Gastritis (stomach inflammation)

Abdomen | Gastroenterology | Gastritis (stomach inflammation) (Disease)


Description

A person with gastritis has inflammation of the lining to the stomach. The most common symptom of gastritis is burning pain in the upper abdomen that is worse when the stomach is empty.

Some forms, including chronic atrophic gastritis, have been associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer. Treatment options include avoiding exposure to known irritants and taking medication to reduce the amount of gastric juices.

Many people with gastritis experience no symptoms at all. However, upper central abdominal pain is the most common symptom; the pain may be dull, vague, burning, aching, gnawing, sore, or sharp. Pain is usually located in the upper central portion of the abdomen, but it may occur anywhere from the upper left portion of the abdomen around to the back.

Other signs and symptoms may include:

(1) Nausea

(2) Vomiting (if present, may be clear, green or yellow, blood-streaked, or completely bloody, depending on the severity of the stomach inflammation)

(3) Belching (if present, usually does not relieve the pain much)

(4) Bloating

(5) Feeling full after only a few bites of food

(6) Loss of appetite

(7) Unexplained weight loss.

Causes and Risk factors

Common causes of gastritis include direct irritation of the stomach lining by alcohol, caffeine, and medications. Severe gastritis can result in the formation of a stomach ulcer.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Treatment for gastritis includes avoidance of substances that can irritate the stomach such as aspirin, alcohol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.

Other measures include eating small meals more frequently, acid blockers, antacids, antibiotics, and proton pump inhibitors. ...