Eight Symptoms Of Gastritis

What Is Gastritis?

Gastritis is a group of conditions characterised by inflammation of the stomach lining. Gastritis can occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or slowly over time (chronic gastritis). The causes of chronic gastritis vary between the two types.

What Is The Difference Between Acute And Chronic Gastritis?

An upper abdomen ache (indigestion) is often a sign of gastroenteritis. Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss are common symptoms. Gastritis can also cause vomiting, coughing, or blood in stools.

There are not always signs and symptoms associated with gastroenteritis. Symptoms of chronic or acute gastritis vary depending on the type.

Chronic Gastritis

Several types of chronic gastritis exist, including type A and B gastritis.

• An autoimmune disorder, type A gastritis results in the body's immune system attacking its tissues. In this case, the immune system produces antibodies against the stomach lining cells. As a result, the stomach lining becomes inflamed.
  
  
• In Type B, H. pylori bacteria have entered the body.

Chronic gastritis may cause non-specific symptoms or no symptoms at all. Acute gastritis symptoms are often the same as those of chronic gastritis.

What Are The Symptoms Of Gastritis?

You may have gastritis if you experience any of the following symptoms:

1. Appetite loss.
   
   
2. An upper abdominal pain. It is often the case that these pain symptoms increase at night and decrease after eating.
   
   
3. After eating a small portion of food, feeling full.
   
   
4. Bloating.
   
   
5. Stomach tightness in the upper region.
   
   
6. Nausea.
   
   
7. Vomiting.
   
   
8. Vomiting blood.

What Are The Effects Of Gastritis?

Gastritis can cause other health problems inside the stomach if it is chronic. For instance, atrophic gastritis is characterised by thinning of the stomach lining and loss of gland cells. Due to reduced Vitamin B12 absorption in the intestines, atrophic gastritis can lead to anaemia and nerve damage.

Elevated Risk For Gastric Cancer

There is also an increased risk of gastric cancer associated with gastric atrophy. Many of the symptoms of this severe condition are similar to those of gastritis once it has advanced. Other symptoms include weight loss, heartburn, dizziness, fatigue due to anaemia, and trouble swallowing.

When Should I Contact A Doctor?

Symptoms of gastritis usually go away with time. In case you have one or more of the below symptoms, you should see your doctor right away:

• More than two weeks have passed since the onset of any of the above symptoms.
  
  
• There is a worsening or recurrence of the symptoms.
  
  
• It is difficult for you to swallow your food.
  
  
• Blood is coming out of your mouth.
  
  
• You have blood in your faeces or black stools.
  
  
• There is persistent abdominal pain in your abdomen.

If you need to talk to a doctor online, you can use Mobi Doctor. You can discuss your symptoms and get the treatment you need.