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Gastritis

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It is the inflammation of the mucosa that lines the inside of the stomach.

The most common causes are: ingestion of medication, alcohol or Helicobacter pylori infection.

Generally, it does not cause symptoms but when it manifests itself in the form of abdominal pain, lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Although rare, gastrointestinal bleeding may be the first manifestation of this process.

Diagnosis is clinical by interrogation and physical examination. Diagnostic suspicion is confirmed by blood tests and investigation for H. pylori infection.

The cause should be treated and medications should be administered to reduce gastric acidity.  

Bibliographic references
  1. Mark Feldman, Pamela J Jensen. Classification and diagnosis of gastritis and gastropathy. UpToDate. Dec 17, 2015.
  2. Rugge M, Meggio A, Pennelli G, et al. Gastritis staging in clinical practice: the OLGA staging system. Gut 2007; 56:631.
  3. Isajevs S, Liepniece-Karele I, Janciauskas D, et al. Gastritis staging: interobserver agreement by applying OLGA and OLGIM systems. Virchows Arch 2014; 464:403.
  4. John Del Valle. Úlcera péptica y trastornos relacionados. Gastritis. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19ª Edición. 1930:1932.
  5. Gastritis. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen II. Duodécima edición. 70:76
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Heartburn pit of the stomach

    Pain in the pit of the stomach

    Nausea

    Sensation of gastric fullness

    Localized abdominal pain

Symptoms to watch out for

Dark/black colored stools
Bloody vomit
Abdominal pain that does not subside with usual treatment
History of immunodeficiency (HIV, Diabetes Mellitus, oncological disorders, long-term corticosteroid consumption).
Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)

Self-care

Eat small meals every day instead of 2 or 3 large meals.
Consume 1 antacid 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast.
Avoid taking over-the-counter medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Avoid fatty foods, such as red meat, butter, fried foods and cheese.
Reduce alcohol consumption.
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