Inflammation of the Stomach Lining

Abdominal pain, belching or abdominal bloating, nausea or vomiting and a burning sensation in the upper abdomen are some of the common complaints among a large number of people. But, only a few realize that these might be the symptoms of the stomach lining inflammation, also called gastritis. It can include several different conditions, all of which can cause stomach lining inflammation.

Gastritis can be either acute or chronic. The acute gastritis occurs all of a sudden and produces symptoms like stomach discomfort, especially in the upper abdomen, cramping, nausea and vomiting as well as loss of appetite. On the other hand, chronic gastritis develops gradually over a period of time and may not show any specific symptom. Vague symptoms like mild stomach discomfort and dull pain can be present and it is generally observed that people with chronic gastritis often develop an intolerance for fatty and spicy foods.

Causes
It can be caused by several factors. Out of them, bacterial infection, long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin and ibuprofen and excessive alcohol consumption are regarded as the most common inflammation of the stomach causes. Bacterial infection is most commonly caused by the H. pylori bacteria, and such an infection, if left untreated can eventually lead to peptic ulcers. The bacteria can also cause a change in the lining of the stomach by breaking down its inner coating.

Apart from these, some other causes include bile reflux disease, major surgery, injury and burn, drug allergy and percinicious anemia. Sometimes, gastritis can be due to autoimmune disorder, which is known as autoimmune gastritis. Autoimmune gastritis is a very rare condition, where the immune system starts attacking the cells of the stomach lining. The condition is generally found in individuals who have other autoimmune disorders.

Symptoms
The most common symptoms are abdominal pain, upset stomach, belching, abdominal bloating or a burning sensation in the stomach or upper abdomen. Along with these symptoms, some individuals can experience nausea and vomiting, a feeling of fullness, indigestion and loss of appetite. These symptoms are often characterized by a rapid onset, which generally indicate acute gastritis. Chronic gastritis, on the other hand is characterized by no or vague symptoms like, a mild discomfort or pain in the stomach. But, symptoms like presence of blood in the vomit or abnormally black stool can indicate stomach bleeding, which is an alarming condition that requires immediate medical intervention.

Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis can require several tests and examinations like blood test, stool test and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Blood test is basically done to see if the patient has anemia, while stool is tested to look for the presence of bacteria, H. pylori and blood. If blood is present in stool, it can indicate stomach bleeding. On the other hand, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is performed to examine the lining of the stomach and to collect a sample of tissue for biopsy.

It is often treated with antacids and acid blockers. Common antacids that are generally used as stomach inflammation cure include, magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide. Antacids can help to relieve to the pain and irritation of the stomach and also aid in the healing process by neutralizing the stomach acids. If the antacids fail to produce the desired effect, then acid blockers like ranitidine or nizatidine are prescribed. However, if bacterial infection caused by H.pylori bacteria has been found to be the cause of gastritis, then antibiotics are recommended for destroying them.

However, along with treatment, one should also avoid consumption of certain foods such as, tomatoes, red and black pepper, citrus fruits, chillies, hot pepper, onion, garlic and spices like cinnamon and clove. Apart from these, people with gastritis should strictly avoid or reduce alcohol and caffeine intake. If adequate care is not taken, inflammation of the stomach lining can lead to serious complications like peptic or stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding. In many instances, the condition can also bring about a change in the cells of the stomach lining as well as thinning of the lining due to continuous damage. This can eventually increase the risk for developing stomach cancer, which is a life-threatening condition.