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Nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and a burning feeling around the stomach area are common symptoms of gastritis. Indigestion and an upset stomach are usually not serious, but, if they persist for more than a week, these symptoms might indicate a bigger problem such as gastritis, which can result in stomach ulcers or stomach bleeding. Learn more about the symptoms of gastritis and how to treat it.
What is gastritis?
Gastritis is characterized by inflammation and irritation in the lining of the stomach. Indigestion, a burning, gnawing pain in the stomach, nausea, and belching are the most common symptoms of gastritis. Many people with gastritis, however, experience only minimal symptoms or none at all.
Gastritis is a complication of any number of conditions, most commonly an infection of the stomach lining by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria. There are, however, a variety of conditions that can irritate and inflame the stomach lining including:
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such aspirin or ibuprofen
- The body’s immune system attacking the stomach lining (autoimmune gastritis)
- Other bacterial or viral stomach infections
- Bile acid flowing up into the stomach from the duodenum (bile reflux)
- Radiation treatment
- Physical injury or shock
- Other conditions such as sarcoidosis or eosinophilic gastroenteritis
Gastritis is typically a temporary condition, called acute gastritis, which goes away within a few days to a week. Prompt treatment can help prevent serious complications of acute gastritis, such as stomach ulcers—sores on the stomach’s lining—and stomach bleeding. Autoimmune gastritis and unresolved acute gastritis can develop into a chronic condition with potentially life-threatening complications.
Chronic gastritis is a serious and often progressive condition that can lead to the thinning of the stomach lining (gastric atrophy) or the replacement of stomach tissues with intestinal tissues (gastric intestinal metaplasia). The stomach can lose its ability to produce acid and other substances that aid digestion, causing vitamin B12 deficiency that can lead to pernicious anemia. Chronic gastritis, considered one of the world’s most common life-long illnesses, is also a major risk factor for stomach cancer.
Gastritis is commonly experienced. Many people just ride it out if it’s mild, so it’s uncertain how common the condition is. However, gastritis caused by an H. pylori infection or an autoimmune condition can and often does evolve into chronic gastritis. About 8% of the population of the United States has some form of autoimmune gastritis. Fortunately, H. pylori infects less than 1% of the American population each year, and infection rates are declining.
How is gastritis diagnosed?
Gastritis is primarily diagnosed by the patient’s history of symptoms, but a definitive diagnosis requires examining the stomach lining and looking at a sample of the stomach’s tissues under a microscope. Some patients will be diagnosed and treated by a general practitioner, but patients with certain types of gastritis will often need to see a gastroenterologist, or a doctor that specializes in digestive diseases.
There are no typical symptoms of gastritis. People with gastritis may experience:
- Stomach pain
- A burning feeling in the stomach
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bloating
- Belching
- Loss of appetite
- A feeling of fullness
These symptoms often appear or worsen after eating. However, many people with gastritis feel minimal or no symptoms at all.
Because gastritis is caused by other conditions, a patient’s history is vitally important in tracking down the cause of the problem. A healthcare provider will look for risk factors such as:
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Use of NSAIDs
- Allergies
- History of radiation therapy
- Gallbladder problems
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Autoimmune disorders
- Vasculitis
A definitive diagnosis is made by examining the stomach lining with an endoscope and taking a sample of stomach tissue for microscopic examination. However, a healthcare professional may also use blood tests to identify underlying conditions, a stool test to identify possible infections, or a breath test to diagnose an active H. pylori infection. For patients with autoimmune gastritis, blood tests are required to identify and treat anemia.
Gastritis treatment options
While antacids and stomach acid reducers can alleviate symptoms, gastritis treatments focus on resolving the underlying condition. Treatment, then, can vary widely depending on the cause and type of gastritis.
Medications
Eradication of the bacteria is the primary goal when treating Helicobacter pylori infections. Patients will be put on a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and antibiotics. Treatment of mycobacterial or viral infections will involve different types of antibiotics or antiviral medications. Over-the-counter antacids or stomach acid reducers can help relieve symptoms.
