Gastritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Gastritis means inflammation of the stomach lining. It can be sudden (acute) or long-lasting (chronic). Some people have no symptoms, while others have pain, nausea, or bleeding.

Common causes

• H. pylori infection, the most common cause worldwide
• NSAID pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin
• Heavy alcohol use and smoking
• Autoimmune gastritis, in which the immune system attacks the stomach and can cause vitamin B12 deficiency
• Bile reflux and severe illness

Symptoms

• Burning or gnawing pain in the upper belly
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling full quickly
• Black stools or vomiting blood (a sign of bleeding: seek care promptly)

Diagnosis

Tests may include H. pylori breath or stool tests and blood work. An upper endoscopy (EGD) with biopsies confirms gastritis, finds the cause, and checks for ulcers or pre-cancerous changes.

Treatment

• Cure H. pylori with antibiotics and acid-reducing medicine, then confirm it's gone
• Stop or limit NSAIDs when possible
• Acid-reducing medicine to help the lining heal
• Limit alcohol and stop smoking
• Vitamin B12 for autoimmune gastritis, along with periodic endoscopy when recommended

Long-standing gastritis can lead to changes that raise the risk of stomach cancer, especially in people of East Asian descent, so follow-up matters.

Make an appointment

Our gastroenterologists in Temple City care for patients from Arcadia, San Gabriel, Pasadena, Monrovia, Monterey Park, and across the San Gabriel Valley. We accept most PPO plans (see accepted insurances), and our doctors speak English, Vietnamese, and Mandarin. Schedule an appointment or call 626-898-4560.

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own health.