AI Summary Overview
What is Gastritis?
Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining, also called the gastric mucosa. This lining acts as a protective layer between the stomach wall and the strong acids used to digest food. When this lining becomes weak or inflamed, stomach acid can affect the stomach wall more easily. This may cause swelling, redness, pain, burning, nausea or indigestion. While some people may have clear symptoms, others, especially those with mild or chronic gastritis, may have no symptoms at all.
Gastritis may be acute or chronic. Acute gastritis develops suddenly and may improve quickly with proper treatment. Chronic gastritis develops slowly and can continue for months or years if the cause is not treated.
What are the Types of Gastritis?
Gastritis can be grouped based on how quickly it starts, how long it lasts, and how it affects the stomach lining. The following are the types of gastritis:
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Acute Gastritis Acute gastritis starts suddenly and may be triggered by alcohol intake, certain pain medicines, food irritation, severe stress, infection or another short-term cause. Its symptoms may include sudden upper stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating and burning. Most mild acute gastritis cases improve when the trigger is removed and the stomach is allowed to heal. Still, severe pain, vomiting blood, black stools, or dehydration needs medical care.
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Chronic Gastritis Chronic gastritis develops slowly and may last for months or years if the cause is not treated. It is generally associated with H. pylori infection, autoimmune conditions, bile reflux, or long-term use of medicines that harm the stomach lining. Some people may have only mild discomfort, while others may notice repeated indigestion, early fullness, appetite loss or burning pain. If inflammation continues for a long time, it may increase the risk of ulcers or changes within the stomach lining.
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Erosive Gastritis Erosive gastritis occurs when the stomach lining becomes damaged, developing small breaks or sores. In some cases, this damage can also lead to bleeding. Alcohol, certain pain medicines, severe illness or chemical irritation may cause it. This type may need medical attention, especially if there are signs of bleeding. Warning signs can include black stools, blood in vomit, dizziness or unusual weakness.
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Non-erosive Gastritis Non-erosive gastritis causes inflammation of the stomach lining without visible breaks or bleeding areas. It is often linked to H. pylori infection or long-term irritation. Symptoms may include indigestion, bloating, nausea, upper stomach discomfort, early fullness, etc. In some people, it may not cause clear symptoms and may be found during an endoscopy.
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Antral Gastritis Antral gastritis is present in the lower portion of the stomach (antrum). This area helps transport food to the small intestine. When there is inflammation, it may result in upper stomach discomfort, feeling full after eating, nausea, bloating, and/or burning pain. Antral gastritis is a common finding in endoscopy reports.
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Atrophic Gastritis Atrophic gastritis is the thinning of the stomach wall due to chronic inflammation. It can result from infection with H. pylori or from an autoimmune response, in which the immune system attacks healthy cells in the stomach. This type can affect vitamin absorption and requires medical monitoring. In some cases, symptoms may not be instantly apparent.
How Common is Gastritis in India?
Gastritis is relatively common in India, with an estimated incidence of 3 in 869 people, or approximately 12.25 lakh+ cases in the reported population. H. pylori infection is also widespread and is a major risk factor for gastritis.
Studies in Bengaluru and Allahabad found H. pylori prevalence of 78% and 77.2%, respectively, among adults. The infection is common from an early age, too. Studies from Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai suggest that more than 50% of people are infected by age 10, with this figure rising to over 80% by age 20.
What are the Symptoms of Gastritis?
The signs and symptoms of gastritis may range from mild discomfort to severe pain, depending on the cause and the severity of the inflammation. It is important to recognise the symptoms to prevent complications:
| Early Warning Signs | More Extensive or Persistent Symptoms |
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What Causes Gastritis?
There are many causes of gastritis, and some directly irritate the stomach, while others weaken the stomach lining over time. The following are the common causes and risk factors of gastritis:
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H. Pylori Infection: This bacterium can damage and inflame the stomach lining, leading to gastritis.
