These 5 symptoms of gastritis can cause you to develop stomach ulcer if left untreated!
Gastritis is the inflammation, irritation, and erosion of the lining of the stomach. For most people, this painful condition is not serious and improves quickly with several medications and treatments but if left untreated, it can impose a serious health problem like stomach c.a.n.c.e.r.
The stomach lining contains glands that produce stomach acid and an enzyme called pepsin. It is also coated with a thick layer of mucus to help protect the stomach lining from the extremely corrosive stomach acid.
When the stomach lining is inflamed, it produces less mucus and other substances that normally help to protect it from stomach acid, which can lead to gastritis.
Gastritis may be acute or chronic:
Acute gastritis: Starts suddenly and last for a short time.
Chronic gastritis: A long-lasting condition which can last years or a lifetime if left untreated.
Gastritis can be erosive or non-erosive:
Erosive (reactive): Erosive gastritis causes both inflammation and erosion (wearing away) of the stomach lining. This condition is also known as reactive gastritis. Causes include alcohol, smoking, NSAIDs, corticosteroids, viral or bacterial infections and stress from illnesses or injuries.
Non-erosive: Inflammation of the stomach lining without erosion or compromising the stomach lining.
Possible causes of gastritis
Gastritis is usually caused by 1 of the following:
- An H. pylori bacterial infection
- Excessive use of cocaine or alcohol
- Smoking
- Regularly taking aspirin, ibuprofen or other painkillers classed as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- A stressful event – such as a bad injury or critical illness, or major surgery
- Less commonly, an autoimmune reaction – when the immune system mistakenly Attachment the body’s own cells and tissues (in this case, the stomach lining)
Symptoms of gastritis may differ between individuals and many people do not develop symptoms.
However, the most common symptoms include:
1. Abdominal bloating
It occurs when the stomach is filled with air or gas. Most people describe bloating as feeling full, tight or swollen in the abdomen.
2. Upper abdominal pain
If you suffer from pain in the upper abdominal area (between the navel and the chest), you might be suffering from gastritis.
3. Heartburn
Heartburn refers to a burning feeling that can be caused by stomach acid or the inflammation of the stomach lining.
4. Vomiting
Another symptom of gastric is vomiting. If there is red blood in your vomit, seek a doctor immediately.
5. Weakness
Gastritis can cause the affected person to feel tired and weak as the body has to endure pain.
When to see a doctor
Nearly everyone has had a bout of indigestion and stomach irritation. Most cases of indigestion are short-lived and don’t require medical care. See your health care provider if you have signs and symptoms of gastritis for a week or longer.
Seek medical attention immediately if you have severe pain, if you have vomiting where you cannot hold any food down, or if you feel light-headed or dizzy. Tell your doctor if your stomach discomfort occurs after taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs, especially aspirin or other pain relievers.
If you are vomiting blood, have blood in your stools or have stools that appear black, see your doctor right away to determine the cause.
Source:gtgoodtimes.com, niddk.nih.gov, nhs.uk, mayoclinic.org
