Gastritis

Definition

Gastritis occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed or swollen.

Gastritis may last for only a short time (acute gastritis) or it may linger for months to years (chronic gastritis).

Causes

The most common causes of gastritis are:

  • Certain medicines, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen and other similar drugs
  • Heavy alcohol drinking
  • Infection of the stomach with a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori

Less common causes are:

  • Autoimmune disorders (such as pernicious anemia)
  • Backflow of bile into the stomach (bile reflux)
  • Cocaine use
  • Eating or drinking caustic or corrosive substances (such as poisons)
  • Extreme stress
  • Viral infection, such as cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus (more often occurs in people with a weak immune system)

Trauma or a severe, sudden illness such as major surgery, kidney failure, or being placed on a breathing machine may cause gastritis.

Symptoms

Many people with gastritis do not have any symptoms.

Symptoms you may notice are:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pain in the upper part of the belly or abdomen

If gastritis is causing bleeding from the lining of the stomach, symptoms may include:

Exams and Tests

Tests that may be needed are:

  • Complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia or low blood count
  • Examination of the stomach with an endoscope (esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD) with biopsy of stomach lining
  • H pylori tests (breath test or stool test)
  • Stool test to check for small amounts of blood in the stools, which may be a sign of bleeding in the stomach

Treatment

Treatment depends on what is causing the problem. Some of the causes will go away over time.

You may need to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other medicines that may be causing gastritis. Always talk to your health care provider before stopping any medicine.

You may use other over-the-counter and prescription drugs that decrease the amount of acid in the stomach, such as:

  • Antacids
  • H2 antagonists: famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet), and nizatidine (Axid)
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), Iansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (AcipHex), and pantoprazole (Protonix)

Antibiotics may be used to treat gastritis caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outlook depends on the cause, but is often very good.

Possible Complications

Blood loss and increased risk for gastric cancer can occur.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you develop:

  • Pain in the upper part of the belly or abdomen that does not go away
  • Black or tarry stools
  • Vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like material

Prevention

Avoid long-term use of substances that can irritate your stomach such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or alcohol.

References

Feldman M, Jensen PJ, Howden CW. Gastritis and gastropathy. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 52.

Kuipers EJ. Acid peptic disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 130.

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Review Date: 1/30/2023

Reviewed By: Michael M. Phillips, MD, Emeritus Professor of Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.


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