Gastritis is the collective name by which modern doctors describe the symptoms that cause inflammation of the stomach lining. It manifests itself in two forms: acute and chronic. Acute gastritis happens suddenly, while chronic gastritis lasts a long time, especially if the symptoms are not treated. If you think you have gastritis, go to Step 1 and read what the symptoms are and who is most at risk.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Recognizing the Early Symptoms
Step 1. Pay attention to any burning sensations
You could feel it in the stomach, especially at night or between meals: it happens because the abdomen is empty and the gastric acids hit the mucosa more intensely, causing the burning sensation.
Step 2. Monitor any loss of appetite
It can happen because the lining of the gastric mucosa is inflamed and irritated and causes gas to ferment in the stomach. You can also feel bloated and therefore not have an appetite.
Step 3. Be aware of nausea attacks
The acid produced in the stomach to affect and digest the foods you eat is the main cause. It irritates and erodes the stomach lining, causing nausea.
Step 4. Notice if you produce more saliva
When you have gastritis, gastric acid comes to your mouth via the esophagus. The mouth produces more saliva to protect the teeth from acids.
Increased saliva can also lead to bad breath
Method 2 of 3: Recognizing Late Symptoms
Step 1. See your doctor if you have abdominal pain
It could be similar to burning, deaf, sharp, biting, constant or intermittent: it mainly depends on how advanced the gastritis is. Pain is usually felt in the upper central part of the abdomen, but it can occur anywhere.
Step 2. Be aware of the times you vomit
Vomiting and indigestion are caused by the overproduction of gastric acids that erode or irritate the mucosa. Vomit can be clear, yellow or green, bloodstained or bloody depending on severity.
Step 3. See your doctor if you have black, tarry stools
They are caused by internal bleeding that results from ulcerations. Old blood blackens the stool. You should also evaluate the presence of more or less fresh blood stains in the stool:
Fresh blood implies that the mucous membrane is actively bleeding, old blood that the bleeding has stopped
Step 4. Go to the ER if your vomit is the color of coffee
It means your gastric mucosa has started to corrode and bleed. This is a warning sign that requires immediate medical attention.
Method 3 of 3: Know the Risk Factors
Step 1. Alcoholism
Gastritis usually also occurs in people who frequently consume alcohol. This is because alcohol causes erosion of the stomach lining. It also increases the production of hydrochloric acid which damages the gastric mucosa.
Step 2. Chronic vomiting
Vomiting empties the stomach and allows the acids in it to corrode the inner lining. If you have an illness or tend to recover, take precautions to help your stomach and reduce the amount of vomiting.
Step 3. Age
The elderly are at greater risk of gastritis because the gastric mucosa also ages and thins. Furthermore, the elderly have a tendency to develop bacterial infections.
Step 4. People with bacterial infections are most at risk
Infections include Helicobapter Pylori, a bacterium that is inherited or that can arise from high levels of stress and from smoking. In particular, bacteria and viruses that affect your immune system can increase your chances of getting gastritis.
Step 5. Look for symptoms of gastritis related to anemia
Sometimes, gastritis is caused by pernicious anemia. This anemia occurs when the stomach cannot absorb vitamin B12 properly.
