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Gastritis

Gastritis occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed or swollen.

Gastritis may last for only a short time (acute gastritis) or it may linger for months to years (chronic gastritis).

Causes

The most common causes of gastritis are:

  • Certain medicines, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen and other similar medicines
  • Heavy alcohol drinking
  • Infection of the stomach with a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori

Less common causes are:

  • Autoimmune disorders (such as pernicious anemia)
  • Backflow of bile into the stomach (bile reflux)
  • Cocaine use
  • Eating or drinking caustic or corrosive substances (such as poisons)
  • Viral infection, such as cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus (more often occurs in people with a weak immune system)

Trauma or a severe, sudden illness such as major surgery, kidney failure, or being placed on a breathing machine may cause gastritis.

Symptoms

Many people with gastritis do not have any symptoms.

Symptoms you may notice are:

If gastritis is causing bleeding from the lining of the stomach, symptoms may include:

Exams and Tests

Tests that may be needed are:

  • Complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia or low blood count
  • Examination of the stomach with an endoscope (esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD) with biopsy of stomach lining
  • H pylori tests (breath test or stool test)
  • Stool test to check for small amounts of blood in the stools, which may be a sign of bleeding in the stomach

Treatment

Treatment depends on what is causing the problem. Some of the causes will go away over time.

You may need to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other medicines that may be causing gastritis. Always talk to your health care provider before stopping any medicine.

You may use other over-the-counter and prescription drugs that decrease the amount of acid in the stomach, such as:

  • Antacids
  • H2 antagonists: famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet), and nizatidine (Axid)
  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): omeprazole (Prilosec), esomeprazole (Nexium), Iansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (AcipHex), and pantoprazole (Protonix)
  • Newer acid blockers called potassium-competitive acid blockers (PCABs) (such as vonoprazan)

Antibiotics may be used to treat gastritis caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria. They are taken with an acid blocker such as a PPI or PCAB.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outlook depends on the cause, but is often very good.

Possible Complications

Blood loss and increased risk for gastric cancer can occur.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you develop:

  • Pain in the upper part of the belly or abdomen that does not go away
  • Black or tarry stools
  • Vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like material

Prevention

Avoid long-term use of substances that can irritate your stomach such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or alcohol.

Open References

References

Feldman M, Jensen PJ, Howden CW. Gastritis and gastropathy. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 52.

Kuipers EJ. Acid peptic disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 125.

  • Digestive system

    Digestive system - illustration

    The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.

    Digestive system

    illustration

  • Stomach and stomach lining

    Stomach and stomach lining - illustration

    The stomach connects the esophagus to the small intestines and is where the majority of food digestion takes place.

    Stomach and stomach lining

    illustration

  • Digestive system

    Digestive system - illustration

    The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.

    Digestive system

    illustration

  • Stomach and stomach lining

    Stomach and stomach lining - illustration

    The stomach connects the esophagus to the small intestines and is where the majority of food digestion takes place.

    Stomach and stomach lining

    illustration

 

Review Date: 1/24/2025

Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Gastroenterologist, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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