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Symptoms of Gastritis That Should Not Be Ignored
Certain symptoms of gastritis may indicate ongoing stomach problems, gastrointestinal bleeding or another upper digestive condition and should be medically assessed. The table below explains gastritis symptoms that warrant attention and what they may indicate:
| Symptom | What It May Indicate |
| Persistent or worsening upper abdominal pain | Ongoing gastritis, an ulcer or another upper gastrointestinal condition |
| Repeated nausea or vomiting | Persistent stomach irritation or another gastrointestinal condition |
| Persistent loss of appetite | Ongoing stomach problems or another underlying condition |
| Unexplained weight loss | Reduced food intake or another gastrointestinal disorder |
| Feeling full after eating only a small amount | Ongoing upper digestive symptoms that require assessment |
| Difficulty swallowing | Another upper gastrointestinal condition that requires medical evaluation |
| Black or tarry stools | Possible bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract |
| Blood in vomit or coffee-ground vomit | Possible bleeding from the stomach or upper gastrointestinal tract |
Black or tarry stools and blood or coffee-ground vomit should be medically assessed because they may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.
Why Do Gastritis Symptoms Occur?
Gastritis develops when the stomach lining, also called the mucosa, becomes inflamed. This lining normally protects the stomach wall from gastric acid and other digestive substances. When the stomach lining becomes damaged or inflamed, irritation can lead to symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, nausea, and indigestion.
One common cause is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. The bacteria can colonise the stomach lining and cause ongoing inflammation. Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also damage the stomach's protective mechanisms by reducing prostaglandins, which help maintain the mucosal barrier.
In autoimmune gastritis, the immune system attacks healthy cells in the stomach lining. This can affect the absorption of iron and vitamin B12, which may contribute to iron-deficiency or vitamin B12-related anaemia and symptoms such as tiredness.
Symptoms of Gastritis That Require Immediate Medical Attention
Certain gastritis symptoms may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding or another serious complication and require urgent medical attention:
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Vomiting blood
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Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
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Black or tarry stools
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Severe or worsening abdominal pain
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Fainting or severe dizziness, particularly with suspected bleeding
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Marked weakness or shortness of breath with signs of gastrointestinal bleeding
Severe gastrointestinal bleeding can cause shock. Confusion, loss of consciousness, a rapid heartbeat, pale skin, cold hands and feet or sweating are signs of shock and require emergency medical care.
Symptoms of Gastritis Based on Type
The table below summarises the typical symptom patterns associated with recognised forms or clinical types of gastritis:
| Type | Symptoms |
| H. pylori gastritis | May cause upper abdominal pain or discomfort, nausea, indigestion, early fullness, loss of appetite or weight loss. Some people have no symptoms. |
| Autoimmune gastritis | May cause few or no digestive symptoms. Iron or vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to tiredness or symptoms of anaemia. |
| Acute gastritis | May cause sudden upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting or indigestion. Symptoms vary according to the underlying cause. |
| Chronic gastritis | May cause persistent or recurring upper abdominal discomfort, indigestion, nausea, early fullness or loss of appetite. Some people remain asymptomatic. |
Symptoms of Gastritis in Children
Children may describe gastritis symptoms differently from adults, particularly when they are too young to explain exactly where they feel discomfort. Possible symptoms of gastritis in children include:
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Upper abdominal or tummy pain or discomfort
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Nausea or vomiting
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Reduced appetite or reluctance to eat
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Feeling full sooner than usual
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Irritability or fussiness, particularly in younger children
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Poor weight gain or weight loss when symptoms persist, or food intake is reduced
These symptoms can occur with several childhood digestive conditions and do not confirm gastritis. Persistent symptoms, repeated vomiting or concerns about a child's eating or growth should be assessed by a paediatrician or other healthcare professional.
Can You Have Gastritis Without Symptoms?
Yes. Many people with gastritis do not notice any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may resemble ordinary indigestion, so a person may not realise that an underlying stomach condition is present.
Gastritis may sometimes be discovered during tests performed for another reason. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy allows a doctor to examine the stomach lining, while a biopsy can help identify inflammation and certain causes of gastritis.
Some chronic forms of gastritis can cause complications over time. For example, H. pylori gastritis and autoimmune gastritis can interfere with iron absorption, while autoimmune gastritis can also affect vitamin B12 absorption. Chronic gastritis can also lead to atrophic changes in the stomach lining and increase the risk of certain complications.
When Can Gastritis Symptoms Become Life-Threatening?
Gastritis can become life-threatening when it causes severe gastrointestinal bleeding or contributes to complications such as shock. The following situations require urgent medical attention:
| Life-Threatening Situation | What Can Happen |
| Severe gastrointestinal bleeding | Significant bleeding can cause vomiting of blood or coffee-ground material, black stools, dizziness, weakness and shortness of breath. |
| Haemorrhagic shock | Severe blood loss can reduce blood flow to vital organs, causing confusion, loss of consciousness, a rapid heartbeat, pale skin, cold hands and feet or sweating. |
| Severe blood-loss complications | If blood loss is not controlled, reduced oxygen delivery can impair vital organ function and become life-threatening. |
Severe gastrointestinal bleeding and symptoms of shock require emergency medical care.
How are Gastritis Symptoms Diagnosed?
Symptoms alone cannot confirm gastritis. A doctor may review the symptoms, medical history and medicines being taken, perform a physical examination and use tests to identify the underlying cause or check for complications.
The table below explains the main diagnostic tests that may be used to investigate gastritis, identify its cause or assess possible complications:
| Diagnostic Test | Purpose |
| Urea breath test | Checks for evidence of H. pylori infection using a breath sample. |
| Stool test | Can detect H. pylori infection and may also check for blood in the stool. |
| Blood tests | Can help identify anaemia or nutritional deficiencies associated with some forms of gastritis. |
| Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy | Allows a doctor to examine the upper digestive tract and look for inflammation, erosions or other abnormalities. |
| Biopsy during endoscopy | Examines a small tissue sample to identify inflammation and help determine the underlying cause. |
| Upper GI series | Uses X-rays and a contrast liquid to examine the upper digestive tract when clinically appropriate. |
Not everyone with gastritis symptoms will need every test. The investigations used depend on the symptoms, medical history and suspected cause.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Q1. What is the first symptom of gastritis?
Ans: There is no single first symptom of gastritis. Common gastritis symptoms include upper abdominal pain or discomfort, indigestion, nausea, vomiting and feeling full sooner than usual. Some people with gastritis have no symptoms. -
Q2. Can gastritis develop without symptoms?
Ans: Yes. Gastritis can develop without noticeable symptoms, particularly in some chronic cases. Gastritis may sometimes be discovered during tests carried out for another gastrointestinal problem. -
Q3. Which gastritis symptoms should never be ignored?
Ans: Gastritis symptoms such as blood in vomit, coffee-ground vomit, black or tarry stools, persistent or worsening abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss and repeated vomiting should be medically assessed. Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding require urgent medical attention.
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References
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https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastritis-gastropathy/definition-facts
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https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gastritis
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https://www.apollohospitals.com/region/mumbai/clinical-excellence/gastroenterology/treatments-and-procedures/medical-gastroenterology/gastritis/
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