Is gastritis the same as an ulcer?

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, while an ulcer is an actual open sore. Untreated gastritis can progress to ulcers, so early treatment is important.

What foods should I avoid with gastritis?

Common triggers include spicy foods, acidic foods, alcohol, coffee, and fatty or fried foods. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and choosing bland foods can help.

Can stress cause gastritis?

Everyday stress doesn't directly cause chronic gastritis, but severe physiological stress from major surgery or critical illness can cause acute stress gastritis. Emotional stress can worsen existing symptoms.

DigestiveICD-10: K29Affects approximately 8 out of every 1,000 people

Gastritis

Also known as: Stomach Inflammation, Stomach Lining Inflammation

Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining, which can occur suddenly (acute) or develop gradually (chronic). It is most commonly caused by H. pylori infection, excessive alcohol use, or long-term NSAID use. Untreated chronic gastritis can lead to stomach ulcers and may increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Symptoms

Gnawing or burning pain in the upper abdomen

Nausea and vomiting

Feeling of fullness or bloating after eating

Loss of appetite

Indigestion (dyspepsia)

Black, tarry stools indicating GI bleeding

Vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like material

Causes

Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection
Regular use of NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen)
Excessive alcohol consumption
Autoimmune gastritis
Bile reflux from the small intestine
Severe physiological stress from major surgery or critical illness

Risk Factors

H. pylori infection
Chronic NSAID or aspirin use
Heavy alcohol use
Older age
Autoimmune conditions
Smoking

Diagnosis

Upper endoscopy with biopsy of the stomach lining
H. pylori testing (breath test, stool antigen, or blood test)
Blood tests for anemia and inflammation markers
Stool test for occult blood

Treatment

Proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole)
H2 blockers (famotidine) as an alternative
Antibiotics for H. pylori eradication
Antacids for quick symptom relief
Discontinuation of causative NSAIDs or alcohol
Vitamin B12 supplementation for autoimmune gastritis

Prevention

Limit NSAID use and take them with food
Moderate alcohol consumption
Avoid foods that irritate your stomach
Practice good hand hygiene to reduce H. pylori transmission

When to See a Doctor

Stomach pain persists for more than a week
You experience vomiting blood or black tarry stools
Symptoms do not improve with over-the-counter antacids
You have unexplained weight loss with stomach symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Digestive

Gallstones

Digestive

Food Poisoning

Infectious

Stomach Cancer

Cancer

Related from the Supplement Library

Slippery Elm

Preliminary

Herb · GI tract soothing and protection

Licorice Root (DGL)

Moderate

Herb · Gut lining support and mucosal healing (DGL)

L-Glutamine

Moderate

Amino Acid · Gut lining repair and intestinal integrity

Probiotics (Lactobacillus)

Strong

Probiotic · Gut microbiome balance and diversity

These supplements have been studied in relation to Gastritis. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take medications.

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Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

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