Gastritis is the general term given for inflammation in the stomach. It can occur due to bacterium or injury or many other factors. The soft inner lining (gastric mucosa) of the stomach is inflamed. Gastritis is of two types namely, acute (occurring suddenly) and chronic (long term). Acute gastritis can be erosive or non-erosive type causing damage of mucosal cells. The intensity of chronic gastritis is found by the appearance of inner lining of the stomach.
Symptoms :
Gastritis can cause feeling of fullness or bloated sensation in your stomach after eating. It can cause burning ache or moderate pain in the upper abdomen which may worsen after eating food. In some cases it causes nausea and vomiting, diarrhea.
Most of the time gastritis will not show any symptom. But the affected person may always feel “full” and bloated with lots of burping and belching. The symptoms are not seen daily but they come and go. If your stool is of different color (black) and you have some of the above symptoms you can fix up appointment with your doctor.
Causes :
Infection is the major cause of gastritis. Helicobacter pylori are the bacteria that affect the delicate lining of the stomach causing infection. It would first infect the gastric mucosa (lining) and further proceed to other areas of the stomach. It may remain there for years being both dormant and active. Prolonged usage of Non steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can also develop infection. Certain drugs like cocaine and continuous consumption of alcohol can damage the mucosa of the stomach.
Stressful events, allergic reactions and radiation therapy can also cause infection of the stomach. Severe type of food poisoning can damage cells of the intestine leading to infection. There is a thick protective layer which serves as a barrier from the enzymes and acids discharged during digestion of food. Sometimes, this barrier gets affected allowing the digestive juices to enter the lining causing inflammation.