Cessation
When gastritis is caused by irritation from toxins (smoking or alcohol) or NSAIDs that erode the stomach lining (ibuprofen and naproxen, among others), the primary treatment is to stop exposing the stomach to these irritants. Over-the-counter stomach acid reducers or antacids can help alleviate symptoms until the stomach lining heals.
Autoimmune gastritis
Autoimmune gastritis, which frequently causes pernicious anemia, is treated with vitamin B12 injections and iron infusions.
Diet
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis can cause a rare form of gastritis due to an allergic reaction in the stomach lining. The disorder can affect any part of the digestive system, not just the stomach. Treatment primarily consists of restricting foods that cause allergic reactions, but patients may need immune-suppressing drugs such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants if the intestines are also affected.
Gastritis medications
Gastritis is treated with different medications when it is caused by a Helicobacter pylori infection. Autoimmune gastritis will require iron or vitamin B12 supplementation. Over-the-counter antacids and acid reducers can help alleviate symptoms.
Antibiotics
When gastritis is caused by a Helicobacter pylori infection, the overwhelming priority is to eradicate the infection. First-line treatment usually involves a 10- to 14-day triple-drug regimen consisting of two antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor or bismuth salt. Examples of first-line treatment include:
- Clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and omeprazole,
- Clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and lansoprazole, or
- Metronidazole, tetracycline, a PPI, and a bismuth salt for drug-resistant H. pylori.
Triple-drug therapy effectively clears H. pylori infection in slightly less than four out of five patients. If triple-drug therapy does not work, the doctor may try a quadruple-drug therapy or a sequence of drugs.
Proton pump inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the first-line therapy to treat gastritis due to H. pylori infection. Considered strong stomach acid reducers, omeprazole, lansoprazole, and esomeprazole decrease stomach acid secretions. As a result, proton pump inhibitors can help improve the healing of the stomach lining when used with antibiotics that fight off the infection. Proton pump inhibitors also relieve irritation of the stomach lining by reducing stomach acid. Most patients will not need further acid suppression after the infection has been cleared.
H2 blockers
Histamine-2 blockers, or H2 blockers, such as cimetidine or nizatidine, are available without a prescription to reduce stomach acid and relieve acute gastritis symptoms. Unlike proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers reduce stomach secretions by blocking a substance, histamine, that would otherwise signal stomach cells to secrete acid.
Bismuth salts
Bismuth citrate and bismuth subsalicylate neutralize stomach acid, reduce inflammation of the stomach lining, kill bacteria, and prevent H. pylori bacteria from attaching to the stomach lining. A bismuth salt can be combined with antibiotics to improve the healing of gastritis caused by H. pylori.
Antacids
Gastritis symptoms can be controlled with over-the-counter antacids such as calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, or sodium bicarbonate, taken with meals to neutralize acid in the stomach. These antacids may be used to temporarily relieve pain caused by stomach acid.
Supplements
The first-line therapy for autoimmune gastritis is to treat anemia with vitamin B12 supplements and iron injections. Reduced stomach acid caused by autoimmune gastritis decreases the body’s ability to absorb iron from food. Reduced availability of a stomach enzyme called pepsin also reduces the ability of the digestive system to release and absorb vitamin B12 from food proteins.
What is the best medication for gastritis?
