Gastritis
Gastritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the gastric mucosa, the lining of the stomach. This inflammation can be categorized into two types: erosive, where the lining erodes, and nonerosive, which involves inflammation without erosion. Common causes of gastritis include infection with Helicobacter pylori, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and lifestyle factors like alcohol consumption. Symptoms can vary; while some individuals may experience no symptoms, others may report upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, gastrointestinal bleeding.
Diagnosis typically requires endoscopy, along with various tests to identify H. pylori or assess for anemia. Treatment focuses on reducing stomach acid to promote healing and may involve antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors. To prevent symptoms, lifestyle adjustments like eating smaller meals, avoiding certain foods, and managing stress are recommended. Understanding the multifactorial nature of gastritis can help individuals seek appropriate medical advice and manage their health effectively.
Gastritis
- ANATOMY OR SYSTEM AFFECTED: Digestive system, gastrointestinal system, intestines, stomach
- ALSO KNOWN AS: Erosive or nonerosive gastritis, stress gastritis
Definition
Gastritis is a condition in which the lining of the stomach, or mucosa, is inflamed. The lining of the stomach produces acid and enzymes to break down food and produces mucus to protect the stomach lining from the acid. Gastritis may be erosive or nonerosive. Erosive gastritis can cause inflammation and the lining of the stomach to wear away, or erode. Nonerosive gastritis typically involved inflammation without erosion.
Causes
Most cases of nonerosive gastritis are caused by infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Erosive gastritis may be caused by use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. According to the National Institutes of Health, around 1 to 2 percent of people who chronically use NSAIDs develop significant gastrointestinal complications like ulcers or bleeding, while a much larger percentage (up to 50 percent) may show endoscopic evidence of gastric erosions. Drinking alcohol, using cocaine, and exposure to radiation may also cause erosive gastritis. Stresses such as trauma, major surgery, severe burns, or a critical illness may also cause erosive gastritis (in this case, often called stress gastritis). Less common causes of both erosive and nonerosive gastritis include autoimmune diseases, Crohn’s disease, pernicious anemia, viruses, parasites, and bacteria other than H. pylori.
Risk Factors
Infection with H. pylori is a risk factor for gastritis. H. pylori may come from consuming contaminated water or food or an infected person’s saliva, vomit, or feces. Excessive use of NSAIDs, alcohol and drug abuse, exposure to radiation, and other gastrointestinal and autoimmune conditions increase the risk of gastritis. As a person ages, the stomach lining thins, increasing the risk.
Symptoms
There may be no symptoms of gastritis. When symptoms do occur, they include dyspepsia (upper abdominal discomfort or pain), nausea, and vomiting. Loss of appetite, weight loss, bloating, and frequent belching are also symptoms. Bleeding may occur as a sign of erosive gastritis and could include blood in the vomit. Bowel movements may appear black and tarlike and may include blood.
Screening and Diagnosis
There is no screening test for gastritis. A biopsy through endoscopy, in which a thin, lighted tube with a camera is threaded down the throat and to the stomach to look at the stomach lining, is the most common diagnostic test. X-rays of the upper gastrointestinal tract using barium may be ordered. Blood tests for anemia, tests for blood in the bowel movement, and breath and stool tests to determine if H. pylori is present are also part of the diagnosis.
Treatment and Therapy
The goal of therapy is to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach to promote healing. Medications such as antacids that neutralize acid and histamine 2 (H2) blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that decrease acid production are commonly used. Prescription or over-the-counter medications may be ordered. If gastritis is caused by NSAIDs, the doctor may recommend the use of PPIs and stopping the use of NSAIDs, reducing the dose, or changing to another type of drug. If gastritis is caused by H. pylori, antibiotics may be prescribed for up to fourteen days. PPIs are also used to treat stress gastritis.
Prevention and Outcomes
Although preventing gastritis may not be possible, there are steps that one can take to reduce symptoms. Eating small, frequent meals and avoiding spicy, fried, or fatty foods may help prevent indigestion and ease the effects of acid on the stomach. Limiting the use of alcohol and quitting smoking may help. Managing stress can also be critical. Also, one should take NSAIDs only when necessary and should consult a doctor about other options, such as acetaminophen.
Bibliography
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