What is it about ?
Gastritis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the lining of the stomach.
The acute gastritis is usually caused by taking certain medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a bacteria (Helicobacter pylori), a virus, excessive alcohol consumption, reflux of bile in the stomach, or conditions that weaken resistance. Common to all causes is damage to the stomach lining and cause inflammation.
The chronic gastritis is usually caused by a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. This bacteria is resistant to stomach acid and thus damages the stomach lining. We are talking about bacterial gastritis.
Another form of chronic gastritis is autoimmune gastritis. The body makes antibodies against its own cells and destroys them. In this case, the antibodies are directed against the gastric mucosa.
Chronic gastritis can permanently weaken the gastric mucosa. We are talking about ” atrophic gastritis “. It is much more common with the autoimmune form than with the bacterial form. In the event of atrophic gastritis, the patient may develop vitamin B12 deficiency in the long term, leading to anemia. This is called “pernicious anemia”. Atrophic gastritis increases the risk of stomach cancer.
In addition to gastritis, Helicobacter pylori and anti-inflammatory drugs can also cause ulcers in the stomach or duodenum (peptic ulcer).
What is its frequency?
Gastritis is more common from the age of 50.
Infection with Helicobacter pylori is particularly common. The bacteria are found in the stomach lining in 3 to 5 out of 10 people with upset stomach. However, most people infected with Helicobacter pylori never have any problems. In 1 to 10 people infected, after several years, the infection causes an ulcer in the stomach or the beginning of the small intestine (duodenum). The risk of stomach cancer is 2 to 6 times higher in the presence of this infection.
How to recognize it?
In many cases of acute or chronic gastritis, there is no disturbance or complaint.
Sometimes people experience nausea and stomach pain for a short time, but this goes away on their own.
Others complain of a stabbing, burning pain in the stomach area, bloating, regurgitation, loss of appetite and the urge to vomit. With gastritis, the pain often increases when eating; in the event of a stomach ulcer, we observe rather the opposite. Often the pain gets worse at night; drinking milk can give you relief.
If you have an infection with Helicobacter pylori, you can only find out after having passed a specific medical examination.
How is the diagnosis made?
If you are under 55 and have no alarming symptoms (you have no unintentional weight loss, no vomiting blood, etc.), Helicobacter pylori can be detected by a breath test, stool exam or blood test.
An endoscopic examination of the stomach (gastroscopy or gastroduodenoscopy) is still recommended to make the diagnosis and rule out certain complications. A small camera will allow you to view your stomach and a small piece of tissue (a biopsy) will be taken for analysis. The tissue sample is examined for signs of chronic infection and the presence of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori.
What can you do ?
Stop nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as soon as possible, as they can cause stomach inflammation and stomach bleeding. Paracetamol is allowed.
Stop smoking because smoking slows down healing. If you smoke, you are more likely to have a stomach ulcer than non-smokers.
It is best to avoid heavily seasoned foods and alcohol, as well as coffee, peppermint, citrus fruits, and chocolate. Avoid eating too much and too much fat, chew your food well, drink enough and preferably eat light meals.
What can your doctor do?
Acute gastritis often resolves spontaneously without treatment. But in case of recurring complaints and in case of chronic gastritis, the doctor will first start treatment with gastric protectors. If the results are insufficient, a gastroscopy will be performed.
If the presence ofHelicobacter pylori, your doctor will prescribe a medicine that stops the production of acid in the stomach (proton pump inhibitor (PPI)) along with antibiotics. Then, a workup is done to see if the treatment has been effective. This is the case in 85 to 90% of cases. If your treatment is unsuccessful, your doctor will refer you to a gastrointestinal specialist (gastroenterologist) for further treatment.
Want to know more?
- Stop smoking. It’s possible – Tabacstop
- Alcohol, the point on your consumption – Stop or else?
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
- Stomach ache … What to do?, Here, Where to find on this page of INAMI – National Institute for Sickness and Invalidity Insurance
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
Are you looking for more specialized help?
- Smoking Assistance Center (CAF®) – FARES – Respiratory Affections Fund
- Tobacco specialists – FARES – Respiratory Affections Fund
- Find a registered dietitian – Professional Union of French-speaking dieticians
- Find a nutritionist doctor – Belgian Society of Nutritionist Doctors
- Alcohol aid – Le Pélican & Le center ALFA
- AA – Alcoholics Anonymous
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