Gastritis
Gastritis is a condition that inflames the stomach lining (the mucosa), causing belly pain, indigestion (dyspepsia), bloating and nausea. It can lead to other problems. Gastritis can come on suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic). Medications and dietary changes can reduce stomach acid and ease gastritis symptoms.
What is gastritis?
Your stomach has a protective lining of mucus called the mucosa. This lining protects your stomach from the strong stomach acid that digests food. When something damages or weakens this protective lining, the mucosa becomes inflamed, causing gastritis. A type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori is the most common bacterial cause of gastritis.
What’s the difference between gastritis and indigestion?
Gastritis symptoms can mimic indigestion symptoms. Indigestion is pain or discomfort in the stomach associated with difficulty in digesting food. It may be a feeling of burning between your lower ribs. You may hear indigestion referred to by its medical term, dyspepsia.
What are the types of gastritis?
There are two main types of gastritis:
Erosive (reactive): Erosive gastritis causes both inflammation and erosion (wearing away) of the stomach lining. This condition is also known as reactive gastritis. Causes include alcohol, smoking, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, viral or bacterial infections and stress from illnesses or injuries.
Non-erosive: Inflammation of the stomach lining without erosion or compromising the stomach lining.
Gastritis symptoms
Many people with gastritis don’t have symptoms. People who do have symptoms often mistake them for indigestion. Other signs of gastritis include:
Feeling extra full during or after a meal.
Loss of appetite.
Stomach ulcers.
Losing weight without meaning to.
Upper abdominal (belly) pain or discomfort.
When to seek care
You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:
Blood in your stool (poop).
Bloody vomit.
Extreme weakness or fatigue that may indicate anemia.
Uncontrolled GERD.
Unexplained weight loss.
Signs of gastritis recurring (coming back).
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