Digestive tractInflammationICD-10 K29
Gastritis
Inflammation of the stomach lining, either sudden (acute) or long-standing (chronic). It may cause indigestion but is often silent.
Condition-specific references are below. Individual claims and this page have not been clinically reviewed. Read about this content.
Causes
- Helicobacter pylori
- NSAIDs and alcohol
- Autoimmune gastritis (with vitamin B12 deficiency)
- Bile reflux
- Severe illness
Risk factors
- NSAID use
- Heavy drinking
- H. pylori
- Autoimmune thyroid disease
Symptoms
- Upper abdominal discomfort or burning
- Nausea
- Feeling full quickly
- Often none
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- H. pylori testing
- Endoscopy with biopsies
- Blood tests: B12, iron, intrinsic factor antibodies
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Proton-pump inhibitors
- H. pylori eradication
- Vitamin B12 injections in autoimmune gastritis
Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle
- Avoid alcohol and NSAIDs
- Smaller, regular meals
Possible complications
- Ulcers and bleeding
- Pernicious anaemia
- Gastric cancer risk in chronic atrophic gastritis
Prevention
- Moderate alcohol, avoid unnecessary NSAIDs
Outlook
Usually resolves once the cause is treated.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for persistent indigestion, weight loss, anaemia or bleeding.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
Related conditions
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