Gastritis

Gastritis is when your stomach lining becomes inflamed (irritated, swollen and red). Your stomach lining may also wear down because of the inflammation — this is called erosive gastritis.

Gastritis can:

• happen suddenly and be short-lived (acute gastritis)
• happen gradually and last for a few months or years (chronic gastritis)

Not everyone with gastritis will have symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they may include:

• a burning feeling in your upper stomach area (like heartburn) — which may change with eating
• nausea (feeling sick)
• vomiting (being sick)
• loss of appetite
• bloating and burping

The most common causes of gastritis are:

• infection with bacteria (germs) called Helicobacter pylori
• taking medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• drinking alcohol

A less common cause of gastritis is 'autoimmune gastritis'. This is caused by a problem with your immune system. There are usually no symptoms with this type of gastritis.

Helicobacter pylori infection

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that commonly lives in your digestive system.

About 3 in every 10 Australian adults over the age of 60 years have H. pylori. While most people infected with H. pylori don't get ill, the bacteria can cause:

• gastritis
• indigestion
• peptic ulcers
• stomach cancer

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Ongoing use of pain relievers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause gastritis.

NSAIDs include:

• aspirin
• ibuprofen
• diclofenac
• naproxen

Drinking alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can cause gastritis and wear down the lining of your stomach.

You should see your doctor if you have symptoms that are:

• not getting better
• severe
• getting worse

When to seek urgent care

Visit your doctor as soon as you can if you:

• see blood in your vomit or poo
• notice you are losing weight
• feel full sooner during a meal
• find it painful or harder to swallow

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you. They may also ask you to have some tests, such as:

• blood tests
• an H. pylori breath test
• stool (poo) tests

Your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist (doctor who specialises in the digestive tract).

Your specialist may suggest an endoscopy. An endoscopy involves putting a flexible tube with a tiny camera into your mouth and down into your stomach. This is usually done under sedation. You will have medicine to make you relaxed.

During an endoscopy the doctor can check for signs of inflammation and other problems. They may also take biopsies (small tissue samples). Another doctor will look at the biopsy samples under a microscope.

Treatment for gastritis aims to:

• reduce the inflammation
• improve your symptoms
• treat the underlying cause of your gastritis
• reduce the chance of complications

Treating H. pylori infection

If you have an H. pylori infection, your doctor will prescribe medicines to treat the infection. These will include both antibiotics and acid-lowering medicine.

It's important you take the full course of medicine as directed by your doctor. The treatment course is usually one or two weeks.

Treating alcohol-related or NSAID-related gastritis

It's important to stop or reduce taking NSAIDs and/or drinking alcohol if you have gastritis. If you have been prescribed an NSAID medicine, talk to your doctor about what to do.

Medicines for gastritis

There are medicines that can reduce the amount of acid made in your stomach and protect your stomach lining. These medicines can help improve your symptoms. They include:

• H2 blockers such as famotidine
• proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole
• antacids

You can buy small amounts of these medicines from a pharmacy (over-the-counter medicines) without a prescription. See your doctor if the symptoms keep coming back.

Ask your pharmacist about how to take antacids. You may need to take them at different times to your other medicines.

Self-care at home

You can also make some lifestyle changes to help improve your symptoms. You could try to:

• eat smaller meals
• eat more often
• avoid foods that irritate your stomach — such as spicy, acidic, fried or fatty foods
• stop smoking if you are a smoker

Avoiding or decreasing your use of alcohol and NSAIDs can help prevent gastritis.

There are steps you can take to help prevent infection with H. pylori. These include:

• washing your hands after using the bathroom and before eating
• eating food that has been properly washed and cooked
• only drinking water from a clean, safe source

H. pylori infection has become less common in Australia, especially in younger people.

If you don't treat it, gastritis can lead to stomach ulcers and bleeding. While rare, some types of gastritis can also increase your chance of getting stomach cancer.

Autoimmune gastritis can lead to iron deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency.

The Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) has information on conditions that can affect your gastrointestinal system.

The Gut Foundation also has information on gastrointestinal and digestive health.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.