Gastritis

Acute Gastritis

This refers to sudden onset inflammation or swelling of the stomach lining with recurrent episodes of attacks that usually only last a few days.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)

This bacterium can reside in the stomach lining and weaken the protective layer of mucus, resulting in inflammation. It can be transmitted from person to person or through contaminated water and food. If left untreated, the infection may lead to peptic ulcers or an increased risk of stomach cancer.

Autoimmune Diseases

In some cases, the immune system can mistakenly attack the cells that form the lining of the stomach, causing chronic inflammation and gastritis. Some autoimmune disorders linked to gastritis include Hashimoto's disease and type 1 diabetes.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, are susceptible to developing gastritis.

Regular Use of Pain Relievers

Prolonged use of aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory drugs may hinder the production of an essential substance called prostaglandin. This substance protects the stomach lining from stomach acid, insufficient production can result in the development of gastritis.

Advanced Age

As individuals age, the stomach lining becomes thinner and more vulnerable to inflammation and damage.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Heavy alcohol use can irritate and erode the stomach lining, causing the stomach to secrete more digestive juices and leading to acute gastritis.

Stress

Severe physical stress from major surgery, injury, burns, or infections may increase the risk of developing acute gastritis.

Nausea

This sensation can occur before or after meals and may be accompanied by a feeling of queasiness or vomiting.

Abdominal Pain

Individuals with gastritis often experience a burning, gnawing, or dull ache in the upper abdomen, which may worsen after eating.

Abdominal Bloating

Gastritis can cause the stomach to feel distended or bloated, typically after meals or throughout the day.

Indigestion

Also known as dyspepsia, this condition is characterised by upper abdominal discomfort, often accompanied by belching and heartburn. Symptoms tend to worsen when eating or lying down.

Anaemia

Chronic gastritis can result in bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to anaemia, a condition characterised by a decrease in the overall amount of red blood cells.

Atrophic Gastritis

This condition refers to the long-term inflammation and thinning of the stomach lining, often caused by the H. pylori bacterium.

Peptic Ulcers

These painful open sores develop on the inner lining of the stomach and duodenum. Left untreated, they can cause abdominal pain, bleeding, and perforation of the stomach wall.

Peritonitis

Gastritis may exacerbate stomach ulcers, causing stomach contents to leak into the abdominal cavity. This can lead to the spread of bacteria and peritonitis, which is an inflammation of the inner abdominal wall.

Gastroscopy

A flexible video endoscope is inserted through the mouth into the stomach to check for inflammation in the digestive tract. A gastroenterologist can obtain biopsy samples from the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum via the endoscope.

H.Pylori Breath Test

This test involves the patient ingesting a capsule or liquid containing a radioactive substance (urea), specifically labelled with a carbon atom. If H. pylori is present, it will break down the urea and release the labelled carbon, which can be detected in the patient's breath.

Antibiotics (Amoxicillin and Clarithromycin)

These drugs are specifically designed to target and eliminate the bacterium H. pylori and help the stomach lining to heal.

H2 Blockers

H2 blockers, such as ranitidine or famotidine, help reduce the production of stomach acid. They can also alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain and heartburn.

Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPI)

PPIs such as omeprazole and lansoprazole help block the enzymes (pepsin) responsible for gastric acid secretion in the digestive tract.