What is gastritis?

An inflammation, soreness or erosion of the inner lining of the stomach is called gastritis. This inflammation can occur for short term (acute) or long term (chronic). Based on the location and nature of gastritis,

Types:

 

 

Pangastritis – Gastritis affecting entire stomach

 

 

Antral gastritis – Gastritis of a portion of stomach

 

Erosive gastritis – Over extended exposure to stomach acids, irritation can progress to damage and erosion of inner lining. Based on the extent of erosion, acute gastritis may either be superficial erosive gastritis or deep erosive gastritis.

 

Hemorrhagic gastritis – In extreme cases, erosion may be accompanied with bleeding and thus called as acute hemorrhagic gastritis.

 

What are the causes of gastritis :

The irritation to the inner lining of digestive system occurs due to several factors that lead to irritation in stomach and esophagus.

  • Imbalance in the protective chemicals and aggressive acids of digestive system.

  • Movement of bile from gall bladder into stomach and back flow of stomach juices into esophagus.

  • Stress

  • Repetitive or longstanding vomiting

  • Excessive alcohol intake

  • Frequent use of medications such as aspirin or other painkillers

  • Long standing presence of a bacteria, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in stomach,

  • Rarely, ischemia of stomach

 

What are the symptoms of gastritis :

 

 

Symptoms vary from person to person. Sometimes, there may not be any symptoms at all. Common symptoms include:

 

  • Bloating of stomach

  • Burning sensation in stomach region between meals or at night

  • Reduced hunger

  • Frequent stomach upset

  • Hiccups

  • Indigestion and burping

  • Pain in abdomen and back pain

  • Vomiting

  • Ulcers, erosion and bleeding

 

How is gastritis diagnosed?

  • A detailed medical history

  • Physical examination

  • Tests for gastritis

    • – Blood tests – red blood cell count and haemoglobin for anaemia, screening for Helicobacter pylori infection

    • – Stool test/faecal occult blood test

    • – Endoscopy

What to eat on a gastritis diet 

  • high-fiber foods such as apples, oatmeal, broccoli, carrots, and beans

  • low-fat foods such as fish, chicken, and turkey breast

  • foods with low acidity, or are more alkaline, like vegetables

  • drinks that are not carbonated

  • drinks without caffeine

  • probiotics such as kombucha, yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut

Foods to avoid on a gastritis diet :

Foods that are high in fat may worsen inflammation in the lining of the stomach. Some other foods to avoid because they can irritate the stomach are:

  • alcohol

  • coffee

  • acidic foods like tomatoes and some fruits

  • fruit juice

  • fatty foods

  • fried foods

  • carbonated drinks

  • spicy foods

  • allergenic or symptomatic foods