Gastritis can be caused by H. pylori bacteria, bile reflux, pain medications, alcohol, stress, HIV, and Crohn’s disease. Aging and thinning of the stomach lining can also contribute. Symptoms include burning sensation, black stools, and bloating. Treatment depends on the cause and may involve antibiotics, acid blockers, and lifestyle changes.
A bacterium called H. pylori, or Helicobacter pylori, is a leading cause of gastritis. Some people may be more susceptible than others, and over time it can cause serious damage to the stomach lining. This usually results in bouts of gastritis. Other causes of gastritis can include bile reflux, overuse of pain medications, and drinking too much alcohol. People who live stressful lives also tend to have more problems with gastritis than those who don’t. Illnesses such as HIV and Crohn’s disease are other possible causes of gastritis.
It is possible that one of the causes of gastritis may be old age. As a person gets older, they may become more susceptible to gastritis because the stomach lining has thinned over time. A thinner stomach lining usually contributes to increased sensitivity to acidic digestive juices in most people, which can lead to gastritis. This is also why people who drink alcohol to excess tend to have more problems with gastritis. Using alcohol over a long period of time burns the stomach lining, causing it to become thinner and thinner.
If a person experiences a burning sensation in the stomach, black stools, and noticeable bloating combined with gas, there’s a good chance they have gastritis. A doctor can usually diagnose gastritis by asking the patient a few questions about their symptoms and then conducting some tests. Tests might include a blood test and stool test followed by an endoscopy before your doctor can make a definitive diagnosis. Endoscopy is a procedure involving a tiny scope that is inserted into the patient’s mouth and down the digestive tract. A doctor may be able to detect gastritis by using the scope to look closely at the stomach lining and possibly by taking a sample of the lining to examine under a microscope.
Treatment for gastritis typically depends on the possible causes of the gastritis. If the H. pylori bacteria is to blame, a combination of antibiotics and acid-blocking medications may be used. Gastritis that has occurred due to other factors is typically not treated with antibiotics and is instead treated with antacids and acid blockers. Doctors usually recommend that patients make some lifestyle changes, such as losing weight and eating healthier foods, as well as prescribing medications. A person may also be able to prevent future problems with gastritis by changing the way they eat and eliminating potentially harmful habits, such as overuse of pain relievers and alcohol.
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