Gastric Ulcers and Gastritis
Gastric ulcers and gastritis are both conditions that affect the stomach lining but have different causes and symptoms. Both gastric ulcers and gastritis can lead to serious complications if left untreated, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider if you suspect you have these conditions.
Gastric Ulcers
What is a Gastric Ulcer?
A gastric ulcer, otherwise known as a stomach ulcer, is an open sore that develops on the lining of the stomach. Stomach and duodenal ulcers, which are ulcers found in the small intestine, are also sometimes referred to as peptic ulcers and applies to both types of ulcers.
Causes of Gastric Ulcers:
Gastric ulcers are typically caused by an imbalance between the stomach acid and the protective lining of the stomach, which causes damage to the stomach lining. This occurrence is typically the result of a bacteria infection, like H. pylori or taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like Ibuprofen or Aspirin, particularly for a prolonged period or at a high dosage. There is little evidence on stress or certain foods causing stomach ulcers, however, excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can reduce one’s risk of this condition.
Symptoms of Gastric Ulcers:
Not all patients with stomach ulcers experience pain, however some symptoms of gastric ulcers include:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort around the upper abdomen
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Belching
Diagnosing Gastric Ulcers:
There are several ways that your physician can investigate and confirm a diagnosis of a gastric ulcer. A comprehensive physical exam where you’re asked about symptoms and medical history is always the first stop. After that, your doctor may order imaging tests like a barium swallow, laboratory testing or an endoscopy. After these tests are performed and your physician has a better idea of what’s causing your symptoms, they’ll discuss the diagnosis with you and provide a treatment plan to get you feeling back to normal.
Treating Gastric Ulcers:
Treatment for gastric ulcers typically involves medications to reduce stomach acid production, along with antibiotics to treat any present bacterial infection. Lifestyle changes may also be recommended to promote healing. If your stomach ulcer was caused by NSAIDs, your doctor will likely treat you with a PPI, or proton pump inhibitor, and discuss whether you should take NSAIDs in the future. Stomach ulcers can take a few months to heal following treatment, however, this does not reduce the risk of them returning unless the underlying cause of them is addressed directly.
Gastritis
What is Gastritis?
Gastritis, contrary to gastric ulcers, is simply inflammation of the stomach lining. This can be acute, or sudden, and is usually the result of infection, certain medications, or excessive alcohol consumption.
Causes of Gastritis:
Gastritis can show up in two different ways. It can be acute, or sudden, and is usually the result of infection, certain medications, or excessive alcohol consumption. On the other hand, chronic gastritis develops overtime and can be caused by H. pylori infection, autoimmune disorders, or long-term use of NSAIDs. Gastritis, in some cases, can also be the result of a major surgery or a traumatic injury/burn.
Gastritis is common in certain diseases, like autoimmune disorders, chronic bile reflux, or pernicious anemia.
Symptoms of Gastritis:
Often, gastritis may be accompanied by no symptoms, or symptoms may be overlooked due to the natural occurrence of them. However, if a patient is experiencing symptoms consistent with the following, their doctor may find gastritis is the cause. Symptoms of gastritis can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Hiccups
- Blood in vomit
- Blood in stools
- Weight loss
Diagnosing Gastritis:
Diagnosing gastritis is straight forward. Through tests that examine the upper gastrointestinal tract, your doctor will be able to get a better picture of what’s causing your symptoms. The options your doctor may explore include an x-ray, an EGD, a blood test to test for H. pylori, a stool sample and/or a breath test, which can be analyzed closely for stomach bacteria that may be present.
Treating Gastritis:
Treatment for gastritis depends on the underlying cause and may involve medications to reduce stomach acid, antibiotics to treat H. pylori infection, and lifestyle changes like avoiding trigger foods and working to reduce stress. Commonly used medications to reduce inflammation include:
- Antibiotics
- Medication that blocks acid production
- Medicine that promotes gut healing
- Medicine that reduces acid product
- Medicine that neutralizes stomach acid