What is Gastritis? Symptoms and Treatment of Gastritis

Gastritis is the inflammation of the mucosal lining of the stomach. Although this condition, common among many people, may not initially show symptoms, it can lead to symptoms like stomach pain and bloating as it progresses. Treatment methods vary depending on the cause, and if left untreated, gastritis can lead to other diseases and side effects.

What is Gastritis?

Gastritis is one of the digestive system diseases known as the inflammation of the mucosal lining in the stomach. This lining in the stomach protects it from acids and foreign microorganisms. When the immune system detects a threat in this lining, it triggers inflammation to eliminate the threat and promote healing, resulting in gastritis.

Types of Gastritis

Gastritis can be classified based on how it develops and presents itself. Depending on its development, it is categorized as acute or chronic, and depending on its presentation, it is categorized as erosive or non-erosive gastritis.

• Acute gastritis: This type of gastritis develops suddenly but is temporary. The triggers causing acute gastritis are also temporary. For example, stress can be a trigger. When stress decreases or is eliminated, the symptoms of this type will also decrease.
• Chronic gastritis: This form develops over a long period, and symptoms may not be noticeable until they manifest. It can also arise as a result of other chronic health conditions.
• Erosive gastritis: This type occurs when the factor causing gastritis erodes the stomach lining, leading to ulcers. It may happen due to excessive acid production.
• Non-erosive gastritis: This type does not have an erosive effect but may lead to irritation (redness) of the lining. A specific form of non-erosive gastritis is atrophic gastritis, where the stomach lining undergoes atrophy (thinning).

Symptoms of Gastritis

Gastritis may not initially show symptoms, but as it progresses and the stomach lining loses its defensive capabilities, severe and prolonged symptoms can appear. Common symptoms of gastritis include:

• Stomach pain
• Bloating
• Heartburn
• Feeling full quickly
• Loss of appetite
• Burping
• Hiccups

The stomach pain caused by gastritis typically occurs in the upper and central abdomen. Since the pain can radiate, it may sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the exact area, but if there is ulceration, the pain may be sharper and more localized. A burning sensation may also accompany the pain. If there is an ulcer that is bleeding, additional symptoms may include black stools or vomiting blood. If you experience these symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

Causes of Gastritis

Gastritis essentially occurs when the immune system perceives the stomach lining as a threat and attacks that area. This response is triggered by certain causes that prompt the immune system to recognize it as a threat and send inflammatory cells to the lining. Several factors can lead to the stomach lining being perceived as a threat:

• Autoimmune disorders: Autoimmune diseases can cause chronic inflammation. Examples of such conditions include type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, and Addison's disease.
• Chemicals: Some medications can lead to gastritis. Depending on the amount and frequency of consumption, chemicals can cause acute or chronic gastritis. It is commonly caused by excessive use of painkillers, antipyretics, and anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Trauma: Trauma in the body can lead the brain to divert blood flow away from the digestive system to vital organs. This reduces the stomach lining's defense capabilities and leaves it vulnerable to chemicals. Surgical procedures or other forms of trauma can lead to sudden gastritis.
• Infection: This is the most common cause of gastritis. Bacterial and viral infections can cause acute gastritis, while infections caused by H. pylori can lead to chronic gastritis. The H. pylori bacterium can also lead to peptic ulcer disease. Although rare, fungi and parasites can also cause gastritis.

In addition to these causes, factors such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, food allergies, celiac disease, and bile reflux disease are also among the potential causes of gastritis.

How is Gastritis Diagnosed?

When you visit the hospital, after listening to your symptoms, your doctor may request certain tests to confirm the diagnosis. These may include a blood test, stool test, upper GI (gastrointestinal) endoscopy and imaging, or a breath test. The blood test can identify possible causes, while the stool test checks for the presence of the H. pylori bacteria and possible bleeding in the stomach. Another test to detect H. pylori is the breath test. In this test, the patient swallows a capsule, then exhales into a container after a specific period. If carbon is detected in the container, the presence of the bacteria is confirmed. During an upper GI endoscopy, a camera-equipped tube is inserted through the mouth down to the stomach to examine the area, and a small tissue sample may be taken. The images are displayed on a screen before the sample is collected, which helps identify erosion and ulcers in the stomach lining. If endoscopy and imaging are unnecessary, treatment can begin with other tests.

How is Gastritis Treated?

To treat gastritis effectively, it’s essential first to understand its cause. If it is due to certain medications, stopping these substances can alleviate symptoms. If H. pylori bacteria are present, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria, which may require 1-2 weeks of treatment. After medication, tests may be repeated to confirm the bacteria’s absence. If there’s excess acid production, you may also need medications that inhibit acid production. Reduced acid helps relieve pain and allows the stomach lining to heal. There are also medications that neutralize stomach acid, which help alleviate pain but don’t directly cure the condition.

What Happens If Gastritis is Left Untreated?

If gastritis goes untreated, it can lead to serious side effects and conditions. When the stomach lining thins, the risk of developing stomach cancer increases. Additionally, complications such as anemia, vitamin B12 and D deficiencies, stomach bleeding, zinc and calcium deficiencies, stomach perforation, peptic ulcer, and MALT lymphoma may arise. To avoid these side effects and maintain good health, treatment should be completed without delay.

How to Prevent Gastritis?

Gastritis cannot be completely prevented, but small lifestyle changes can reduce the likelihood of its development. To decrease the risk of gastritis:

• Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently to reduce the risk of H. pylori infection.
• Stress Relief: Day-to-day or long-term stress can be traumatic for the body, reducing blood flow to the digestive system. Try stress-relief methods like meditation and exercise, which help reduce stress.
• Avoid Harmful Substances: Reducing or avoiding harmful substances can prevent gastritis.
• Diet: Eating smaller portions, consuming meals slowly and on a regular schedule can aid digestion. Avoiding spicy, acidic, and fried foods may also be beneficial.

If you suspect that you may have gastritis or other digestive issues, consider scheduling an appointment with the gastroenterology department at a healthcare facility for an examination.