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Long-Term NSAID Use: Regular use of NSAIDs can weaken the stomach’s protective lining and increase the risk of inflammation.
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Heavy Alcohol Use: Excessive alcohol can irritate and damage the stomach lining, causing inflammation.
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Smoking or Tobacco Use: Tobacco can impair the stomach’s protective mechanisms and increase inflammation.
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Bile Reflux: Bile flowing back into the stomach can irritate and damage the stomach lining.
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Severe Physical Stress: Serious illness, injury, burns or major surgery can trigger stress-related damage to the stomach lining.
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Autoimmune Reaction: The immune system may mistakenly attack the stomach cells that help maintain its protective lining.
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Spicy or Irritating Foods: These foods may irritate the stomach and worsen symptoms in people with a sensitive stomach.
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Food Poisoning or Stomach Infection: Certain infections can cause inflammation and irritation of the stomach lining.
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Older Age: The stomach lining may become thinner with age, making it more vulnerable to irritation and inflammation.
Diseases Similar to Gastritis
Different digestive disorders, such as peptic ulcer and GERD, may present symptoms that are similar to gastritis, making it hard to determine the exact digestive disorder without consulting a doctor.
The table below compares gastritis with peptic ulcer disease and GERD:
Gastritis vs Peptic Ulcer Disease vs Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
| Basis of Comparison | Gastritis | Peptic Ulcer Disease | Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) |
| When it Happens? | Due to inflammation of the stomach lining caused by infection, medicines, alcohol, or stress. | When an ulcer develops in the stomach or upper small intestine. | When stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the food pipe. |
| Location | Stomach lining | Stomach or duodenum | Food pipe |
| Associated Symptoms | Upper abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, indigestion, loss of appetite | Burning stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bleeding in severe cases | Heartburn, acid reflux, sour taste in the mouth, chest discomfort |
| Severity | Mild to severe depending on the cause. | Can become serious if bleeding or perforation occurs. | Usually chronic but manageable with treatment. |
| Can it be Reversed? | Yes, in most cases with proper treatment and lifestyle changes. | Yes, ulcers usually heal with medicines and removal of the underlying cause. | Symptoms can be controlled effectively, but long-term management may be needed. |
What are the Complications of Gastritis?
Most people with gastritis improve with prompt care and the right treatment. However, gastritis may cause the following complications if it continues for a long time or damages the stomach lining:
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Stomach Ulcers: Gastritis can lead to open sores in the stomach lining. These ulcers may cause pain, burning, vomiting or bleeding.
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Stomach Perforation: Deep ulcers can wear a hole completely through the stomach wall. This allows digestive fluids to leak into the abdominal cavity, causing a severe, life-threatening infection (peritonitis) that requires emergency surgery.
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Digestive Tract Bleeding: Erosive gastritis can cause bleeding inside the digestive tract. Warning signs may include black stools, blood in vomit, dizziness or unusual weakness.
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Anaemia: Long-term bleeding can reduce healthy red blood cells in the body, which can lead to anaemia and cause tiredness, pale skin, shortness of breath or weakness.
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Gastric Outlet Obstruction: Severe inflammation or chronic scar tissue can narrow the lower opening of the stomach. This physical blockage prevents food from passing into the small intestine, leading to persistent vomiting and weight loss.
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Acute Kidney Injury: Severe, uncontrolled vomiting can lead to extreme dehydration and a drop in blood pressure. This deprives the kidneys of adequate blood flow, potentially causing temporary kidney failure.
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Vitamin Deficiency: Chronic gastritis can destroy the stomach cells that usually absorb Vitamin B12. Severe B12 deficiency can cause pernicious anaemia and nerve damage.
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Stomach Lining Changes: Long-term inflammation may cause changes in the stomach lining. In some cases, these changes may increase future stomach cancer risk and may need medical monitoring.
