About Chronic Gastritis
The causes of chronic gastritis include:
- Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria
- Autoimmune conditions
Non-modifiable risk factors are risk factors that cannot be changed. Non modifiable risk factors for chronic gastritis are:
- Increasing age
- Genetic predispositions or family history of chronic gastritis or related conditions
- Previous history of polyps (small tissue growths) and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) like Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Modifiable risk factors are risk factors that can be changed or influenced. The modifiable risk factors for chronic gastritis are:
- Diets high in fat, oil, salt, and preservatives
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol long-term
- Conditions that weaken the immune system
- Long-term use of NSAIDs and some other medications
- Long-term use of medications for acid reflux and indigestion (upset stomach)
- Cocaine use
- Autoimmune conditions
- Injuries
- Exposure to radiation
- Bile reflux from the small intestine (when a digestive fluid from the liver flows back into the stomach)
- Long term stress
If you have concerns about your risk for chronic gastritis or any other health condition, it is best to consult with your healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.
The most common early symptoms of chronic gastritis may include:
- Abdominal (stomach) discomfort
- Constant pain between the navel (belly button) and lower ribs
- Nausea, sometimes with vomiting
- Poor appetite
- Belching (burping)
- Bloating or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen
As chronic gastritis progresses or reaches higher severity, additional symptoms may occur, such as:
- Sharp, stabbing, or burning pain in the upper-center or upper-left abdomen
- Pain that spreads throughout the back
- Bloating and nausea
- Vomiting (which may be clear, yellow, or green)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Vomit that contains blood
- Severe stomach pain
- Really bad-smelling bowel movements
It is important to seek urgent medical attention if you experience symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, shortness of breath, abdominal pain with a fever, vomit that contains blood, a large amount of yellow or green vomit, black or bloody stool, dizziness, or fainting. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider for a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
To diagnose chronic gastritis, healthcare providers may perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Physical exam: The healthcare provider will examine physical signs of gastritis, such as abdominal soreness.
- Medical history: The healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history, including any risk factors like drinking alcohol or medication use.
- Endoscopy: This outpatient procedure involves using a flexible tube with a camera to examine the walls of the stomach and duodenum. Biopsy samples (tissue or cell samples) may be taken for further review.
- Blood tests: Blood tests can detect markers of inflammation and possible root causes, including autoimmune disorders.
- Stool tests: Stool samples may be collected to check for traces of blood or Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
- Breath test: This test analyzes breath samples after swallowing a special solution to detect Helicobacter pylori.
To determine the stage or severity of chronic gastritis, additional examinations, tests, and procedures may include:
- Imaging studies: Your healthcare provider may recommend X-rays (a type of imaging study) like an upper gastrointestinal series or a barium swallow to look at the esophagus (the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach), stomach, and small intestine (tube in the body that absorbs nutrients from food).
- Evaluations of organ function: Tests to evaluate kidney and liver function, gallbladder and pancreas function tests, and pregnancy tests may be performed.
Remember, the specific examinations, tests, and procedures recommended will depend on your symptoms and individual case. Speak with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
The goals of treatment for chronic gastritis are:
- Reduction of H. pylori colonization:
- H. pylori is a bacterium that can cause chronic gastritis. Treating the infection with antibiotics (medicine that fights bacteria) can help reduce the intensity of growth, chronicity (how long it lasts), and activity of gastritis, thereby preventing complications.
- Management of gastric acid:
- Excess stomach acid can contribute to gastritis. Medications such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and alginates can help manage stomach acid levels and relieve symptoms. Additionally, the use of alternative treatments such as traditional Chinese medicine may be considered, though its’s important to consult with your healthcare provider before trying any type of medication.
- Elimination of triggers:
- Identifying and stopping things that can lead chronic gastritis like drinking alcohol or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation in the stomach lining (stomach wall).
- Symptom relief:
- Cytoprotective and mucoprotective agents (drugs that boost tissue lining fluid production in the body) can protect the injured lining of the stomach and support standard medical treatment, providing relief from symptoms.
It is important to note that specific medication types, therapies, therapeutic (healing) procedures, and health behavior changes may vary depending on the individual's specific type of gastritis. Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your healthcare provider about how you should take your medication for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your healthcare provider or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.