Severe Stomach Inflammation: Exploring Causes, Signs, Diagnosis, and Additional Information
Acute gastritis is a sudden inflammation of the stomach lining that can cause discomfort and disruption to daily life. This condition is relatively common and can be caused by various factors.
Common causes of acute gastritis include infections with the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, excessive alcohol consumption, the use of irritating drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), food poisoning, stress, major surgery, injury, ingestion of corrosive substances, and smoking. In rare cases, autoimmune disorders and radiation therapy may also be culprits [1][3][4][5].
Typical symptoms of acute gastritis include severe upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, thirst, diarrhea (in some cases), and in some instances, gastrointestinal bleeding [1][3][5].
Diagnosing acute gastritis involves a clinical assessment of symptoms and history, along with blood, stool, or breath tests to detect Helicobacter pylori, and endoscopy with possible biopsy to assess the stomach lining [1][5].
Treatment for acute gastritis usually depends on the cause but often includes temporary fasting or avoidance of food to allow stomach healing, the use of medications such as antacids, acid reducers, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antibiotics if a Helicobacter pylori infection is present, avoidance of alcohol, NSAIDs, and other irritants, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and managing stress, and in severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous fluids [1][3][5].
For gastritis that arises from NSAIDs, stopping their use and taking different medications may be necessary. For gastritis caused by excessive stomach acid, treatment options include antacids, PPIs, and alginates. For gastritis due to alcohol, stopping alcohol consumption is essential for treatment [1][3].
In more serious cases, acute gastritis can cause stomach bleeding, leading to symptoms like black or tarry stool, red or maroon blood mixed in the stool, abdominal cramps, tiredness, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, red blood in vomit, and vomit that has the appearance of ground coffee [1][3].
Effective treatment of acute gastritis can help prevent the condition from recurring. However, the outlook for people with gastritis can depend on its underlying cause. For instance, having had a Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis can increase the risk of gastric cancer [1].
Individuals with autoimmune gastritis also tend to receive an earlier gastric cancer diagnosis, potentially improving the efficacy of gastric cancer treatment [2]. Gastritis can lead to erosion and ulcers, resulting in gastric bleeding, which requires immediate medical attention [1].
The National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom lists breath tests, laboratory tests on stool samples, and laboratory tests on blood samples as principal tests for diagnosing acute gastritis [3].
References: [1] UpToDate. (2021). Acute gastritis. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acute-gastritis [2] Liu, Y., Zhang, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2019). Gastric cancer in patients with autoimmune gastritis: A case-control study. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6720745/ [3] NHS. (2021). Gastritis. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gastritis/ [4] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Acute gastritis. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acute-gastritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354971 [5] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Acute gastritis. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17649-acute-gastritis
- Despite the common nature of acute gastritis, other digestive problems can also affect overall digestive health, highlighting the importance of maintaining gastrointestinal health, particularly under the umbrella of health and wellness.
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in digestive health, and medical-conditions like acute gastritis may require specific dietary adjustments to aid in recovery.
- The misuse or overuse of certain drugs, particularly NSAIDs, can contribute to various digestive-related medical conditions, including acute gastritis, underscoring the need for careful medication management.
- In the realm of medical science, further research is essential to understand better the intricate relationships between digestive health, autoimmune disorders, and gastritis, with the aim of developing more effective treatment and prevention strategies.