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Dehydration: Severe vomiting can lead to dehydration. This can be more serious in children, older people, and people with existing health conditions.
Gastritis During Pregnancy
Pregnancy women usually face a high risk of acid reflux due to hormonal changes. During pregnancy, rising progesterone levels relax the smooth muscle in the digestive tract and slow digestion. With the growth of the uterus, the stomach experiences increased pressure and can push acid back up.
However, gastritis symptoms usually overlap with other pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and morning sickness. However, gastritis is more likely to cause a burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, which may worsen after eating. Doctors generally prefer symptom-based and non-invasive evaluation during pregnancy, with endoscopy reserved for severe or concerning cases.
When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?
Seek medical attention for gastritis if you experience any of the following:
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Upper stomach pain that continues for several days
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Repeated nausea or vomiting
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Burning pain that keeps coming back
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Feeling full too soon with appetite loss
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Unexplained weight loss
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Black or bloody stools
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Vomiting blood
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Dizziness, fainting, or extreme weakness
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Symptoms after regular use of pain medicines
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Severe dehydration due to vomiting
How is Gastritis Diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose gastritis by checking symptoms, medical history, medication use, and test results. The doctor may ask about pain location, food habits, alcohol use, tobacco use, and pain medicine use.
The following are diagnostic tests recommended by doctors to assess gastritis:
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Clinical Examination The doctor checks your symptoms and examines the abdomen. This helps understand the likely cause and severity. Clinical examination alone may not confirm gastritis. It only helps decide if additional tests are required.
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H. pylori Test Doctors may test for H. pylori if infection is suspected. This can be done through a breath test, a stool test, a blood test, or an endoscopic biopsy. Some tests may need stopping acid-reducing medicine for a short period before testing. A doctor will guide this based on the type of test.
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Upper Endoscopy Exam Endoscopy helps the doctor look inside the stomach with a thin tube that has a camera. It can show redness, swelling, erosions, ulcers, bleeding, and thinning of the stomach lining. A small tissue sample may be taken during endoscopy.
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Blood Tests Blood tests can be prescribed if there is a suspicion of infection, anaemia, or a vitamin deficiency (such as Vitamin B12). However, blood tests alone do not confirm gastritis; they are generally performed to evaluate the condition's systemic effects or to rule out other health issues.
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Stool Test A stool test might be prescribed to determine if there is H. pylori infection or hidden bleeding. The presence of hidden blood indicates bleeding from the digestive tract.
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Biopsy During an endoscopy, a doctor may take a small tissue sample from the stomach lining for a biopsy. This is the definitive gold standard for diagnosing gastritis, as examining the cells under a microscope is the only way to officially confirm the presence, type, and severity of cellular inflammation.
Diagnostic Overview
| Diagnostic Test | Purpose | When It Is Used |
| Clinical Examination | Assesses symptoms, abdominal tenderness, likely cause and severity | Initial evaluation |
| H. pylori Test | Detects H. pylori infection through breath, stool, blood or biopsy | When H. pylori infection is suspected |
| Upper Endoscopy | Examines the stomach lining for redness, swelling, erosions, ulcers, bleeding or thinning | When detailed examination of the stomach is needed |
| Blood Tests | Checks for anaemia, vitamin B12 deficiency and other health issues | When deficiency, infection or other conditions are suspected |
| Stool Test | Detects H. pylori infection or hidden blood in the digestive tract | When infection or gastrointestinal bleeding is suspected |
| Biopsy | Examines a stomach tissue sample under a microscope to identify inflammation and its type and severity | During endoscopy when confirmation is required |
How is Gastritis Treated?
Gastritis treatment depends on the exact cause and severity. The main aim is to reduce irritation, heal the stomach lining, treat infection if present and prevent the problem from coming back.
The following are some ways to manage and treat gastritis:
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H. pylori Treatment: If H. pylori infection is the cause, doctors may prescribe antibiotics along with acid-reducing medicines. The full course should be completed as advised.
