Hidden Triggers of Gastritis: How to Prevent Flare-Ups and Improve Digestion

Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining. It can be classified as acute or chronic and can result from various causes.

Etiology

1. Infectious Agents:
   • Helicobacter pylori: A common bacterium that can cause chronic gastritis.
   • Other infections, including viral (e.g., cytomegalovirus) or fungal infections in immunocompromised individuals.
2. Chemical Irritants:
   • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
   • Alcohol consumption.
   • Bile reflux (when bile flows back into the stomach).
3. Autoimmune Reactions:
   • Autoimmune gastritis occurs when the immune system attacks the stomach lining.
4. Stress:
   • Physical stress, such as severe illness, surgery, or injury, can lead to acute gastritis.
5. Dietary Factors:
   • Spicy food, certain food intolerances, and allergies may contribute to gastritis.

Risks and Causes

• Age: Older adults are at higher risk due to a greater likelihood of existing medical issues.
• H. pylori Infection: A major cause of chronic gastritis.
• Medications: Long-term NSAID use, corticosteroids, and other drugs that irritate the stomach lining.
• Alcohol Abuse: Chronic ingestion of alcohol is a major risk factor.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions that increase the risk of autoimmune gastritis.

Types of Gastritis

1. Acute Gastritis: Sudden onset of inflammation, often due to irritants like NSAIDs or alcohol.
2. Chronic Gastritis: Long-term inflammation that may result from persistent H. pylori infection or autoimmune conditions:
   • Type A Gastritis: Autoimmune gastritis affecting the body’s ability to produce intrinsic factor.
   • Type B Gastritis: More common, often linked to H. pylori infection.
3. Atrophic Gastritis: Characterized by the thinning of the stomach lining, which can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain or discomfort.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Bloating and a feeling of fullness.
• Loss of appetite.
• Indigestion or dyspepsia.
• In severe cases, gastrointestinal bleeding (e.g., vomit that looks like coffee grounds or black stools).

Diagnosis

1. Medical History and Physical Examination: Understanding symptoms and lifestyle factors.
2. Endoscopy: Allows direct visualization of the stomach lining and facilitates biopsies if necessary.
3. Biopsy: To check for H. pylori infection or other pathological changes in the tissue.
4. Lab Tests: Blood tests to assess for anemia, inflammation, and H. pylori infection (via stool antigen tests or urea breath tests).

Treatment

1. Medications:
   • Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Reduce stomach acid and promote healing.
   • H2-Receptor Antagonists: Reduce acid production.
   • Antacids: Provide symptomatic relief.
   • Antibiotics: If H. pylori is present.
   • Corticosteroids: For autoimmune-related gastritis.
2. Dietary Modifications: Avoid irritative foods and beverages (e.g., spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine).
3. Lifestyle Changes: Reducing stress, quitting smoking, and moderating alcohol intake.

Prevention

• Proper hygiene to prevent bacterial infections.
• Limiting the use of NSAIDs and alcohol.
• Eating a balanced diet that avoids known irritants.
• Stress management techniques.

Complications

• Peptic Ulcers: Open sores in the stomach lining or upper part of the small intestine.
• Stomach Bleeding: This can lead to anemia.
• Stomach Cancer: Long-term inflammation associated with chronic gastritis may increase the risk.
• Vitamin Deficiencies: Especially in cases of atrophic gastritis leading to malabsorption of nutrients.