Gastritis
What is Gastritis?
Gastritis is inflammation of the mucus membrane lining the wall of the stomach. It is caused by various germs especially viruses, irritating chemicals including various drugs, foods that 'disagree' and overeating. It may have an acute (sudden) onset and be short-lived, or be chronic with a slow onset and persistence.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of viral gastritis are similar to those of viral gastroenteritis except that vomiting is more pronounced than diarrhoea. A common symptom is a burning discomfort felt in the upper abdomen and lower chest, similar to indigestion especially if it is due to excessive alcohol or eating the wrong foods. Other symptoms include nausea, anorexia (loss of appetite), belching and acid reflux.
What are the causes?
The inflammation is caused by infection of the stomach lining by viruses (mainly) or bacteria. Gastritis is also part of a group of disorders that cause erosion and gastric ulcers. The germ Helicobacter Pylori has been shown to be an important cause of these disorders.
The following factors are associated with gastritis:
- aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- alcohol
- smoking
- caffeine drinks
- overeating
- foods that don't digest easily
- extreme stress/overwork
- illness
- trauma (e.g. burns, severe injury)
How common is the problem?
Gastritis is very common and almost everyone has an occasional bout of gastritis. It is rare that epigastric discomfort, nausea and vomiting caused by gastritis alone last longer than one or two days. Such cases are suggestive of a viral cause. Symptoms may persist if you drink large amounts of alcohol and smoke.
What are the risks?
It is generally a mild illness and quick recovery follows. One complication is an erosion (ulceration) of the stomach wall that may result in vomiting blood. This rather alarming development requires urgent attention. If vomiting is profuse you have to be careful about getting dehydrated.
Treating the attack:
- Avoid eating solid food during the first 24 hours.
- After 24 hours eat foods that agree with you.
- Take frequent amounts of non-alcoholic fluid such as water or milk.
- Avoid hot, fatty and spicy foods.
- Take an antacid preparation, preferrably a liquid one.
Medical help
For persisting discomfort your doctor may prescribe an anti-emetic (to stop vomiting) and a special type of antacid.
If the problem persists or you have a complication such as bleeding or an ulcer your doctor may organise a test for the bacterial germ Helicobacter Pylori and a gastroscopy procedure to look directly into the stomach.
Special treatment is available for H.pylori if it is present.
Prevention and self-help
Examine your lifestyle and whether you abuse your stomach from excessive drinking, improper eating especially 'fast' or irritating foods, smoking, fast living and stress. Commonsense living and moderation in all factors will help prevent attacks. Avoid taking excessive pain-killers or taking aspirin and caffeine preparation.
When to seek medical help
- prolonged vomiting
- very severe pain
- signs of dehydration such as excessive thirst and scanty urination
- vomiting blood or 'coffee grounds' type vomites
- black or tarry bowel movements