Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori gastritis. Researchers are still studying how people become infected. H. pylori bacteria may spread from person to person through contact with an infected person's vomit, stool, or saliva.
Gastritis itself isn't contagious, but the infections that cause it are. H. pylori, in particular, has infected most of the world's population, and it's caused chronic gastritis in about half. It spreads by the fecal-to-oral route.
Left untreated, gastritis may lead to stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding. Rarely, some forms of chronic gastritis may increase your risk of stomach cancer, especially if you have extensive thinning of the stomach lining and changes in the lining's cells.
If it's not treated, gastritis may get worse and cause a stomach ulcer. If gastritis is not getting better, or it's causing severe symptoms, a GP might refer you to a specialist stomach doctor (gastroenterologist). They might do a test to look inside your stomach, called a gastroscopy.
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. The condition can cause a range of symptoms, such as abdominal pain, back pain, and belching. It can be acute or chronic and also increase the risk of developing other conditions, such as stomach ulcers, bleeding, or cancer.
Without treatment, chronic gastritis can last for weeks or even years. Chronic gastritis occurs over a long period of time, so it can gradually wear away at a person's stomach lining. It's important to seek evaluation and treatment for chronic gastritis, because it can lead to complications such as ulcers and bleeding.
There are various causes of chronic gastritis, including bacterial infection from Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), regularly using aspirin or ibuprofen (NSAID painkillers), smoking, using excessive amounts of alcohol; or as a consequence of stress, major surgery, a serious illness or injury.
Dr Sarmed Sami advises that gastritis can last between a few days to a month or longer. The treatment will depend on the specific cause for each patient. If you're experiencing gastritis, book an appointment to seek expert care. Dr Sarmed Sami advises that gastritis can last between a few days to a month or longer.
Gastritis is when your stomach lining gets red and swollen (inflamed). Your stomach lining is strong. In most cases, acid does not hurt it. But it can get inflamed and irritated if you drink too much alcohol, have damage from pain relievers called NSAIDs, or smoke.
Gastritis Can Become a Serious Emergency
Feeling confused or passing out can also indicate blood loss. If there is bright red or maroon blood in the stool, a “tarry” appearance in the stool, or vomiting of blood, this is considered an emergency and may be life-threatening.
If gastritis has been around for a long time, complications such as bleeding gastric ulcers (ulcer ventriculi) may need to be operated on. This requires hospitalization.
Medications used to treat gastritis include: Antibiotic medications to kill H. pylori. For H. pylori in your digestive tract, your doctor may recommend a combination of antibiotics, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin XL) and amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, others) or metronidazole (Flagyl), to kill the bacterium.
“Then, neutrophils and lymphocytes (types of white blood cells) come in to help fight off bacteria and start the repair process. The result is that the area gets inflamed (swollen or appearing bruised before healing). This inflammatory process can bear down on nerve endings and cause different levels of pain.”
Chronic gastritis is a long term condition that can lead to pain, nausea, bloating, and other symptoms. Chronic gastritis is one of the most common chronic conditions and can last for years or even a lifetime if left untreated.
In fact, it's really common for the condition to be quite advanced before it is recognized. But non-specific symptoms like fatigue, bloating, and abdominal pain may be signs of gastritis. Identifying the cause as early as possible can help you to feel better and avoid more serious complications.
Stress can cause a stomachache, and an even more serious condition called gastritis. If your bout of indigestion or inflammation lingers for a week or more – or if there is blood in your vomit or feces – you should see a physician to determine if you have gastritis.
Water has a neutral ph. Drinking large amounts of water controls the acid levels of gastric juices, which helps accelerate the healing of gastritis. You should avoid drinking too much water immediately before and after meals, as it can be counterproductive.
Gastritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the stomach lining. Bacterial infections are the most common cause of chronic gastritis. GERD is when a person often and repeatedly has acid reflux or heartburn. GERD is a serious condition that can eventually lead to a person experiencing complications.
Gastritis occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed or swollen. Gastritis may last for only a short time (acute gastritis) or it may linger for months to years (chronic gastritis).
One person with gastritis may have no noticeable symptoms, while another may have severe symptoms. Typically, people report a sharp, stabbing, or burning pain in the upper-center or upper-left abdomen. The pain often radiates to the back. Other common symptoms include bloating and nausea.
Foods to help treat gastritis
Two foods that may help treat gastritis are broccoli and yogurt. Broccoli contains a chemical called sulforaphane, which has antibacterial properties. It also contains antioxidants, which can help protect against cancer.