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Acid-Reducing Medicines: Doctors may prescribe medicines that reduce stomach acid and support healing. In some cases, stomach-protective medicines may also be advised.
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Medicine Review: If pain medicines are irritating the stomach, the doctor may suggest stopping them, lowering the dose or choosing another option. This should always be done with medical advice.
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Diet Changes: Smaller meals may feel easier to digest. Avoiding alcohol, spicy food, oily meals and other personal triggers can help reduce irritation.
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Hospital Care: Hospital care may be needed if there is bleeding, repeated vomiting, severe weakness or dehydration. Treatment may include fluids, monitoring and care for the main cause.
Common Medicines Used to Treat Gastritis
The treatment for gastritis depends on its underlying cause. Doctors may prescribe medicines to reduce stomach acid, protect the stomach lining, or treat infections such as H. pylori. The commonly used gastritis medicines include:
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Pantoprazole: This proton pump inhibitor (PPI) reduces stomach acid production, which eases irritation and supports healing of the stomach lining.
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Omeprazole: As a PPI, omeprazole lowers stomach acid and helps relieve burning, discomfort and inflammation.
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Rabeprazole: Rabeprazole belongs to the PPI group and suppresses stomach acid to reduce irritation and support healing.
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Esomeprazole: By lowering stomach acid, this PPI helps control acid-related irritation and promotes healing of the stomach lining.
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Famotidine: This H2 receptor blocker reduces stomach acid production and helps ease gastritis-related burning and discomfort.
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Antacids: These acid-neutralising medicines quickly relieve burning and discomfort by neutralising the acid already present in the stomach.
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Sucralfate: As a mucosal protector, sucralfate forms a protective coating over damaged areas and shields them from stomach acid.
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Bismuth Subsalicylate: This mucosal protector coats the stomach lining, reduces irritation and also helps fight H. pylori as part of combination therapy.
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Amoxicillin: This antibiotic targets H. pylori and helps clear the infection that can cause gastritis.
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Clarithromycin: As an antibiotic, clarithromycin targets H. pylori and helps eradicate the infection when combined with other medicines.
Disclaimer:Medications are to be used only under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. Self-medication can either deteriorate the problem or delay the process of diagnosis.
Living with Gastritis in India: Daily Challenges, Caregiving
Having gastritis can be difficult to manage and can directly impact daily life activities. It is also sometimes associated with the need to modify daily eating habits and lifestyle.
The following are some challenges that come with gastritis:
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Daily Challenges People with gastritis may experience stomach pain, bloating, nausea, or indigestion that can interfere with work, studies, and daily activities. Eating outside, skipping meals, or consuming spicy foods may trigger gastritis symptoms. Maintaining regular meal timings and following dietary advice can help reduce discomfort.
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Financial Considerations The cost of treating gastritis depends on its cause. While the simple forms of the disease can be treated with inexpensive drugs and doctor consultations, additional expenses may be incurred if diagnostic tests are needed, such as endoscopy, blood tests, or H. pylori testing. Treatment of chronic gastritis also leads to higher bills.
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Lifestyle Modifications Lifestyle changes play a vital role in the treatment of gastritis. It includes having small meals, reducing intake of spicy and fatty food items, controlling alcohol consumption, not smoking, restricting unnecessary intake of painkillers, and maintaining stress levels.
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Mental Well-being Persistent stomach pain can affect mood, appetite, and sleep. Some people may become anxious about eating because certain foods trigger symptoms. Following the prescribed gastritis treatment plan and discussing symptoms with the physician can lead to a better quality of life.
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Caregiver Support The role of family members is to help patients recover by preparing healthy meals, reminding them to take medications on time, and encouraging regular follow-up appointments. They also need to be on the lookout for warning symptoms like vomiting blood, dark stools, abdominal pain, and weakness.
What is the Prognosis for Gastritis?
