was eating too much of something my stomach just couldn't handle. My doctor finally put me on prescription strength acid reduction pills, but they almost worked too well. My stomach stopped producing acid altogether and my gastritis got even worse for a while.

The doctor found another medication that wasn't so harsh, so now I'm going weeks without any major stomach pain.

pollick

When I was younger, I worked at a buffet and could eat as much food as I wanted twice a day. About every other day, I'd get a horrible case of gastritis. I couldn't sleep because of the pain, and most over-the-counter medications didn't work.

I finally decided it was time to make some changes in my diet, and it was amazing how quickly my stomach stopped hurting. I can't remember the last time I woke up in pain. So if you're constantly suffering from gastritis, you might want to take a second look at your eating habits. I cut out a lot of fried foods and carbonated beverages, then started eating more baked fish and fresh vegetables.

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    • An illustration of a human stomach, including the stomach lining, which becomes inflamed in those with gastritis.
      By: pixologic
      An illustration of a human stomach, including the stomach lining, which becomes inflamed in those with gastritis.
    • Cigarette smoke can cause gastritis.
      By: Mr Korn Flakes
      Cigarette smoke can cause gastritis.
    • Rice contains little acid and is a good food for gastritis sufferers.
      By: womue
      Rice contains little acid and is a good food for gastritis sufferers.
    • Patients who need an upper GI panel will typically be asked to drink a bottle of barium sulfate before the imaging tests.
      By: Rob Byron
      Patients who need an upper GI panel will typically be asked to drink a bottle of barium sulfate before the imaging tests.
    • Although gastritis is rarely fatal, it can mask other serious diseases.
      By: bruno135_406
      Although gastritis is rarely fatal, it can mask other serious diseases.
    • Stomach ulcers can sometimes be the cause of gastritis.
      By: decade3d
      Stomach ulcers can sometimes be the cause of gastritis.