Introduction
Gastritis is inflammation of the lining of the stomach, and one of the most frequently diagnosed conditions in gastroenterology practice, largely due to how common H. pylori infection remains. It can come on suddenly (acute gastritis) or develop gradually over time (chronic gastritis), and the right treatment depends heavily on identifying which type is present rather than treating the symptoms alone. At KAGE, gastritis is diagnosed through endoscopy and targeted testing, and every case is treated based on its actual underlying cause.
Types of gastritis
- Acute gastritis — sudden onset, often triggered by NSAIDs, alcohol, or acute illness/stress
- Chronic H. pylori gastritis — the most common chronic type worldwide, caused by long-term infection with Helicobacter pylori
- Autoimmune (atrophic) gastritis — the immune system attacks the stomach lining over time; linked to vitamin B12 deficiency and requires long-term endoscopic surveillance due to increased cancer risk
- Reactive/chemical gastritis — caused by bile reflux or long-term irritant exposure such as NSAIDs
Symptoms of gastritis
- Burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen
- Bloating and a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount
- Nausea, occasionally with vomiting
- Indigestion
- Loss of appetite
What causes gastritis
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection — the most common cause worldwide
- Long-term use of NSAIDs (common painkillers)
- Regular alcohol use
- Chronic stress or critical illness (stress-related gastritis)
- Autoimmune gastritis — the immune system attacks the stomach lining
- Bile reflux from the small intestine
How gastritis is diagnosed
- Upper GI endoscopy — to view the stomach lining directly and take a biopsy if needed
- H. pylori testing — breath test, stool antigen test, or biopsy-based testing
- Blood tests — to check for anemia, vitamin B12 levels, or signs of autoimmune gastritis
Gastritis treatment: a staged approach
- Step 1 — Identify the cause: H. pylori testing and a review of current medications, especially NSAID use
- Step 2 — H. pylori eradication therapy if positive: a combination of antibiotics with an acid-reducing medication, typically over 10–14 days
- Step 3 — Acid-reducing medication (PPIs or H2 blockers) to relieve symptoms and allow the lining to heal, alongside stopping or switching any NSAID responsible
- Step 4 — Dietary guidance: avoiding triggers such as spicy food, alcohol, and excess caffeine during a flare-up
- Step 5 — Endoscopic surveillance for autoimmune or atrophic gastritis, or for symptoms that recur despite treatment
Possible complications if left untreated
Untreated gastritis can progress to peptic ulcers, and chronic atrophic gastritis carries an increased long-term risk of stomach cancer — which is why persistent or recurring symptoms should be properly evaluated rather than managed with over-the-counter antacids alone.
Gastritis care at KAGE
Gastritis is a biopsy diagnosis, not a symptom diagnosis, and the cause decides the treatment — an H. pylori breath test where infection is suspected, an honest review of NSAID use, and the Alcohol Clinic where alcohol is the driver. Our gastroenterologists confirm eradication after treatment rather than assuming it worked, because long-standing untreated H. pylori gastritis is the main modifiable risk factor for gastric cancer. To have persistent symptoms worked up properly, book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
No. H. pylori is the most common cause, but gastritis can also result from long-term NSAID use, alcohol, stress-related illness, or an autoimmune reaction.
Testing is done with a breath test, stool antigen test, or biopsy during endoscopy. Treatment is a combination of antibiotics with an acid-reducing medication over 10–14 days, followed by re-testing to confirm the infection has cleared.
Yes, in most cases. Treating the underlying cause — such as a course of antibiotics for H. pylori or stopping the medication responsible — typically resolves gastritis fully.
Severe, sudden pain, vomiting blood, black stools, or dizziness alongside abdominal pain are signs to seek immediate medical care rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
Spicy food, excess caffeine, alcohol, and acidic or fried foods can worsen symptoms and are usually best limited during a flare-up.
Severe physical stress — such as major illness, injury, or surgery — can cause stress-related gastritis. Everyday emotional stress is less commonly a direct cause on its own, but can worsen symptoms in someone who already has gastritis.
Most gastritis carries no cancer risk, but a specific long-standing type called atrophic gastritis is associated with increased risk and needs monitoring via endoscopy.
Diagnostic testing and standard medication are generally covered under most health insurance plans; our team can help verify your specific coverage and explain costs during consultation.
Book a consultation at KAGE
Speak to a KAGE gastroenterologist about your symptoms, your diagnosis, or a second opinion.