There is no “best” medication for gastritis. Pharmacological treatment will depend on the nature of the condition, the severity of symptoms, and the risk of complications. Helicobacter pylori infections can be difficult to resolve, so more than one type of therapy may need to be tried.
| Best medications for gastritis | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Name | Drug Class | Administration Route | Standard Dosage | Common Side Effects |
| Clarithromycin | Antibiotic | Oral | 500 mg twice daily for 10 to 14 days along with another antibiotic and a PPI, as prescribed by a doctor for H. pylori infection | Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea |
| Amoxicillin | Antibiotic | Oral | 1 g twice daily for 10 to 14 days along with another antibiotic and a PPI, as prescribed by a doctor for H. pylori infection | Diarrhea, nausea, rash |
| Flagyl (metronidazole) | Antibiotic | Oral | 500 mg three times a day for 10 to 14 days as prescribed by a doctor for H. pylori infection | Nausea, headache, dizziness |
| Prilosec (omeprazole) | Proton pump inhibitor | Oral | 20 to 40 mg once, twice, or three times daily as prescribed by a doctor | Headache, abdominal pain, nausea |
| Nexium (esomeprazole) | Proton pump inhibitor | Oral | 20 to 40 mg once or twice daily as prescribed by a doctor | Headache, diarrhea, nausea |
| Prevacid (lansoprazole) | Proton pump inhibitor | Oral | 30 mg once or twice daily as prescribed by a doctor | Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea |
| Talicia (omeprazole, amoxicillin, rifabutin) | Antibiotics and proton-pump inhibitor combination | Oral | 40 mg omeprazole/1 g amoxicillin/50 mg rifabutin every eight hours with food for 14 days | Diarrhea, headache, nausea |
| Tagamet (cimetidine) | H2 blocker | Oral | 400 mg or 800 mg once daily as prescribed by a doctor | Headache, diarrhea, nausea |
| Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) | Antacid | Oral | 524 mg every 30 minutes to an hour as needed up to a maximum of eight doses per day | Constipation, nausea, black tongue |
Many of the standard dosages above are from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dosage is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and weight. Other possible side effects exist. This is not a complete list.
What are the common side effects of gastritis medication?
Different types of medications have different side effects, and not all people respond in the same way to medications. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. A healthcare professional can help you with any concerns or questions about side effects and drug interactions.
Oral antibiotics commonly cause digestive system problems such as upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Allergic reactions are a rare but serious risk when taking antibiotics and range from mild to life-threatening. Signs of a serious allergic reaction include severe rash, swelling of the face and throat, and trouble breathing.
Acid-reducing medications are relatively safe medications. Many are available in both over-the-counter and prescription formulations. These drugs mostly affect the digestive system, so common side effects include abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Histamine-2 (H2) blockers can also affect the central nervous system, so drowsiness, dizziness, and headache are sometimes experienced when taking these drugs.
Antacids and bismuth salts are safe and widely available without a prescription. Antacids may cause nausea, headache, or constipation. Sodium bicarbonate, a popular antacid, can cause fluid retention and increase the risk of swelling, which can be dangerous for people with congestive heart disease.
Patients with autoimmune gastritis will usually receive large doses of vitamin B12, so side effects are possible. These include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and itching.
Common side effects of iron injections include nausea, headache, dizziness, chest pain, and bloating. Allergic reactions, though rare, are usually mild but could be life-threatening.
What is the best home remedy for gastritis?
Gastritis has many causes, so there are no bullet-proof home remedies for treating the condition. There are, however, some lifestyle changes and home remedies that may significantly alleviate symptoms.
- Eat four or five small meals a day rather than three large meals.
- Avoid foods that irritate or damage the stomach, such as alcohol or spicy foods.
- Avoid foods like dairy, fatty foods, coffee, and soft drinks that can increase stomach acid.
- Smoking irritates the stomach lining and increases stomach acid, so put the cigarettes aside.
- For pain relief, avoid taking NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. NSAIDs reduce substances that protect the stomach lining from acid. Instead, switch to acetaminophen.
- Use over-the-counter medications such as antacids or acid reducers to alleviate symptoms at mealtime. Liquid bismuth subsalicylate, found in popular medications like Pepto-Bismol, can do double duty at relieving symptoms and holding back an H. pylori infection.
Frequently asked questions about gastritis
Does gastritis go away?
Depending on the cause, gastritis is often a temporary condition that goes away on its own. More serious forms of gastritis caused by a bacterial infection or an autoimmune problem will require medical treatment. Chronic gastritis is often a progressive and long-term condition.
