Gastritis

What is gastritis?

Gastritis is a medical condition in which the lining of the
stomach becomes inflamed. It may occur as a brief and
sudden attack, as an ongoing condition, or as part of a
medical illness. It is regarded as a mild problem. Treatment
may involve lifestyle changes and medication.

What causes gastritis?

A common cause of gastritis is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori),
a bacteria that can infect the stomach lining. In some people
it causes ulcers. An ulcer is a small hole in the lining of the
stomach or part of small intestine (duodenum).
Stomach ulcers can be very painful.
Gastritis can be caused by a number of other factors,
including:
• some medications (such as aspirin and ibuprofen)
• infections
• alcohol
• smoking
• coffee (and other caffeine drinks)
• anxiety or stress.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include:
• a burning pain in the chest or abdomen
• belching (burping)
• nausea (feeling like you are going to vomit)
• vomiting
• a loss of appetite
• hiccups
• diarrhoea.
The pain may be made better or worse with food.
Some people have no symptoms at all.

Treatment

Your doctor will want to confirm that you have gastritis and
exclude other causes. You may be referred to a
gastroenterologist (a doctor who specialises in stomach
problems) for further tests and treatment. You may be booked
in for an outpatient appointment to have specialised tests.
• A gastroscope – where a long thin tube with a tiny camera
is passed down the oesophagus (food pipe) and into the
stomach. A small tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken for
further testing.
• A breath test – where you are given a special solution to
swallow. If the H. pylori bacteria is present in the gut then
gas by-products are released and detected in your breath.
There are several medications to treat gastritis.
• Antacids (such as Mylanta or Gastrogel) can neutralise the
stomach acid. Antacids can cause constipation or diarrhoea,
and may reduce absorption of some medications. For further
information, speak to your local doctor or pharmacist.
• Medication to protect the stomach lining.
• Medication to reduce stomach acid.
• Antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection.
Home care
• Take your medications as directed. Finish the full course
of antibiotics, even if you feel better after a few days.
• Learn what brings on or ‘triggers’ your symptoms and avoid it.
• Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications, such as
ibuprofen. Talk to your doctor or health care professional
about what medications you can use.
• Avoid foods that upset your stomach, such as spicy
or fatty foods.
• Limit alcohol and coffee (and other products with caffeine
in them).
• Do not smoke.

What to expect

Overall, gastritis is a mild problem that responds well to simple
treatment. Gastritis symptoms may flare up from time to time.
Sometimes the illness may become serious and result in
severe pain or bleeding which needs urgent medical attention.