Gastritis is a condition that causes inflammation and irritation of the stomach lining. It can have various causes, symptoms, and treatments, depending on the type and severity of the condition. Gastritis has variations of its types. There are different types of gastritis, such as: acute, chronic, erosive, and non-erosive gastritis.

1). Acute gastritis is a sudden and severe inflammation of the stomach lining, usually caused by infection, injury, or medication.

2). Chronic gastritis is a long-term and persistent inflammation of the stomach lining, usually caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, autoimmune disorders, or pernicious anemia.

3). Erosive gastritis is a type of gastritis that causes ulcers, bleeding, or erosion of the stomach lining, usually caused by alcohol, NSAIDs, or stress.

4). Non-erosive gastritis is a type of gastritis that does not cause ulcers, bleeding, or erosion of the stomach lining, but may cause changes in the stomach cells or mucous layer.

SYMPTOMS OF GASTRITIS

Gastritis may not cause any symptoms in some people, but in others, it may cause various signs and symptoms, such as:

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Abdominal pain or discomfort.

• Bloating or fullness.

• Indigestion or heartburn.

• Loss of appetite or weight loss.

• Hiccups or burping.

• Black or tarry stools or blood in vomit (indicating bleeding in the stomach).

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS OF GASTRITIS

Gastritis is caused by anything that damages or weakens the protective layer of the stomach lining, allowing the digestive acids to irritate and inflame the stomach tissue. Some of the common causes and risk factors of gastritis are:

i). H. pylori infection: This is a type of bacteria that can infect the stomach and cause chronic inflammation, ulcers, or stomach cancer. It is transmitted through contaminated food, water, or saliva, and affects about half of the world's population.

ii). NSAIDs: These are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, that can reduce pain and inflammation, but can also damage the stomach lining and increase the risk of bleeding or ulcers. They are especially harmful if taken regularly, in high doses, or with alcohol.

iii). Alcohol: Excessive or chronic alcohol consumption can irritate and erode the stomach lining, and interfere with the production of protective mucus and enzymes. Alcohol can also increase the production of stomach acid and impair the healing of the stomach tissue.

iv). Stress: Physical or emotional stress can trigger or worsen gastritis, especially in people who have a history of stomach problems. Stress can cause the release of hormones that increase acid production and inflammation in the stomach. Stress can also lead to unhealthy habits, such as smoking, drinking, or overeating, that can aggravate gastritis.

Some other factors that can cause or contribute to gastritis are:

a). Autoimmune disorders, such as pernicious anemia, Crohn's disease, or lupus, that can cause the immune system to attack the stomach lining or impair the absorption of vitamin B12.

b). Bile reflux, which is a condition where bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver, flows back into the stomach and causes irritation and inflammation.

c). Food allergies or intolerances, such as gluten, lactose, or histamine, that can trigger an immune response or a digestive reaction in the stomach.

d). Injuries or surgeries, such as burns, trauma, or gastric bypass, that can damage the stomach lining or affect the blood flow to the stomach.

e). Other infections, such as viral, fungal, or parasitic infections, that can affect the stomach and cause inflammation or ulcers.

DIAGNOSIS OF GASTRITIS

Gastritis is diagnosed based on the medical history of the patient, physical examination of the stomach, and laboratory tests of the patient. Some of the tests that can be used to diagnose gastritis are:

i). Stool or breath test: This is a test that can detect the presence of H. pylori bacteria in the stool or breath of the patient. It can help determine the cause and the treatment of gastritis.

ii). Blood test: This is a test that can measure the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and antibodies in the blood. It can help assess the extent of inflammation, infection, anemia, or autoimmune disorders that can cause gastritis.

iii). Endoscopy: This is a test that involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera and a light (endoscope) through the mouth and into the stomach. It can provide a detailed view of the stomach lining and detect any abnormalities, such as inflammation, ulcers, or tumors. It can also be used to take biopsies (tissue samples) for further analysis.

iv). X-ray or CT scan: This is a test that uses X-rays or computerized tomography to create images of the abdomen and the stomach. It can help rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, or gallstones.

TREATMENT OF GASTRITIS

The treatment of gastritis depends on the cause and the severity of the condition. Some of the treatment options are:

i). Medications: These are drugs that can help reduce the inflammation, infection, acid production, or bleeding in the stomach. Some examples are:

ii). Antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, amoxicillin, or metronidazole, that can kill H. pylori bacteria and cure the infection.

iii). Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, or esomeprazole, that can block the enzyme that produces acid in the stomach and allow the stomach lining to heal.

iv). H2 blockers, such as ranitidine, famotidine, or cimetidine, that can reduce the amount of acid released by the stomach cells and relieve the symptoms of gastritis.

v). Antacids, such as calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, or aluminum hydroxide, that can neutralize the acid in the stomach and provide quick relief of heartburn.

vi). Sucralfate, which is a drug that forms a protective coating on the stomach lining and prevents the acid from damaging it.

vii). Lifestyle changes: These are modifications that can help prevent or reduce the recurrence of gastritis. Some examples are:

• Eating smaller and more frequent meals, and avoiding foods that can trigger or worsen gastritis, such as spicy, fatty, acidic, or caffeinated foods.

• Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and medications that can irritate the stomach lining, such as NSAIDs, aspirin, or steroids.

• Managing stress, which can affect the digestive system and cause or aggravate gastritis.

• Following a balanced diet, which can help prevent or treat some of the causes of gastritis, such as vitamin deficiencies, food allergies, or diabetes.

• Surgery: This is an option that can be used to treat severe or complicated cases of gastritis, such as bleeding, perforation, or cancer. Surgery can involve removing part or all of the stomach, or creating a new connection between the stomach and the intestine.

• Avoiding long-term or extended use of medications that can irritate the stomach lining, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, or steroids.

COMPLICATIONS OF GASTRITIS

If left untreated any disease or infection can lead to serious complications that will affect your general well being. Gastritis is no exception. Complications that may arise from unattended gastritis may include:

a). Peptic ulcers, which are sores or holes in the stomach lining that can cause pain, bleeding, or perforation.

b). Atrophic gastritis, which is a chronic inflammation that can lead to the loss of the stomach lining and the stomach cells that produce acid and enzymes. This can impair the digestion and absorption of nutrients, and increase the risk of stomach cancer.

c). Anemia, which is a condition where the red blood cells are low in number or function. This can be caused by bleeding, vitamin B12 deficiency, or pernicious anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath.

What are some natural remedies for gastritis?

Natural remedies are natural ways that can help alleviate a disease or infection without using any artificial or modified treatments and medications. Gastritis being an inflammation of the stomach lining, natural ways to counter it are mostly lifestyle changes and mostly on your diet. Some natural remedies that may help with gastritis are:

i). Taking an anti-inflammatory diet: This is a diet that avoids foods that can trigger or worsen gastritis, such as spicy, fatty, acidic, or caffeinated foods, and includes foods that can reduce inflammation, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, fish, and spices.

ii). Garlic extract: This is a supplement that can help kill H. pylori bacteria, which is a common cause of gastritis. Garlic extract can also reduce inflammation and improve digestion.

iii). Probiotics: These are beneficial bacteria that can help balance the gut flora and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Probiotics can also improve digestion and immune function. Probiotics can be taken as supplements or found in fermented foods, such as yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and kombucha.

iv). Green tea with manuka honey: This is a drink that can help reduce the acid production and inflammation in the stomach and the esophagus. Green tea has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and manuka honey has antibacterial and wound-healing properties.

v). Essential oils: These are concentrated extracts from plants that have various health benefits. Some essential oils that may help with gastritis are peppermint, ginger, and clove. They can help relieve pain, nausea, and spasms in the stomach and the intestines. Essential oils can be used in a diffuser or diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the abdomen.

These are some of the natural remedies that may help with gastritis. However, you should always consult your doctor before trying any home remedies, as they may not be suitable for your condition or may interact with your medications. You should also follow your doctor's advice for treatment and prevention of gastritis.

RECENT STUDIES AND THEIR FINDINGS ON AND ABOUT GASTRITIS

– A study published in 2020 by Rugge et al. reviewed the updated criteria applied in the taxonomy of gastritis (Kyoto classification), the biological rationale for endoscopy biopsy sampling, and the results of long-term follow-up studies supporting the reliability of biopsy-based gastritis staging as predictor of gastritis-associated cancer risk.

– A study published in 2020 by Lahner et al. summarized the current knowledge and progress on atrophic gastritis, a complex syndrome with gastric atrophy as a common trait. The study discussed the pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of atrophic gastritis, as well as the associated complications, such as peptic ulcers, atrophic gastritis, anemia, and gastric cancer.

– A study published in 2021 by Chey et al. provided a clinical practice update on the management of Helicobacter pylori gastritis, a common cause of chronic gastritis. The study gave 11 best practice advice statements based on the latest evidence and expert opinion, covering the topics of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of H. pylori gastritis.

– A study published in 2021 by Tadesse et al. investigated the prevalence and associated risk factors of gastritis among adult patients attending endoscopy unit at a tertiary hospital in Ethiopia. The study found that the prevalence of gastritis was 66.8%, and the main risk factors were H. pylori infection, alcohol consumption, and NSAID use.

– A study published in 2015 by Sugano et al. presented the Kyoto global consensus report on H. pylori gastritis, which aimed to provide a global standard for the diagnosis and treatment of H. pylori gastritis. The report proposed a new classification of gastritis based on the etiology, topography, and histopathology of the condition, and recommended a test-and-treat strategy for H. pylori gastritis.

These are some of the recent studies and their findings on and about gastritis and remember, prevention is better than cure!

IN SUMMARY

Gastritis is a treatable condition that can cause discomfort but can be managed with the right approach. It's essential to understand the different types of gastritis and their causes to determine the appropriate treatment. Some symptoms can be alleviated by simple changes in lifestyle like avoiding alcohol and stress, and adopting a healthy diet and exercise routine. In other cases, medication may be necessary to relieve symptoms and prevent further inflammation.

It's important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the symptoms or suspect you may have gastritis. Your doctor can help diagnose the condition and recommend an effective treatment plan. With proper care, most people recover from gastritis and can continue to enjoy a healthy life.