What foods soothe gastritis?
There are no tried-and-true foods that alleviate gastritis symptoms, but there certainly are foods that fan the fire. Spicy foods, carbonated beverages, alcohol, fatty foods, and coffee can irritate the stomach lining or dial up the acid concentration in the stomach.
What is the best medication for gastritis?
Gastritis has several different causes that can require different treatments. Some causes, like infections, may require an antibiotic medication. Other forms of gastritis can be treated with a combination of medications.
What can I drink if I have gastritis?
When choosing foods and drinks to manage gastritis symptoms, the goal is to avoid irritation or increased stomach acid. Some drinks, such as coffee, acidic drinks, and carbonated beverages, increase stomach acid. Others, such as alcohol, irritate the stomach lining. Either way, expect the hurt to hurt a whole lot more. What should you drink? Water. Water dilutes rather than increases the acid concentration in the stomach without irritating inflamed tissues.
How long does gastritis take to heal?
Acute gastritis usually passes in two to 10 days. If it is caused by a Helicobacter pylori infection, the infection can take seven to 14 days to clear when using antibiotics. Chronic gastritis can last for months, years, or a lifetime.
How can I permanently cure gastritis?
Acute gastritis usually clears up in a few days. Permanently curing gastritis, however, depends on the cause and the type of gastritis. Some types of gastritis can be cured by medications or lifestyle changes. Autoimmune gastritis or other forms of gastritis may be lifelong conditions. Chronic gastritis is characterized by changes to the stomach lining that may not be reversible.
How can I get immediate relief from gastritis?
To get immediate relief from acute gastritis, try using an antacid, to neutralize acids, or a liquid bismuth salt, like Pepto-Bismol, to coat the stomach lining. However, chronic gastritis and autoimmune gastritis cripple the stomach’s ability to secrete acid. This is a serious medical condition with potentially severe complications. In those cases, reducing or neutralizing stomach acid may be a bad idea and treatment will be recommended by a doctor.
Can gastritis go away on its own?
Acute gastritis typically resolves in a few days. If it is caused by a Helicobacter pylori infection, however, antibiotics are required to clear the infection. Untreated H. pylori gastritis could turn into chronic gastritis, a more serious medical condition. Some forms of gastritis such as eosinophilic or autoimmune gastritis are caused by lifelong conditions that can be managed, but not cured.
Can you die from gastritis?
Untreated gastritis caused by Heliobacter pylori infection or autoimmune conditions often develops into chronic gastritis, a condition that can lead to ulcers or even cancer. Chronic gastritis is associated with a thinning of the stomach tissues (gastric atrophy) or the replacement of stomach tissues by intestinal tissues (gastric intestinal metaplasia). When intestinal tissues grow in the stomach, the risk of stomach cancer rises sixfold. On average, only 32% of stomach cancer patients survive for five years.
Is banana good for gastritis?
Bananas do not irritate the stomach or cause excessive stomach acid production. Bananas are a bland food that may help soothe the stomach lining. Since they are not a particularly acidic food, they may be a recommended food if you’re experiencing discomfort from gastritis.
Is yogurt good for gastritis?
Yogurt may be an appropriate food to manage discomfort and other symptoms from gastritis. It also contains probiotics that could help fight off “bad” bacteria that are contributing to the condition. Yogurt that is low in sugar may be a better option than other yogurts since sugary foods can irritate the stomach lining further. Talk to your doctor about the best foods to eat to help relieve your symptoms.
Is ginger good for gastritis?
Ginger has long been used in many parts of the world to alleviate stomach ailments. Studies have shown that ginger may reduce inflammation, decrease nausea, protect the stomach lining, and even have mild antibiotic properties. It is uncertain, however, how much ginger must be taken to alleviate gastritis symptoms or to resolve the underlying cause. Talk to your doctor before using ginger or if you’re thinking about trying it for your gastritis symptoms.