What Causes Gastritis
Get all the information on gastritis, its possible causes, symptoms, types, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention methods that can help minimise the risks.
Written by Dr Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining due to factors such as infections, excessive medications, and poor lifestyle choices. While it is not difficult to treat this condition, if ignored, it will cause discomfort and even severe digestive complications. However, to better understand this condition, one first needs to appreciate the role of the stomach in the human digestive system. The stomach plays a crucial role in breaking down gastric acids and enzymes, thus contributing to the digestion of the food. Hence, it is crucial to be aware of the reasons behind gastritis so that it can be managed better.
Types of Gastritis
Gastritis can be classified by its causes and the phases of its development. This makes it easier to treat the disease. The following are the main types:
Acute Gastritis: Acute gastritis occurs suddenly owing to factors like bacterial infections, excessive alcohol consumption, or a stressful event. Common signs include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Chronic Gastritis: Chronic gastritis develops gradually and may be caused by H. pylori infection, autoimmune diseases, or long-term use of NSAIDs (plain relieving drugs). This type may lead to continued pain, gas, and lack of appetite.
Erosive and Non-Erosive Gastritis: Erosive gastritis refers to the wearing of the stomach lining and is likely to lead to ulcers or haemorrhage. Non-erosive gastritis, on the other hand, involves inflammation of the stomach lining but without mucosal damage. These two forms can cause pain, nausea, and digestive problems.
Autoimmune Gastritis: This kind of gastritis develops once the immune system attacks the stomach lining, resulting in vitamin B12 deficiency and raising its vulnerability to anaemia. It is frequently observed with other autoimmune diseases.
Reactive (Chemical) Gastritis: Reactive gastritis, also known as reflux gastritis, occurs when bile backflows into the stomach, either because of surgery or the constant use of irritants such as NSAIDs or alcohol. Symptoms may include pain, nausea, vomiting, and heartburn.
Common Causes of Gastritis
Gastritis is caused by several factors that affect the lining of the stomach. Below are the most common causes:
Helicobacter pylori Infection: This bacterial infection is a common cause of gastritis because its effects erode the stomach lining and thus cause inflammation.
Regular Use of Pain Relievers: Popular pain-relieving drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen can cause damage to the mucosa of the stomach lining and produce inflammation.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol directly affects the gastric mucosa, and excessive intake causes acute or chronic gastritis diseases.
Stress-Induced Gastritis: Stress from surgery, injury, or illness will cause one’s stomach to produce more acid, thereby causing gastritis.
Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune gastritis is a type of gastritis in which the immune system attacks the stomach lining and produces inflammation.
Dietary and Lifestyle Factors: Spicy foods, smoking, and irregular meal patterns put a lot of pressure on the stomach and this leads to the development of gastritis.
Other Contributing Factors
Several other factors also contribute to gastritis, either alone or in combination with other causes:
Stress-induced gastritis: Physical and emotional stress and traumatic events such as surgery or injury may lead to overstimulation of the acid-producing cells and, therefore, worsen the condition of the stomach lining.
Smoking: Smoking damages the mucus production ability of the stomach lining and, therefore, is easily irritated by stomach acids.
Autoimmune Conditions: Autoimmune gastritis is specific where the immune system targets the stomach and causes constant inflammation to the stomach lining.
Poor Diet and Irregular Eating Habits: Eating spicy dishes, fatty products, or simply taking large portions of food at long intervals can irritate the stomach and result in gastritis.
Bile Reflux: Gastritis occurs when bile, a digestive fluid originating from the liver, overflows back into the stomach and damages its lining.
Risk Factors
Several conditions are known to put a person at a higher risk of getting gastritis. Below are some key risk factors:
Age: The stomach’s lining is known to thin with ageing decreasing the efficiency of protecting irritation and eventually causing gastritis.
Family History: Pre-existing conditions seem to be a particular risk factor for developing gastritis as people with a family history of the disease will be more prone to developing it.
Chronic Health Conditions: Endocrine disorders such as diabetes and metabolic diseases, including liver and kidney diseases, can predispose a patient to gastritis by either compromising immunity or changing stomach function.
