Gastritis: What causes it & with what symptoms it manifests itself

The term gastritis describes a set of diseases with a common feature of inflammation that manifests itself in the stomach wall.
In many cases, gastritis is the result of an infection with the bacterium that causes stomach ulcers (H. pylori). Alcohol abuse also contributes to the manifestation of gastritis.

Gastritis can appear suddenly (acute) or gradually over time (chronic). It can lead to ulcers or even increase the risk of stomach cancer. However, for most patients it is not accompanied by serious problems and resolves quickly with appropriate treatment.

Reasons
Weakening or injury to the mucous lining that protects the stomach results in digestive juices causing damage or inflammation to the stomach wall.

A wide range of conditions can increase the risk of gastritis, including Crohn's disease and sarcoid – an autoimmune disorder characterized by the accumulation of inflammatory cells in various organs of the body.

Risk factors that contribute to the manifestation of gastritis are:

Bacterial infections: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is one of the most common infections worldwide, and some people who contract the bacterium subsequently develop gastritis or other gastrointestinal disorders. Susceptibility to the bacterium can be due to either a genetic predisposition or lifestyle (e.g. diet, smoking).
Drug abuse: Taking over-the-counter pain relievers more often than recommended can weaken the protective stomach wall.
Age: Older people are at increased risk of gastritis because the stomach wall tends to get thinner over time.
Alcohol abuse: Alcohol irritates and erodes the stomach wall, making it more sensitive to the effects of digestive juices. Excessive alcohol consumption usually causes acute gastritis.
Autoimmune reactions: Autoimmune gastritis is the result of the "attack" of the immune system against the cells that make up the stomach wall, causing it to gradually weaken. Autoimmune gastritis is more common in people who have also been diagnosed with other autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or type 1 diabetes. Autoimmune gastritis is also closely related to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of gastritis include:

Persistent pain or burning sensation in the upper abdomen that either goes away or gets worse with food
Motion sickness
Retching
Feeling of fullness after eating
It should be noted that gastritis does not always cause obvious signs and symptoms.

When to see a doctor
An attack of indigestion or stomach irritation does not necessarily require a visit to the doctor. Such episodes are usually short-lived and resolve on their own or with medication.
SOURCE: www.onmed.gr