Gastrit

Gastrit, commonly called gastritis in English, is the inflammation of the stomach lining (gastric mucosa). It can involve mild, superficial inflammation or more extensive mucosal damage and may be acute or chronic. Acute gastritis appears suddenly, while chronic gastritis persists for months or years and can lead to structural changes in the stomach lining.

Causes of gastrit include Helicobacter pylori infection and regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Other factors are autoimmune conditions, bile reflux, heavy alcohol use, smoking, certain infections, and, less commonly, poisoning or radiation exposure. In hospitalized patients, stress-related mucosal disease can also cause gastritis.

Symptoms vary. Some people have no symptoms, while others experience upper abdominal pain or burning, nausea, vomiting, early satiety, bloating, or loss of appetite. In acute gastritis, bleeding can occur, leading to vomiting blood or stools that are black and tarry in some cases.

Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation and targeted testing. Endoscopy with visual assessment and biopsy can determine the presence and pattern of inflammation and exclude ulcers or cancer. Noninvasive tests for Helicobacter pylori include the urea breath test and stool antigen test. Blood tests may detect anemia in chronic cases or ongoing bleeding.

Treatment aims to address the underlying cause. H. pylori infection is treated with a combination of antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor. NSAID-related gastritis may require stopping the NSAID and using acid-suppressing therapy. Autoimmune gastritis may need management of associated pernicious anemia and monitoring for complications. Dietary changes lack strong evidence but avoiding irritants, alcohol, and large meals can help some patients; smoking cessation is advised.

Prognosis varies by cause and severity. Many cases improve with appropriate therapy, but chronic gastritis can be persistent and, depending on the subtype, may carry risks such as ulcers or, rarely, gastric cancer or lymphoma. Regular follow-up is recommended for persistent symptoms.