Gastritis is a condition that affects the inner lining of the stomach (mucosa), causing inflammation. It is a common change that can affect people of all ages and have various causes.
Continue reading and learn everything about this health problem, including its symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and prevention.
What is gastritis?
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach mucosa, which can be acute or chronic. Acute gastritis is a temporary condition most commonly caused by factors such as bacterial infections, prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or excessive alcohol intake.
Chronic gastritis, on the other hand, is a long-term condition caused by various factors, mainly chronic infection by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, but also by autoimmune disease or bile reflux.
Acute or chronic gastritis can manifest in the mucosa as reddened and inflamed areas along the stomach, called enanthematous gastritis, or appear as sores in the mucosa, called erosions, in this case being the gastritis called erosive.
Finally, gastritis can also be classified by the location where they appear, called antral gastritis (affect the part closest to the stomach exit), body gastritis (affect the area closest to the stomach entrance) or pangastritis, when they affect the entire stomach.
What are the symptoms of gastritis?
There are several symptoms, which can be mild or severe, that indicate the presence of gastritis. They vary from person to person, including asymptomatic people.
The most common symptoms of gastritis include abdominal pain or discomfort, which can be mild or strong, usually in the upper abdomen. This pain can be described as a burning sensation, pressure or tightness in the stomach or hunger, and may worsen after eating or during the night.
Other common symptoms of gastritis include nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, feeling of fullness (“full stomach”) after a small meal, indigestion, and heartburn.
These disease indicators can be triggered by spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, or other irritating foods.
In more severe cases, gastritis can lead to stomach ulcers or bleeding. Symptoms of stomach ulcers may include severe abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea and vomiting with blood or dark stools.
It is important to note that these symptoms are also caused by other gastrointestinal conditions, such as acid reflux, peptic ulcers, or gastric cancer. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a specialist if you are experiencing any of these symptoms to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
How can gastritis be diagnosed?
The diagnosis of gastritis usually involves a complete medical evaluation, including medical history and physical examination.
The doctor may perform additional tests, including upper digestive endoscopy, in which a flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the mouth and descends to the stomach to examine the lining of this region, diagnosing gastritis or other changes, and also, doing the research for stomach infection by the bacterium H. Pylori.
Risk factors for gastritis
The main risk factors for gastritis include:
Infection by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori
The bacterium Helicobacter pylori is one of the main causes of gastritis. Infection with this bacterium is very common and can be transmitted mainly in childhood, from person to person, through contaminated food or water.
Prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs are common drugs used to treat pain and inflammation. Prolonged use of these drugs can alter the stomach mucosa, causing gastritis.
Excessive consumption of alcohol and/or smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption, as well as smoking, can damage the stomach mucosa, leading to gastritis.
Emotional stress
Emotional changes and long periods of stress can affect the digestive system, increasing the risk of gastritis.
Autoimmune disease
Some autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and celiac disease, increase the risk of gastritis.
Bile reflux
Bile reflux occurs when bile acids return from the small intestine to the stomach, causing inflammation of the stomach mucosa.
Advanced age
As we age, the stomach mucosa becomes more susceptible to damage, increasing the risk of gastritis.
It is important to note that not all people who have these risk factors will develop gastritis.
However, if you have one or more of these risk factors and are experiencing symptoms of the disease, it is important to urgently consult a specialist doctor.
Treatment and prevention of gastritis
The treatment of gastritis depends on the underlying cause of the condition. If gastritis is caused by infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, treatment may involve the use of antibiotics, in addition to medications to reduce stomach acidity.
When it is caused by prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the doctor may prescribe alternative medications to control pain and inflammation.
In general, the treatment of gastritis may involve lifestyle changes, including:
- Avoiding foods that irritate the stomach, such as spicy and acidic foods;
- Avoiding alcohol and tobacco consumption;
- Avoiding high-fat foods;
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals;
- Taking medications to reduce stomach acidity, such as antacids or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as per medical guidance;
- Having regular medical follow-up and seeking a professional if the described signs are present.
The prevention of gastritis involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being aware of risk factors, such as those listed in this post.
This includes avoiding excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and, if possible, not consuming alcohol and tobacco, in addition to managing stress, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, practicing physical activities, and drinking plenty of water. In short, these are care that everyone should take.
If you have had gastritis before, it may be helpful not to consume foods that have made you sick, in addition to regularly monitoring your symptoms to detect possible early recurrences. It is also important to have frequent exams to avoid other stomach problems.
Conclusion
Gastritis is a condition more common than you think. Because it affects the lining of the stomach, often people do not seek the doctor if the symptoms are mild, such as heartburn.
However, upon noticing any sign of the disease, such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, feeling of fullness after a small meal, indigestion, and heartburn, seek the help of a professional. Only then will you have more quality of life and health.
Doutor em Gastroenterologia pela FM-USP.
Especialista em Cirurgia do Aparelho Digestivo (HCFMUSP), Endoscopia Digestiva (SOBED) e Gastroenterologia (FBG).
Professor do curso de Medicina da Fundação Educacional do Município de Assis - FEMA.
Médico da clínica Gastrosaúde de Marília.