Gastritis Symptoms: Stomach Lining Inflammation, Causes and Care

What it involves

MedlinePlus explains that gastritis occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed or swollen. It can last only a short time, which is acute gastritis, or linger for months to years, which is chronic gastritis. Many people with gastritis have no symptoms at all, which is one reason it is often found only when a provider looks for the cause of other complaints.

Who this is for

• Adults with upper belly pain, nausea or poor appetite that has lasted more than a few days.
• Patients who take aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen often and notice stomach upset.
• People who drink alcohol regularly and have a sore or burning stomach.
• Anyone told they have a stomach infection called H. pylori who wants follow-up care.

What to expect

• Questions about where the pain is, what you eat and drink, and every medicine you take, including over-the-counter pain relievers
• An exam of the belly, with blood pressure and heart rate checked for signs of blood loss
• Blood work, including a complete blood count to look for anemia, and stool or breath testing for H. pylori when it makes sense
• A plan that may include changing a medicine, an acid-lowering treatment, or a referral for an endoscopy

What gastritis can feel like

MedlinePlus lists loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and pain in the upper part of the belly as the symptoms people notice, while noting that many have none. Because those complaints overlap with several other digestive problems, a provider works through the list rather than guessing. The indigestion and upper belly discomfort guide covers the wider set of causes, and the chronic nausea guide explains what a provider asks when queasiness will not settle. Burning behind the breastbone after meals may point to reflux from a hiatal hernia instead, which the hiatal hernia guide describes, so mention where you feel the burning at your visit.

The three most common causes

According to MedlinePlus, the most common causes are certain pain medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, heavy alcohol drinking, and infection of the stomach with a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. Less common causes include autoimmune disorders such as pernicious anemia, bile backing up into the stomach, cocaine use, swallowing a corrosive substance, and some viral infections in people with weak immune systems. A severe sudden illness or major surgery can also trigger it. The alcohol use screening guide explains how drinking is discussed at a visit.

Why your medicine list matters

Pain relievers are an easy cause to miss because they are sold without a prescription and taken for joint, back or head pain. MedlinePlus says treatment may include stopping the aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen that is irritating the stomach, and it adds that you should always talk to your provider before stopping any medicine. Bring every bottle, including supplements, to the visit. People who take these medicines for osteoarthritis or headaches can work with a provider on options.

Signs that mean bleeding

MedlinePlus says gastritis that is bleeding can cause black stools or vomiting of blood or coffee-ground-like material, and it lists both as reasons to contact a provider. Treat them as urgent: go to an emergency room or call 911 rather than waiting for a routine slot. Slow bleeding can also lead to anemia without any dramatic sign, which is why the blood in stool guide and the anemia guide are worth reading if you feel unusually tired. The sick visit, urgent care or ER guide can help you choose where to go.

How a provider looks for the cause

The encyclopedia lists a complete blood count to check for anemia, a breath or stool test for H. pylori, a stool test for small amounts of blood, and an endoscopy with a biopsy of the stomach lining. Serenity By A Dr. Sareen lists blood work among its services, and the complete blood count guide explains what that test shows. Endoscopy is arranged by referral to a specialist, usually when symptoms are severe, keep returning, or come with warning signs.

Treatment and what to expect afterward

Treatment depends on the cause, and MedlinePlus notes that some causes go away over time. Acid-lowering medicines, including antacids, H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors, can ease symptoms, and antibiotics are taken together with an acid blocker when H. pylori is the cause. The outlook is often very good, but untreated gastritis can lead to blood loss and a higher risk of stomach cancer, so follow-up matters. A related problem with sores in the stomach lining is covered in the peptic ulcer guide.

Sources

• MedlinePlus: Gastritis (medical encyclopedia)
• MedlinePlus: Stomach Disorders (health topic)