About Erosive Gastritis

Overview

Erosive gastritis is a condition characterized by inflammation and damage to the protective lining of the stomach. It is referred to as "erosive" because it involves the wearing down or erosion of the stomach lining. This condition can develop gradually over time or occur suddenly. Erosive gastritis can be classified into different types, such as flat erosion and bulge-shaped erosion. The exact cause of erosive gastritis is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from disruptions in the normal defense mechanisms of the stomach lining and reduced blood flow to the gastric mucosa (protective lining of the stomach). Symptoms of erosive gastritis may include weakness, loss of appetite, mild nausea, vomiting, and a burning sensation in the stomach. Treatment for erosive gastritis usually involves addressing underlying causes, managing symptoms, and promoting healing of the stomach lining.

Causes and Risk Factors

Erosive gastritis is a condition where the stomach lining is worn away. The causes of erosive gastritis include:

• Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen
• Certain digestive disorders, such as Crohn's disease
• Autoimmune disorders, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the stomach lining

The non-modifiable risk factors for erosive gastritis are:

• Increasing age
• Genetic predispositions, such as a positive family history of gastric or related cancers
• Previous history of polyps
• Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)

The modifiable risk factors for erosive gastritis are largely related to individual habits and lifestyle, including:

• Poor dietary habits
• Low physical activity
• Complications resulting from these factors

It is recommended to maintain a healthy weight, be physically active, and eat a healthy diet to reduce the risk of erosive gastritis. However, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of erosive gastritis include indigestion, a burning or gnawing feeling in the stomach, and the sensation of being full after eating a small amount. Other common symptoms that may occur with later stages, progression, or higher severity of erosive gastritis include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Excessive sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Belching
• Unintentional weight loss
• Bloating
• Loss of appetite
• Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
• Bleeding
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Vomit that contains blood
• Severe stomach pain
• Abdominal pain with a fever
• Black or bloody stool
• Dizziness and fainting
• Foul-smelling bowel movements

If you experience any of the symptoms above, it is important to seek urgent medical attention. Remember to speak with your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Diagnosis

To diagnose erosive gastritis, healthcare providers commonly perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:

• Physical examination: The healthcare provider will look for physical signs of gastritis, such as pain and swelling in the abdomen.
• Medical history: The healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and any risk factors contributing to gastritis, such as alcohol consumption or medication use.
• Endoscopy: This outpatient procedure involves using a flexible tube with a camera to examine the lining of your stomach and duodenum. Tissue samples may be taken for further analysis.
• Blood tests: These tests can help identify markers of inflammation and possible underlying causes (causes that might not show obvious signs), such as 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 ingesting a special solution to detect Helicobacter pylori.
• Imaging studies: Your healthcare provider may recommend imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI, to assess the extent of inflammation or damage in the stomach.

Remember that these examinations, tests, and procedures should be recommended and interpreted by your healthcare provider. They will provide you with personalized guidance based on your individual situation.

Treatment Options

The goals of treatment for erosive gastritis are to alleviate symptoms, promote healing of the stomach lining, and prevent complications. Here are the various treatment options and how they work:

• Medications:
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers: These medications reduce stomach acid production, helping to relieve symptoms and promote healing.
  • Sucralfate: This medication forms a protective barrier on the stomach lining, allowing it to heal.
• Therapeutic procedures:
  • Upper GI endoscopy: If severe bleeding occurs, doctors may treat it during this procedure.
  • Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to treat bleeding.
• Health behavior changes:
  • Diet changes: For gastritis related to celiac disease or food allergies, healthcare provider may recommend dietary modifications to avoid triggering foods.
  • Removal of irritating substances: If an irritant is causing erosive gastritis, removing contact with the substance is essential for treatment.
  • Stopping alcohol consumption: This is recommended for gastritis caused by alcohol.
  • Stopping NSAID use: If NSAIDs are causing gastritis, stopping their use and switching to alternative medications may be necessary.

It's important to speak with a healthcare provider before starting any medication or making significant health behavior changes. Medication dosing (how and when medication is taken) may be affected by many factors. Check with your healthcare provider about dosing 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.