Gastritis
Gastritis is a condition characterized by the inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the protective lining of your stomach. It can occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or develop gradually over a long period (chronic gastritis). Left untreated, chronic gastritis can lead to severe complications, including stomach ulcers and an increased risk of stomach cancer.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
Gastritis symptoms can vary from person to person, and some individuals may not experience any symptoms at all. However, the most common signs include:
- A gnawing or burning ache or pain (indigestion) in your upper abdomen that may become either worse or better after eating.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- A feeling of unusual fullness in your upper abdomen after a meal.
- Loss of appetite.
- In severe cases, black, tarry stools or vomiting blood (seek immediate medical attention if this occurs).
What Causes Gastritis?
The stomach lining is coated with a mucous layer that protects it from strong digestive acids. When this barrier is weakened or damaged, stomach acid can inflame the lining. Common triggers include:
- Bacterial Infection: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most common causes of chronic gastritis worldwide.
- Regular use of Pain Relievers: Frequent use of NSAIDs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) can strip the stomach’s protective lining.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can irritate and erode the stomach lining.
- Stress: Severe stress due to major surgery, injury, burns, or severe infections can trigger acute gastritis.
- Age: Older adults have an increased risk because the stomach lining naturally thins with age.
Gastritis treatment at lifeline clinic
Comprehensive Evaluation
Accurate Diagnosis
Personalized Treatment
When to seek medical help?
Please seek immediate emergency care if you experience any of these severe signs:
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like dark coffee grounds.
- Passing black, tarry, or bloody stools.
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain that makes it hard to stand or walk.
- Feeling dizzy, extremely tired, or lightheaded alongside your stomach pain.
- An inability to keep any food or liquids down.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my upper stomach burn or ache after I eat?
That burning sensation is a classic sign of gastritis. When your stomach’s protective lining gets inflamed, stomach acid and digesting food irritate it further. If this happens often, especially after spicy meals, we need to take a closer look together to get you some relief.
I feel full after only a few bites of food. Is this normal?
Feeling unusually full early in a meal happens when your stomach lining is swollen. While it can occasionally happen to anyone, persistent early fullness strongly points to gastritis. Let’s figure out exactly what is causing that swelling so we can help you enjoy your meals again.
Why do I feel nauseous every morning?
Waking up nauseous often means your stomach acid is irritating an empty, inflamed stomach lining overnight. It is a very common symptom we see here at the clinic. Let’s run a few simple evaluations so we can settle your stomach and improve your mornings.
How do I know if my stomach ache is serious or just simple indigestion?
Mild indigestion usually passes in a day or two. But if your pain lasts over a week, wakes you up, or if over-the-counter antacids stop working, we need to evaluate it. Please seek emergency care immediately if you ever notice black stools or vomit blood.