Gastritis | EndoUnit

Section Contents View

What is gastritis?

Gastritis (often referred to as dyspepsia) is an inflammation (swelling and irritation) of the stomach lining. It can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic). Chronic gastritis occurs in two out of 10,000 people, while acute gastritis is more common, occurring in eight out of 1,000 individuals.

What are the symptoms of gastritis?

Symptoms of gastritis vary among individuals, and many people may not have symptoms at all. The most common symptoms include:

Nausea
Abdominal bloating
Vomiting
Dyspepsia
Hiccups
Loss of appetite
Vomiting blood or material that looks like ground coffee
Black, tarry stools

Atrophic Gastritis

Should I get a blood test for certain vitamin and mineral levels if I have gastritis?

If you have a gastrointestinal disease that leads to significant malabsorption (poor absorption of vitamins and nutrients from the intestine), your doctor may measure certain vitamin levels in your blood. Atrophic gastritis, for example, is a condition that specifically leads to malabsorption of vitamin B12. This vitamin can be measured in your blood. If routine laboratory tests (including a complete blood count and biochemical tests) are normal, there is no need to measure vitamin or mineral levels in your blood.

If anemia is found and your doctor believes it results from a deficiency in nutrients, they may measure the level of iron in your blood. Iron is the only component for which blood levels are related to the total amount of stored iron in your body.

Book an appointment

CONTACT HERE

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 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It can also be caused by any of the following:

Helicobacter pylori

A bacterium that lives in the lining of the stomach. Without treatment, the infection can lead to ulcers and, rarely, stomach cancer.

Pernicious anemia

A form of anemia that occurs when the stomach lacks a natural substance necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12.

Bile reflux

The return of bile (a fluid secreted by the liver that aids digestion) 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 rare cases, increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.

Diagnosis of Gastritis

Your doctor will review your personal and family medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. They may recommend some of the following tests to diagnose gastritis:

Endoscopy

The doctor inserts an endoscope, a thin tube containing a small camera, through your mouth into your stomach to view the stomach lining. The doctor will check for inflammation and may take a biopsy, a procedure in which a tiny sample of tissue is removed and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Blood test

The doctor may check your red blood cells to determine if you have anemia, which means you do not have enough red blood cells.

Stool test

This test checks for blood in your stools, which may be a sign of gastritis.

Book an Appointment

CONTACT HERE

What is the treatment for gastritis?

Treatment for gastritis usually involves taking antacids and other medications to reduce stomach acid. These medications will help relieve symptoms and promote healing. Avoiding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is also recommended.

For gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Once the underlying issue is resolved, the gastritis will subside. You should talk to your doctor before stopping any medication or starting any treatment for gastritis.