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Erosive gastritis is inflammation and erosion of the stomach lining, caused by medication, infections, or stress. Symptoms include bloating, belching, weight loss, and nausea. Diagnosis involves a physical exam, blood or stool tests, and an endoscopy. Treatment includes medication and lifestyle changes.
Gastritis refers to a group of conditions involving inflammation of the stomach lining. With cases of erosive gastritis, the stomach lining is not only inflamed but has also started to wear away. This type of condition typically develops slowly; however, a patient can also be affected suddenly. It can occur in otherwise healthy people.
A subcategory of erosive gastritis is called acute stress gastritis. This condition can occur suddenly, due to a serious injury or illness. Acute stress gastritis commonly occurs as a result of severe bleeding or burns that cover a large area of skin. These injuries can reduce blood circulation to the stomach, which results in the stomach lining’s inability to protect itself adequately.
The main cause of this condition is a damaged or weakened stomach lining. This damage can have many different causes; however, the condition is most commonly caused by medications. Long-term use of even over-the-counter medications can harm the stomach, such as aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Bacterial or viral infections, as well as Crohn’s disease, can also cause gastritis.
Some of the more common symptoms of erosive gastritis can be unpleasant, such as bloating, belching and indigestion. Patients may also experience weight loss and loss of appetite. Gastritis, especially acute stress gastritis, can also cause nausea and vomiting. Rarely, the disorder can cause stomach bleeding, which is evident in bloody vomiting. Patients experiencing stomach bleeding or those who have symptoms that persist for about a week should generally receive medical attention.
Doctors can begin diagnosing a patient with erosive gastritis after reviewing the patient’s symptoms and medical history, as well as conducting a physical exam. For a definitive diagnosis, a doctor may also do a blood test or stool test to check for an infection. He or she may also take an X-ray of your stomach or use an endoscope. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is a simple procedure that involves inserting a thin tube down a patient’s throat to check for damage.
Once erosive gastritis is diagnosed, the doctor can advise the patient which medication can best treat the condition. For mild cases, over-the-counter antacids may be adequate. In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe an acid blocker, such as famotidine or ranitidine. Another option is a drug called a proton pump inhibitor, which helps reduce stomach acid. If the condition is caused by a bacterial infection, the patient may also be on a course of antibiotics.
In addition to medications, the patient can also incorporate a healthier lifestyle into the treatment plan. Stress can increase acid production in the stomach and aggravate the condition. Patients who lead a low-stress lifestyle, maintain healthy eating habits, and engage in aerobic exercise are more likely to have a healthier digestive system.
