Acute Gastritis is a sudden, acute inflammation of the stomach lining (gastric mucosa). It produces upper abdominal burning pain, nausea, indigestion, and mucosal erosions.
Causes of Acute Gastritis
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Bacterial Infection: Bacteria damaging the protective gastric mucosal barrier.
- NSAID Medication Overuse: Long-term or high-dose use of NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aspirin) inhibiting protective prostaglandins.
- Excessive Alcohol & Tobacco: Direct chemical irritation and breakdown of stomach lining.
- Spicy, Acidic, or Fried Foods: Aggravates existing gastric mucosal inflammation.
- Bile Reflux: Backflow of bile from duodenum into stomach.
- Stress-Induced Gastritis: Physiological stress from severe illness, surgery, severe burns, or major trauma.
- Autoimmune Gastritis: Autoantibodies attacking parietal cells producing stomach acid and intrinsic factor.
Symptoms
- Burning or gnawing pain/discomfort in upper abdomen (epigastrium).
- Nausea and vomiting (may be clear, green/yellow bile, or bloody in severe erosions).
- Indigestion, abdominal bloating, and feeling overly full after small meals.
- Loss of appetite and frequent belching/hiccups.
- Dark tarry stools (melena) or coffee-ground vomit in cases of acute mucosal bleeding.
Diagnostic Evaluation
- Physical Examination: Epigastric tenderness on palpation.
- Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Direct visual examination of stomach mucosa showing redness, edema, or hemorrhages.
- H. pylori Diagnostic Testing: Urea Breath Test (UBT), Stool Antigen Test, or endoscopic biopsy.
- Blood Tests & Stool Occult Blood: Evaluates anemia and hidden GI bleeding.
Treatment & Recovery Plan
- 1. Acid Suppressive Medications:
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Omeprazole, Pantoprazole, Rabeprazole to suppress gastric acid secretion.
- H2 Receptor Blockers: Famotidine to reduce stomach acid production.
- Antacids: Liquid aluminum/magnesium hydroxide for fast acid neutralization.
- Mucosal Coating Agents: Sucralfate to coat and protect stomach lining ulcers.
- 2. H. pylori Eradication Therapy: Triple/Quadruple therapy combining PPI + Antibiotics (Amoxicillin + Clarithromycin + Metronidazole).
- 3. Dietary Modifications: Small frequent bland meals, avoiding spicy/acidic/fried foods, eliminating alcohol, caffeine, and smoking.
