Gastritis Condition and Symptoms

Gastritis is a painful health condition involving the inflammation of the stomach lining. As the lining breaks down, acids used for digestion burn the walls of your stomach. Various factors can lead to gastritis, and symptoms can also vary depending on the nature and severity of your condition. Gastritis causes great discomfort and can lead to more dangerous health problems if ignored. Consult a doctor if you are experiencing frequent symptoms associated with gastritis.

Causes

• Gastritis has several different causes. Bacterial infection is one of the chief causes of this condition. Helicobacter pylori bacterium infections are known to break down the stomach's protective coating, leading to pain and internal damage. Parasitic infection can also cause gastritis. Certain pills, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, also can cause acute gastritis. Problems can arise when a person takes large amounts of such pills over an extended period of time. Stress is another culprit, leading to an increase in destructive stomach acid. Excessive alcohol consumption also damages the stomach lining, leading to gastritis. Additional health conditions associated with the development of gastritis include HIV/AIDS and Chron's disease.

Risks

• Gastritis presents some serious risks, especially when left untreated. According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the dangers of gastritis is the increased risk of stomach cancer. Other risks include the development of painful stomach ulcers. The good news is that many cases of gastritis are easily treatable, and most people heal quickly.

Symptoms

• Burning aches and pains in the stomach are signs of gastritis. Many times, such pains are caused by simple indigestion after eating something acidic or spicy. Do not worry if your symptoms are infrequent. However, recurring burning and acid indigestion, as well as excessive bloating and gas, are indicators of gastritis. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting.

Acute Gastritis

• Acute gastritis comes on suddenly and lasts for only a short while. It generally appears in the form of nausea and burning pain in your upper abdomen. This kind of gastritis is less severe and is generally caused by consumption of problematic foods and pills. For instance, a person may experience acute gastritis after drinking heavily and eating spicy food the night before.

Chronic Gastritis

• Chronic gastritis is a more serious condition. Feelings of discomfort gradually increase over time until a person feels dull pain and loss of appetite nearly every time he eats. Helicobacter pylori bacterium infections often lead to chronic gastritis. Watch for blood in your vomit or stool, a sign of internal stomach bleeding as a result of gastritis.