Gastritis (Inflammation of the Gastric Mucosa)

If the mucous membrane of the stomach becomes inflamed, this is called gastritis. There are two different types: an acute and a chronic gastritis, whereby the acute occurs rather rarely. In both cases, inflammatory swelling of the gastric mucosa or even ulcer-like mucosal damage occurs. This damage allows the aggressive gastric acid to further attack the mucosa. In the long run, this leads to a gastric ulcer (ulcer).

Gastric bleeding as a possible consequence

Depending on the cause and extent of mucosal damage, gastric bleeding may occur and may be manifested by vomiting blood and/or tarry stools.

If this is the case, acute gastritis can also become a life-threatening condition. However, acute gastritis usually heals spontaneously without treatment.

Gastritis: often diagnosed

Gastritis is often diagnosed in cases of upper abdominal discomfort of unclear cause. In this case, the “suspicion of gastritis” can only be confirmed with certainty by microscopic examination of gastric mucosal cells. It should also be noted that, contrary to popular belief, gastritis often causes little or no pain.

Causes of gastritis

The causes have not yet been conclusively clarified in detail. One triggering factor is certainly psychosocial stress. Apparently, personality also plays a role in the development of the disease. Many gastritis patients suffer from feelings of guilt, frustration and constant conflict tension.

Causes of acute gastritis

The most common causes of acute gastritis are:

  • Excessive alcohol consumption or alcohol intoxication.
  • Infections of the gastrointestinal tract (gastroenteritis)
  • Painkillers and cortisone-containing drugs
  • Bacterial gastritis (Helicobacter pylori infection)
  • Viral gastritis (including herpes simplex virus gastritis).
  • Severe and complicated surgery
  • Caustic burns caused by alkalis or acids
  • Patients with circulatory shock, for example after massive bleeding or burns
  • Poisons or food poisoning

Alcohol stimulates the production of gastric acid. In this way, overacidification of the stomach can occur in the short term. In addition, alcohol attacks the protective layer of the gastric mucosa, so that the hyperacidity favors the inflammation of the mucosa.

Certain pain medications are also capable of attacking the protective layer of the gastric mucosa and causing inflammation. However, not all patients get gastric mucosal irritation.

Gastric mucosal inflammation can be particularly pronounced after severe and complicated surgery or in burn victims. In both situations, maximum stress is created for the body and the stomach is particularly susceptible to gastric mucosal irritation.

Helicobacter pylori as a cause

In addition, a variety of pathogens can lead to gastritis or even gastroenteritis (= gastrointestinal inflammation; simultaneous mucosal inflammation of the stomach, small intestine and possibly colon). In addition, parasites and viruses can lead to infectious gastritis.

Very important is the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. This pathogen can survive in the acidic gastric juice by certain mechanisms, pass through the mucosal wall and cause both acute and chronic gastritis. The source of infection is unclear. However, it has been shown that this pathogen can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy.

Symptoms of acute gastritis

In acute gastritis, symptoms often appear suddenly. Acute gastritis may be manifested by the following symptoms, among others:

  • Feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen
  • Abdominal pain (especially when pressing on the upper abdomen with the hand).
  • Feeling of fullness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Belching
  • Flatulence
  • Unpleasant taste in the mouth
  • Back pain
  • Rarely also vomiting

Typical of acute gastritis is that the symptoms intensify during or after eating.