Gastritis describes inflammation of the stomach’s inner lining (mucosa). It can develop suddenly (acute) due to infections, alcohol, medications such as NSAIDs, or severe stress, or it can be chronic due to H. pylori infection, autoimmune conditions, or ongoing irritant exposure.
Mild gastritis may cause few symptoms, but more severe or long-lasting inflammation can lead to pain, indigestion, nausea, and occasionally ulcers, bleeding, or increased cancer risk, depending on the cause and duration.
Symptoms range from vague indigestion to clear upper abdominal pain, nausea, or bloating. Many people with mild gastritis may have no noticeable symptoms until inflammation worsens or complications occur.
Call the office if you have ongoing upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, indigestion, or early fullness lasting more than a few days, especially with regular NSAID use or a history of ulcers. Also call if symptoms recur after stopping treatment.
Seek emergency care if you vomit blood, see black or tarry stools, have sudden severe abdominal pain, feel faint, or notice signs of shock (pale, clammy skin, rapid heartbeat). These may indicate significant bleeding or perforation.
Evaluation includes a careful history, review of medications and alcohol use, and sometimes testing for H. pylori. Upper endoscopy may be recommended to directly view the stomach lining, rule out ulcers, and obtain biopsies.
Treatment depends on the cause and may include stopping irritant medications, treating H. pylori, reducing stomach acid, and adjusting lifestyle factors. Many cases improve once the underlying cause is addressed.
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