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Infectious Gastritis Symptoms

Infectious gastritis is caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacterium also known as H. pylori. H. pylori attacks the stomach lining and causes ulcers and inflammation. While some people experience no symptoms, others endure painful stomach cramps.

  1. Causes

    • The H. pylori bacterium is passed from person to person through contact with infected saliva or unsanitary conditions. Untreated water also may contain H. plylori. The bacterium passes through to the stomach where it can remain and grow.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of infectious gastritis include nausea, vomiting, excessive belching, weight loss, bloating and abdominal pain. When symptoms become severe, immediate medical attention should be sought. Severe symptoms of gastritis include difficulty swallowing, persistent stomach pain, bloody or tarry black stools, vomiting blood or vomit that appears like coffee grounds.

    Risks

    • Infectious gastritis can lead to serious health problems. Ulcers can develop in your stomach lining and into the small intestine. H. pylori bacterium can also lead to certain types of stomach cancer including adenocarcinoma.

    Diagnosis

    • Blood and stool samples will determine if you have infectious gastritis. An endoscopy exam allows your doctor to thread a flexible tube with a lit camera down your throat into your stomach. This instrument allows images to be created of the stomach walls and also obtain tissue samples to test for H. pylori.

    Treatment And Prevention

    • Antibiotics will be used to destroy the H. pylori bacterium. Typically, two antibiotics such as Flagyl and Biaxin will be prescribed to keep the bacterium from forming a resistance to one medication or the other. The antibiotics will need to be taken over a 14-day period. Acid-reducing medications such as Tums or Prilosec prevent acid from forming. Prevacid and Zantac reduce acid from being released into your digestive tract.Your doctor will want to follow up after treatment is finished to make sure the H. pylori bacterium has been eliminated.

      To prevent infectious gastritis, avoid unsanitary conditions. Wash your hands after using the bathroom, and carry a hand sanitizer with you. Use the sanitizer after touching grocery carts, menus and gas pumps. Drink bottled water when in areas where you aren't sure if water has been treated.

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