Gastritis

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). In many cases, gastritis has no symptoms (asymptomatic).

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.

Symptoms
In many cases, gastritis has no symptoms. Common symptoms can include:

• Loss of appetite
• Pain in the upper abdomen just under the ribs
• Nausea or indigestion
• Hiccups
• Vomiting
• Blood in the vomit
• Blood in the bowel actions, if the stomach lining has ulcerated (this turns stools black and is called melaena)
• Weight loss.

• Medications such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
• Infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, the organism responsible for the majority of stomach and duodenal ulcers
• Alcohol
• Protracted vomiting
• Overproduction of gastric juices, which is a stress response in some people
• The backflow of bile from the small intestine (duodenum)
• Some allergic and immune conditions – for example, pernicious anaemia
• Exposure to radiation.

• Endoscopy – a thin flexible tube is threaded down the oesophagus into the stomach. The endoscope is fitted with a small camera so the physician can look at the stomach lining. If the gastric mucosa is reddened, this may indicate gastritis. A biopsy is needed for confirmation.
• Biopsy – small tissue samples are taken during an endoscopy and tested in a laboratory. The pathologist will look for changes, including the presence of inflammatory cells and epithelium damage.

• Identifying the cause – once the cause is identified, steps can be taken to avoid exposure. For example, if alcohol is triggering the inflammation, you can abstain or reduce the amount of alcohol you drink. Anti-inflammatory drugs taken to help manage other conditions may need to be stopped or replaced with an alternative.
• Medications – tablets are available to reduce the acid content in the gastric juices. You may need to take these medications for a few weeks or months, depending on your situation.
• Dietary modifications – such as limiting or avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which can irritate the stomach lining.
• No treatment – often gastritis is found by chance during an endoscopy. If Helicobacter pylori is not present, and there are no other features seen on biopsy, there is usually no need to treat the gastritis.

• Your doctor
• Nurse on Call Tel. 1300 606 024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
• Gastroenterologist

• Gastritis is inflammation (irritation) of the stomach lining.
• Common causes include infection, anti-inflammatory drugs and alcohol.
• Treatment options include avoiding exposure to known irritants, and medication to reduce the amount of gastric juices.

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