Gastritis

Various causes of gastritis include:

• Post-surgery, burns or traumatic injury
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Infection caused by helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that weakens the protective lining of the stomach, thus causing acidic digestive juices to come into contact with the stomach walls
• Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen
• Stress and chronic vomiting, such as in bulimia cases)

In most cases, gastritis does not display any symptoms. Nonetheless, the most common symptoms of gastritis include:

• Black stool due to bleeding
• Blood in vomit
• Burning feeling in the upper abdomen (belly)
• Hiccups
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and indigestion
• Pain in the upper abdomen
• Vomiting
• Weight loss

Treatment of gastritis varies depending on the cause of your condition. Your doctor will assess your condition and suggest the most suitable treatment, which can include:

• Acid control medications to neutralise acid levels in the stomach
• Antibiotics to kill bacteria if you are infected with helicobacter pylori
• Painkillers, such as those containing acetaminophen

• Anaemia (low red blood cell count)
• Dehydration
• Kidney problems
• Stomach cancer
• Stomach ulcers and scarring