Gastritis and
Left untreated, gastritis may lead to stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding. Rarely, some forms of chronic gastritis may increase your risk of stomach cancer, especially if you have extensive thinning of the stomach lining and changes in the lining's cells.
Gastritis is inflammation (irritation) of the stomach lining. This may be caused by many factors including infection, alcohol, particular medications and some allergic and immune conditions. Gastritis can be either acute (with severe attacks lasting a day or two) or chronic (with long-term appetite loss or nausea).
Gastritis is when your stomach lining gets red and swollen (inflamed). Your stomach lining is strong. In most cases, acid does not hurt it. But it can get inflamed and irritated if you drink too much alcohol, have damage from pain relievers called NSAIDs, or smoke.
Gastritis can sometimes lead to pain, nausea and vomiting. But it often has no symptoms at all. If left untreated, though, some types of gastritis can lead to ulcers (sores in the stomach lining) or even stomach cancer.
It also can lead to a widespread inflammation called sepsis. Sepsis can be fatal. Stomach cancer: Gastritis caused by H. pylori and autoimmune disease can cause growths in the stomach lining. These growths increase your risk of stomach cancer.
Complications of acute gastritis include the following: Bleeding from an erosion or ulcer. Gastric outlet obstruction due to edema limiting an adequate transfer of food from the stomach to the small intestine. Dehydration from vomiting.
Frequent upset stomach or diarrhoea
The sensation of uneasiness or discomfort and chronic diarrhoea are amongst the first and major signs of gastritis. Black or tarry bowel movements are usually caused by erosive gastritis.
Lingering gastritis
If you experience persistent symptoms of gastritis that don't go away despite the absence of NSAIDs, alcohol, stress, and radiation, then you most likely have a serious infection in your stomach or a severely damaged gastric mucosa.
In Gastritis, feeling faint is accompanied with nausea, burning in stomach and tiredness.
If you are diagnosed with chronic gastritis, its symptoms can be eased with lifestyle changes: relaxation techniques, avoiding NSAID painkillers and alcohol, not smoking, eating smaller portions more frequently instead of a big meal, and cutting down on known irritants in your diet such as fried, spicy or acidic foods.
Typically, people report a sharp, stabbing, or burning pain in the upper-center or upper-left abdomen. The pain often radiates to the back. Other common symptoms include bloating and nausea.
Differential Diagnoses
Many other health conditions can cause symptoms similar to those found with gastritis, including: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Peptic ulcer disease (which may also be a complication of gastritis) Gastroparesis.
It can be caused by drinking too much alcohol, eating spicy foods, or smoking. Some diseases and other health issues can also cause gastritis. Symptoms may include stomach pain, belching, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bleeding, feeling full, and blood in vomit or stool.
Generally, acute gastritis lasts anywhere from 2-10 days and can be greatly improved with symptomatic treatment. People usually recover from acute gastritis without complications or need for further medical intervention.
While many different digestive conditions share symptoms, black, tarry feces or throwing up coffee ground-like material is a good indication you may have gastritis.
The most common sign for gastritis is vomiting and/or loss of appetite. Signs for acute pancreatitis are vomiting, dehydration, a painful abdomen, lethargy, fever and diarrhea. Sometimes you may see blood in the stool.
Over the lifetime of the infected person, inflammation may destroy the glandular elements (atrophy) and intestinal cells often replace gastric mucus-secreting epithelium (intestinal metaplasia). The resulting atrophic gastritis is the final “burned out” phase of H. pylori infection, usually seen in older persons.
Chronic gastritis is a condition in which the stomach lining is damaged long-term, often due to infection by H. pylori. Chronic gastritis does not usually cause indigestion or pain, but severe damage may result in anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Drinking large amounts of water controls the acid levels of gastric juices, which helps accelerate the healing of gastritis. You should avoid drinking too much water immediately before and after meals, as it can be counterproductive.
Foods to help treat gastritis
Two foods that may help treat gastritis are broccoli and yogurt. Broccoli contains a chemical called sulforaphane, which has antibacterial properties.
Stress can cause a stomachache, and an even more serious condition called gastritis. If your bout of indigestion or inflammation lingers for a week or more – or if there is blood in your vomit or feces – you should see a physician to determine if you have gastritis.