The prognosis for gastritis is generally excellent, especially when you visit doctors early and treat the underlying cause.
Usually, acute gastritis resolves within days to weeks after removing the trigger. However, chronic gastritis requires long-term management, but treatment can prevent progression and complications. In case of advanced gastritis, it may require regular endoscopy and monitoring to detect precancerous changes early.
How Can I Prevent Gastritis?
Gastritis cannot always be prevented, but the risk can be reduced with the following practical habits:
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Always wash your hands before eating and after using the washroom.
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Drink clean and safe water.
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Eat food prepared in hygienic conditions.
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Avoid alcohol or keep intake low if advised.
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Do not smoke or use tobacco.
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Try to avoid painkillers as much as possible without medical consultation.
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Eat smaller meals if heavy meals trigger symptoms.
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Avoid foods that repeatedly cause burning or pain.
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Treat H. pylori infection if your doctor confirms it.
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Follow the full treatment course given by your doctor.
Gastritis Treatment Cost in India
Treatment for gastritis in India is normally inexpensive; however, the cost will depend on the kind of medical care required. Early diagnosis and treatment can save patients from undergoing costly processes and procedures.
The following are the treatment costs of gastritis in India:
| Treatment | Cost Range |
| Doctor Consultation | ₹500 to ₹3,000 per visit |
| Helicobacter Pylori Antibody Test | ₹2,900 to ₹4,500+ |
| Upper GI Endoscopy | ₹2,000 to ₹15,000 |
| Endoscopic Biopsy | ₹5,000 to ₹12,000 |
Disclaimer: The above costs are approximate and may vary depending on the city, hospital, doctor's consultation fees, investigations required, and the severity of the condition.
Does Health Insurance Cover Gastritis?
Yes, health insurance may cover gastritis if it is deemed medically necessary. Covered expenses may include day care procedures, in-patient hospitalisation including room rent, nursing charges, endoscopy, and treatment of complications arising from gastritis. However, outpatient (OPD) consultations and routine medicines are covered through an OPD cover.
If gastritis is diagnosed before purchasing a policy, it is considered a pre-existing disease (PED). The insurance will extend coverage after the completion of the waiting period, up to 3 years, depending on the insurer and plan.
Note: Insurance coverage and the waiting period vary from one insurer and policy to another. It is therefore important for you to read the terms and conditions of your insurance plan carefully.
How Much Health Insurance Coverage is Needed for Gastritis Treatment?
The right health insurance coverage for gastritis treatment depends on the hospital, city, test requirements and severity of the condition. A cover of around ₹5 to ₹10 lakh can be a useful starting range for basic hospitalisation, diagnostic tests, endoscopy, medicines, and day care procedures. A higher cover of around ₹10 to ₹15 lakh may be better for people with bleeding, ulcer risk, repeated admissions, older age or existing health conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Q1. What is the best treatment for gastritis?
Ans: The ideal treatment for gastritis depends on the underlying cause and extent of the disease. Antibiotics and drugs to reduce acid in the stomach may be used if the causative factor is infection with H. Pylori. In the event that painkillers and/or alcohol are responsible, then stopping their use might help. -
Q2. What is the main cause of gastritis?
Ans: The main cause of gastritis is irritation or inflammation of the stomach lining. H. pylori infection is a common cause in many people. Frequent use of certain pain medicines, alcohol, smoking, bile reflux and severe physical stress can also trigger gastritis symptoms or make them worse. -
Q3. What are the symptoms of gastritis?
Ans: Common gastritis symptoms include upper stomach pain, burning, nausea, vomiting, bloating, early fullness and loss of appetite. Some people may also feel indigestion or discomfort after meals. Black stools, vomiting blood, fainting or severe weakness can suggest bleeding and need urgent medical attention from a doctor.
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References
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https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastritis-gastropathy
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https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastritis-gastropathy/symptoms-causes
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https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastritis-gastropathy/treatment
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