Gastritis disease?

What is Gastritis?

Gastritis is a condition in which the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed, causing irritation to the tissue. Many causes (including bacterial causes) also contribute to gastritis, which often leads to stomach ulcers in some patients

Symptoms of gastritis can appear in a patient in either of the following ways

Acute and severe gastritis: sudden and severe inflammation of the stomach lining

Chronic gastritis: gradual, long-term inflammation of the stomach lining, which can last for months to years and cause various complications if left untreated. Some patients also suffer from what is called “erosive gastritis” and is caused by erosion of the stomach lining. It is less common but leads to stomach bleeding and stomach ulcers

Symptoms of Gastritis
Gastritis often does not cause any symptoms in patients and therefore, in most cases, is not a cause for concern. In patients with gastritis who do have symptoms, we most commonly notice some or all of the following:

Nausea

Vomiting, sometimes with blood

Loss of appetite due to indigestion/a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen

Pain in the upper abdomen between meals with a burning sensation in the stomach

Bloating

Hiccups

Dark-looking stools (in the case of erosive gastritis)

When to see a doctor for gastritis

If you suffer from any of the symptoms of gastritis mentioned above severely or for more than a week, especially vomiting with blood and bloody stools, you should see a doctor immediately. If your symptoms do not improve after taking the medications prescribed by your doctor, you should contact your doctor again

Causes of gastritis
Gastritis occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed. This happens when the moist, mucus-lined barrier, which is meant to prevent the digestive juices in the stomach from coming into contact with the inner stomach wall, becomes thinned or damaged. When this happens, the lining of the stomach becomes more susceptible to inflammation and irritation

There are several factors that can cause the lining of the stomach to become thin or damaged, increasing the risk of inflammation, i.e. gastritis. These include

A bacterial infection can cause damage to the stomach and thin the lining of the stomach. The most common infection is caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (stomach bug) and is referred to as a stomach bug infection. Helicobacter pylori (stomach bug) is present in everyone's digestive system but does not often cause a major problem. However, in some cases, it can cause infection and doctors believe it can be transmitted through close personal contact and through contaminated food and water

Digestive disorders, including many gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) caused by Crohn's disease, can lead to gastritis

Overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including many pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can irritate the lining of the stomach, causing gastritis

Viral infections, although less common, can also damage the lining of the stomach

Autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto's thyroid disease can cause the body to attack the lining of the stomach, causing the lining to erode, leading to gastritis

Risk factors that accompany gastritis
There are certain factors that can make you more susceptible to gastritis, including

Having a bacterial infection, such as a H. pylori infection, makes you more susceptible to gastritis Stomach

Excessive use of painkillers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increases the risk of gastritis

Older adults are more likely to develop gastritis because the mucus lining of the stomach thins with age

Excessive alcohol consumption makes you more likely to develop gastritis, especially acute gastritis, because alcohol irritates and thins the lining of the stomach

High levels of physical stress after injury, surgery or burns can increase your chances of developing gastritis

Having an autoimmune disease increases your chances of developing gastritis

Heavy smoking

Complications of gastritis
Gastritis should be treated as soon as possible if symptoms last more than a week or if they are very severe from the start. If not treated properly, gastritis can cause the following complications:

Stomach ulcers

Chronic gastritis may put you at risk for stomach cancer

Stomach bleeding

Contact your doctor if gastritis symptoms persist even after treatment

Preventing gastritis
Gastritis can be prevented by using the following lifestyle changes and home remedies

Eat less spicy foods and foods with high fat content

Drink plenty of fluids

Wash your hands thoroughly before cooking and eating

Prepare and store food properly

Limit the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or take alternative medications

Reduce or quit drinking alcohol and smoking