What Is Gastritis? Recognize Its Symptoms and Causes
What is gastritis? This condition often causes discomfort in the stomach, but it is actually more than that. It is often characterized by irritation, erosion, or inflammation occurring in the stomach lining. Ranging from unhealthy eating habits to stress, there are many things that contribute to this condition.
This article will thoroughly discuss gastritis, from its causes to solutions for managing it. By recognizing the early symptoms, you can better understand the steps that should be taken to keep your stomach healthy and comfortable.
Common Types of Gastritis

Generally, there are four common types of gastritis, namely acute gastritis, chronic gastritis, erosive gastritis, and non-erosive gastritis.
- Acute gastritis is usually characterized by sudden pain and generally occurs for a short period. It is caused by inflammation in the stomach, frequent use of anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol consumption, severe infection, surgery, and trauma to the stomach.
- Chronic gastritis is irritation and inflammation that occurs over a long period. Often, a bacterial infection is the trigger. Symptoms appear very slowly over time.
- Erosive gastritis is a somewhat rare type and generally does not cause very severe inflammation. However, bleeding and ulcers will form in the stomach lining.
- Non-erosive gastritis is inflammation that does not cause ulcers, sores, or bleeding in the stomach.
However, you must understand that regardless of the type, gastritis is still painful and causes discomfort to the sufferer.
Symptoms of Gastritis

Beyond just nausea and bloating, there are several frequently appearing symptoms of gastritis that you must recognize:
- A burning sensation in the chest or heartburn, resulting in discomfort in the upper abdomen.
- When the aforementioned symptoms worsen, the sufferer will feel nausea to the point of wanting to vomit.
- Feeling full and bloated while also feeling full quickly.
- Some also experience a loss of appetite.
Are you experiencing the things above? Those might be signs of a gastritis flare-up.
Causes of Gastritis
Gastritis is a condition where inflammation occurs in the stomach lining. Weakness or injury to the layer that protects the stomach wall allows digestive juices to damage that protective layer.
Read Also: 10 Common Signs of Gastritis & How to Manage It
Several conditions are stated to increase the risk factor for developing gastritis, such as:
1. Stress

The risk of gastritis increases in people who are frequently exposed to stress. This condition triggers the body to produce excessive stomach acid, thereby irritating the stomach lining.
Whether psychological or physical, stress is a frequently overlooked factor. To overcome it, good stress management and lifestyle changes are required.
2. Age

The older you get, the thinner the stomach lining becomes. It is no wonder that older people have a higher risk of experiencing gastritis. Besides bacterial infections like H. pylori, this stomach discomfort can also be caused by autoimmune conditions.
3. Bacterial Infection

Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori is a common cause of gastritis. Inflammation that occurs due to this bacterium can turn into peptic ulcers.
Although the way this bacterium spreads is not yet fully solved, scientists agree that it spreads through direct contact with droplets, feces, and vomit. Alternatively, consuming contaminated food can also be another factor. Antibiotics are needed to eradicate this bacterium.
4. Overuse of Pain Relievers

Gastritis is caused by inflammation in the stomach lining, which may be caused by the overuse of pain relievers.
Regular, long-term use of ibuprofen or aspirin, for example, increases a person's risk of developing this disease. If you are still taking pain relievers, ensure it is in accordance with a doctor's advice.
5. Alcohol

Alcohol entering the body excessively can lead to many negative effects on the body – one of which is gastritis. This substance is hot in nature, so excessive consumption can damage the stomach mucosa.
If it continues, the body will reduce the production of mucus that buffers stomach acid, resulting in pain. The symptoms that emerge usually include abdominal pain to nausea and vomiting.
Besides reducing alcohol consumption and consulting with a doctor, Sido Muncul Natural Sari Kunyit Plus can be a herbal vitamin for you to consume.
Read Also: Sido Muncul Sari Kunyit Plus: Benefits and How to Consume
Containing curcuminoid, this natural product helps control stomach acid and protects the mucosal lining. The result? Digestive irritation can be avoided.
6. Certain Health Conditions

Someone who suffers from chronic diseases also has a higher risk of developing gastritis, such as:
- GERD or stomach acid rising into the esophagus can damage the stomach and esophageal lining. As a result, the stomach lining becomes thin and easily affected by gastritis.
- Type-1 diabetes results in a weakened immune system. This increases the risk of bacterial infection, including H. pylori.
- Inflammatory bowel disease, which causes chronic inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Autoimmune disorders, such as celiac disease, cause inflammation in the stomach lining.
- Pernicious anemia, a condition where vitamin B12 absorption decreases, resulting in autoimmune gastritis.
- HIV.
One way to maintain digestive health is by recognizing gastritis symptoms early. If you experience signs such as abdominal pain, nausea, or bloating, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.
Read Also: 12 Safe and Effective Ways to Manage Gastritis
Also, maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, avoid stress triggers, and stop consuming alcohol as well as the medications mentioned above. Having an understanding of gastritis will help you determine the right actions.