Gastritis Overview: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Understand gastritis, including its symptoms, common causes such as infections or medications, and available treatment options. Learn how to manage and prevent flare-ups effectively.
Written by Dr. Siri Nallapu
Reviewed by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula MBBS
Last updated on 26th Aug, 2025
Gastritis is a common condition that affects many people at some point in their lives. If you’ve ever experienced stomach pain, bloating, or nausea after eating, you might have had gastritis. While it can be uncomfortable, the good news is that it’s often manageable with the right care. In this article, we’ll break down what gastritis is, its symptoms, causes, and treatments in simple terms.
What is Gastritis?
Gastritis refers to the inflammation (swelling or irritation) of the stomach lining. The stomach lining produces acids and enzymes that help digest food while also protecting itself from damage. When this lining gets inflamed, it can lead to discomfort and digestive issues.
Gastritis can be:
- Acute – Short-term, often caused by infections or irritants.
- Chronic – Long-lasting, sometimes due to ongoing infections (like H. pylori bacteria) or autoimmune conditions.
Consult a Top Gastroenterologist
Common Symptoms of Gastritis
The signs of gastritis can vary from mild to severe. Some people may not even notice symptoms, while others experience significant discomfort. Common symptoms include:
- Burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen (especially when hungry or after eating)
- Nausea or vomiting (sometimes with blood if severe)
- Bloating or a feeling of fullness after meals
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Black, tarry stools (a sign of stomach bleeding in severe cases)
If you experience persistent vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, or severe pain, seek medical help immediately.
What Causes Gastritis?
Several factors can irritate the stomach lining and lead to gastritis:
1. Bacterial Infection (H. pylori)
- A common cause of chronic gastritis.
- This bacteria weakens the stomach’s protective mucus, leading to inflammation.
2. Excessive Use of Painkillers (NSAIDs)
- Medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen can irritate the stomach lining over time.
3. Alcohol and Smoking
- Alcohol can erode the stomach lining.
- Smoking increases stomach acid production, worsening irritation.
4. Stress
- Severe stress (due to surgery, injury, or illness) can trigger acute gastritis.
5. Autoimmune Disorders
- In rare cases, the immune system attacks the stomach lining, causing chronic inflammation.
6. Spicy or Acidic Foods
- While not a direct cause, they can worsen symptoms in some people.
How is Gastritis Diagnosed?
If you suspect gastritis, a doctor may recommend:
- Medical history and physical exam – Discussing symptoms and lifestyle habits.
- Blood, stool, or breath tests – To check for H. pylori infection.
- Endoscopy – A thin tube with a camera examines the stomach lining.
- Biopsy – A small tissue sample may be taken during endoscopy for further testing.
If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, consider booking a consultation with a gastroenterologist through Apollo 24|7 for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment Options for Gastritis
Treatment depends on the cause and severity. Common approaches include:
1. Medications
- Antacids – Provide quick relief by neutralizing stomach acid.
- H2 blockers (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine) – Reduce acid production.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs like omeprazole, pantoprazole) – Stronger acid reducers for healing.
- Antibiotics – If H. pylori infection is present.
2. Dietary and Lifestyle Changes
- Eat smaller, frequent meals – Reduces stomach pressure.
- Avoid irritants – Spicy, fried, or acidic foods, alcohol, and caffeine.
- Limit NSAIDs – Use alternatives like acetaminophen if possible.
- Manage stress – Yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help.
- Quit smoking – Smoking worsens stomach inflammation.
3. Home Remedies
- Probiotics (yogurt, kefir) – Help restore healthy gut bacteria.
- Ginger or chamomile tea – May soothe nausea and inflammation.
- Honey (in warm water) – Has antibacterial properties.
When to See a Doctor?
While mild gastritis can improve with lifestyle changes, consult a doctor if:
- Symptoms last more than a week.
- You see blood in vomit or stool.
- Pain is severe and unmanageable.
- You experience unintended weight loss.
Early treatment prevents complications like ulcers or stomach bleeding.
For expert advice, you can book a consultation or lab test through Apollo 24|7 and get personalized care from the comfort of your home.
Final Thoughts
Gastritis is a treatable condition, and simple changes in diet and habits can make a big difference. If you suspect gastritis, don’t ignore persistent symptoms early care ensures faster recovery.
Consult a Top Gastroenterologist
Consult a Top Gastroenterologist
Dr. Amit Pandita
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
10 Years • MBBS. MD (INTERNAL MEDICINE) DrNB (GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr Piyush Vishwakarma
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
11 Years • MBBS, MD, DrNB,
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr. Shivaraj Afzalpurkar
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
13 Years • MBBS, MD General medicine (Gold medalist), DrNB (Gastroenterology), MNAMS
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr Abhishek Tiwari
Minimal Access/Surgical Gastroenterology
15 Years • MBBS, MS, Diabetic Foot Course (Pisa, Italy)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr Harish K C
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS MD DM MRCP(UK) (SCE-Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Consult a Top Gastroenterologist
Dr. Amit Pandita
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
10 Years • MBBS. MD (INTERNAL MEDICINE) DrNB (GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr Piyush Vishwakarma
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
11 Years • MBBS, MD, DrNB,
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr. Shivaraj Afzalpurkar
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
13 Years • MBBS, MD General medicine (Gold medalist), DrNB (Gastroenterology), MNAMS
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr Abhishek Tiwari
Minimal Access/Surgical Gastroenterology
15 Years • MBBS, MS, Diabetic Foot Course (Pisa, Italy)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
Dr Harish K C
Gastroenterology/gi Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS MD DM MRCP(UK) (SCE-Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
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