Gastritis: Causes, symptoms, and medical management

Gastritis is defined as the inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the interior of the stomach. This lining serves to protect the organ from gastric acid; when it is damaged or weakened, inflammation occurs.

The condition is categorized into two types: acute and chronic. Acute gastritis appears suddenly over a short period and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, medications, or certain foods. Chronic gastritis develops progressively over a long period and may be asymptomatic, sometimes serving as an indicator of other underlying diseases. Symptoms of symptomatic gastritis include upper abdominal pain, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and dark stools indicating the presence of blood.

Medical experts note that chronic gastritis can be considered a preneoplastic lesion, requiring periodic endoscopic surveillance. While Helicobacter pylori is the most frequent cause of chronic gastritis, other causes include drugs, bile reflux, and autoimmune mechanisms. Treatment for Helicobacter pylori typically involves the simultaneous use of at least two different antibiotics to prevent bacterial resistance.