Frequent Use of Medications: Long-term use of medications like corticosteroids, anticoagulants, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause gastritis.
Symptoms of Gastritis
The symptoms of gastritis can help diagnose the disease from other gastrointestinal diseases. Some of the common symptoms of gastritis are:
Pain, especially in the upper abdomen
Nausea and vomiting sometimes
Bloating or the feeling of being heavy or bulky
Loss of appetite, resulting in weight loss
It is often possible to mistake gastritis for other illnesses related to the digestive system, including ulcers or acid reflux. However, symptoms like pain after taking a meal and nausea make it easy to differentiate the condition from other diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome or gallbladder problems.
Diagnosis of Gastritis
Diagnosing gastritis involves a combination of medical history, physical examinations, and tests to confirm the condition. The diagnostic process starts by assessing a patient’s case history and symptoms. A physical examination of the abdomen is conducted to determine if the patient has developed any tenderness or signs of inflammation.
To confirm the diagnosis, doctors may use:
Endoscopy: A process to visually examine the lining of the stomach for inflammation or injury at a glance.
Blood Tests: To screen for anaemia or evaluate the signs of Helicobacter pylori infection.
Stool Tests: To detect blood or H. pylori bacterium.
Get Tested for Your Symptoms
Treatment Options
Gastritis is treated through medications, change of personal habits, and occasionally through surgery. Here are the common treatment approaches:
Medications
Medications play a vital role in managing gastritis by reducing stomach acid, relieving discomfort, and addressing underlying infections like H. pylori.
Antacids: Stomach acid neutralisers and relievers of pain and discomfort.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Minimise the amount of acid produced in the stomach to let your stomach lining heal.
H2-Receptor Antagonists: This will help block acid formation within the stomach to prevent irritation.
Antibiotics: In the case of an H. pylori infection, the doctor administers antibiotics to kill the bacteria.
Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
Adopting healthier habits and avoiding irritants can significantly reduce gastritis symptoms and promote long-term stomach health.
Avoiding Irritants: Patients should not consume alcohol and avoid smoking and spicy foods to prevent gastritis.
Eating Small, Frequent Meals: Stomach stress can also be reduced by taking several small meals daily within a certain gap.
Stress Management: Techniques such as meditation or yoga can help reduce the stress that may contribute to gastritis.
Surgery (In Severe Cases)
In some situations where ulcers bleed, or there is severe damage to the linings of the stomach, surgical intervention becomes crucial.
Prevention of Gastritis
Gastritis prevention is all about changing one’s habits and especially his/her diet. The effective prevention strategies are:
Healthy Lifestyle Practices
Adopting healthier habits, such as limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and managing stress, can protect the stomach lining and reduce gastritis risk.
Avoid Excessive Alcohol and Smoking: For the protection of the stomach lining, moderation of alcohol and smoking cessation is encouraged.
Stress Reduction: Exercise and meditation are used to manage stress.
Limit NSAID Use: Reduce the consumption of NSAIDs to prevent the risk of damaging the stomach lining.
Dietary Recommendations
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fibre and proper hydration helps maintain stomach health while avoiding irritants like spicy and fatty foods.
Balanced Diet: Consume foods like fruits, vegetables, and fibres that are good for stomach health.
Limit Spicy and Fatty Foods: Avoid taking oily and acidic foods to prevent stomach irritation.
Stay Hydrated: Do not neglect your fluid intake to support digestion and avoid high levels of gastritis.
Regular Medical Check-ups
General body check-ups help diagnose the onset of gastritis and control various risk elements. Regular screenings can help monitor stomach health, identify H. pylori infections, and assess the effects of medications like NSAIDs on the stomach lining. Early diagnosis ensures timely intervention and prevents complications, promoting overall digestive health.
Conclusion
Gastritis can be caused by infection and lifestyle factors. Early diagnosis is important to avoid further development of a complication and to facilitate effective treatment. People with gastritis can control the disease through medications and changes in their diet and lifestyle and can avoid further relapses and complications in the future.
Consult Top Gastroenterologists
Consult Top Gastroenterologists
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