What gastritis is
Gastritis means the inner lining of the stomach has become red and swollen. This lining normally protects the stomach from its own strong acid. When it is irritated, acid and digestive juices can hurt it further, causing pain, burning and nausea. Gastritis can come on suddenly (acute) and settle within days, or it can last for months or years (chronic).
Many people in India use the words gastric, gas and acidity for any stomach discomfort. Gastritis is a specific condition of the stomach lining. If it is ignored or treated only with repeated antacids, it can lead to stomach ulcers, bleeding and, in long-standing H. pylori infection, a higher risk of more serious stomach disease.
Main causes
The most common long-term cause is infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a germ that spreads through contaminated food and water and is very common in India. The second big cause is regular use of painkillers such as ibuprofen, diclofenac or aspirin, which weaken the stomach's protective layer.
- Alcohol and smoking
- Severe stress from major illness, surgery or burns
- Bile flowing back into the stomach
- Autoimmune gastritis, where the body attacks its own stomach lining and vitamin B12 absorption drops
- Irregular meals, very spicy food and heavy tea or coffee intake, which can worsen symptoms
Symptoms of gastritis
The typical symptom is a gnawing or burning pain in the upper middle part of the belly, just below the ribs. It may get better or worse after eating. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, bloating, early fullness after a few bites, belching and loss of appetite.
Some people with gastritis have no symptoms at all, and it is found only during tests for anaemia, an endoscopy for another problem or a check-up. Bleeding from the inflamed lining can show up as black, tarry stools or vomiting blood. This is an emergency and needs hospital care straight away, even if the pain is mild.
Tests your doctor may advise
The doctor will ask about your pain, diet, alcohol use and every medicine you take, including painkillers bought from a chemist. Simple tests for H. pylori include a stool antigen test or a urea breath test. A complete blood count checks for anaemia from slow bleeding.
If symptoms are severe, keep returning, or you are older with warning signs, an upper GI endoscopy lets the doctor see the stomach lining directly and take a small tissue sample (biopsy). Vitamin B12 levels may be checked if autoimmune gastritis is suspected.
Treatment approach
Treatment depends on the cause. Doctors usually prescribe acid-reducing medicine, such as a proton pump inhibitor, to let the lining heal. If H. pylori is present, the doctor gives a combination course of antibiotics with acid-reducing medicine, only on a doctor's prescription. It is important to complete the full course exactly as prescribed, even if pain settles early.
If painkillers are the cause, the doctor will suggest stopping them or switching to a gentler option such as paracetamol where suitable. Never stop a prescribed heart medicine such as low-dose aspirin on your own, because it protects against heart attack and stroke; ask your doctor first. Alcohol should be avoided while the stomach heals.
Food and self-care
Diet alone does not cure gastritis, but the right habits reduce pain and help the lining heal faster. Notice which foods bother you and adjust. Pregnant women, children and the elderly should always get medical advice before using stomach medicines regularly, as some are not suitable for them.
- Eat small, regular meals; avoid long gaps and late dinners
- Choose simple home food such as idli, rice with dal, curd rice and cooked vegetables during a flare
- Reduce very spicy, oily and fried food
- Limit tea and coffee, and avoid alcohol and smoking
- Drink safe, boiled or filtered water to reduce the risk of H. pylori
- Do not take painkillers on an empty stomach or without advice
When to see a doctor for gastritis
See a doctor if upper belly pain lasts more than a week, keeps coming back, or you need antacids most days. Get medical help quickly for black stools, vomiting blood, or severe sudden pain. People with liver or kidney disease should always consult a doctor before taking any stomach medicine. A doctor or pharmacist can help you choose safe treatment and avoid painkiller-related damage.
Medicines doctors commonly use
Only your doctor can decide which medicine, dose and combination is right for you.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as pantoprazole or rabeprazoleReduce stomach acid so the inflamed lining can heal.Take as prescribed; long-term use should be reviewed by a doctor.
- H. pylori eradication therapy (antibiotics such as amoxicillin and clarithromycin with a PPI)Clears the H. pylori germ that causes chronic gastritis and ulcers.Only on a doctor's prescription; complete the whole course exactly as advised.
- Antacids and alginatesGive quick, short-term relief from burning pain.Follow the label or your pharmacist's advice; they do not treat the cause.
- SucralfateForms a protective coating over the irritated lining.Only on a doctor's advice; it can affect absorption of other medicines.
See a doctor urgently if
- See a doctor urgently if you vomit blood or dark material like coffee grounds.
- See a doctor urgently if your stools are black, sticky and foul-smelling.
- See a doctor urgently if you have sudden, severe belly pain that does not ease.
- See a doctor soon if you are losing weight, feel full very quickly or have trouble swallowing.
- See a doctor soon if you feel weak, dizzy or look pale, which may mean anaemia.
Tests that may help
This article is general health information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or combine medicines on your own — always follow your doctor's prescription and ask your pharmacist if unsure.