Acute gastritis
Acute gastritis comes on suddenly and doesn’t usually last long. It’s often caused by infections, particularly from bacteria like Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), drinking too much alcohol, or taking certain medications that can irritate the stomach lining. Symptoms include stomach pain, indigestion, and nausea. Treatment usually involves antacids, alginates, and antibiotics to help with the symptoms and tackle the underlying cause.
Chronic gastritis
Chronic gastritis develops gradually and can hang around for months or even years. This long-lasting inflammation is often linked to H. pylori infection, which is very common and affects up to half of the world's population. Other factors include long-term use of some painkillers and excessive alcohol use. While chronic gastritis can sometimes lead to ulcers and a higher risk of stomach cancer, it’s usually manageable with the right treatment.
Interestingly, where you live can impact your risk for certain types of gastritis. For example, chronic atrophic corpus gastritis (CAG), a more severe form, is more common in East Asia, where there’s also a higher incidence of gastric cancer compared to the West. This difference is due to various factors, including the prevalence and virulence of H. pylori strains, diet, environmental factors, and genetic differences.
While gastritis can range from a minor nuisance to a serious condition, consulting a healthcare provider to understand its types and causes can help in effectively managing and treating it.
Gastritis is when the lining of your stomach gets inflamed. Here's how it works:
Inflammation response
When your stomach lining gets irritated or damaged, your body’s immune system jumps into action. It sends white blood cells to the area to fight off whatever’s causing the problem. These cells release substances that cause inflammation, which is your body’s way of trying to protect and heal the stomach lining. But this inflammation also leads to symptoms like pain, redness, and swelling.
Damage to the stomach lining
The stomach lining, also known as the mucosa, is a protective barrier that keeps your stomach safe from its own digestive acids and enzymes. When this lining gets damaged, it’s less effective at doing its job. This means that the acids and enzymes can start to damage the actual tissue of the stomach, causing more inflammation and irritation.
Digestive juices
Your stomach produces hydrochloric acid and enzymes to help break down food. Normally, the stomach lining protects your stomach from these harsh substances. But when the lining is inflamed or damaged, these acids and enzymes can get deeper into the stomach tissue, making the inflammation and symptoms worse.
Immune system activation
The inflammation triggers your immune system to act. It sends chemicals and immune cells to the affected area to deal with the damage and any potential infections. While this response is crucial for healing, it also contributes to the symptoms of gastritis, like swelling and pain.
Healing and regeneration
Your stomach lining has the ability to heal itself. Once the irritation or damage is taken care of, the inflammation usually goes away, and the lining starts to repair itself. How quickly and well this happens depends on how severe the inflammation is and your overall health. This is why it is important that you seek a healthcare provider’s advice as soon as you notice the symptoms of gastritis.
Diagnosing gastritis usually starts with a chat about your symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical exam. Here’s how it typically goes:
Gastritis can show up in different ways, and everyone might experience it a bit differently. Here are some common signs to watch out for:
Sometimes, gastritis doesn’t cause any symptoms at all. But if you do start noticing these symptoms, it could mean the condition is more severe or has been around for a while. Gastritis symptoms can look like other health problems, so it’s important to see a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. If you notice any signs of bleeding, like black vomit or stool, get medical help right away.
In Singapore, certain groups of people are more likely to develop gastritis due to various lifestyle and health factors:
Diagnosing gastritis usually starts with a chat about your symptoms and medical history, followed by a physical exam. Here’s how it typically goes:
In Singapore, gastritis is treated using a variety of methods depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Here are the treatments available at CRCS Clinic:
Gut health screening
Gut health screening involves various tests to check how well your digestive system is functioning. This can include stool tests, blood tests, and breath tests to find infections like H. pylori, which is a common cause of gastritis.
A gastroscopy involves using a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look inside your esophagus, stomach, and the start of your small intestine. This helps doctors see if your stomach lining is inflamed or damaged. They can also take small tissue samples (biopsies) to check for infections or other problems.
A colonoscopy examines your colon and rectum using a camera. While it's mainly for looking at the lower part of your digestive system, it can help rule out other conditions that might be causing similar symptoms to gastritis. It’s part of making sure your whole digestive system is healthy.
Chemotherapy and radiation are used to treat cancers, including stomach cancer, which can sometimes develop from long-term untreated gastritis. These treatments can help shrink cancerous growths and manage related symptoms. While they’re not typically used just for gastritis, they become important if the condition leads to cancer.
You don't have to live with the pain and discomfort of gastritis. Contact us at CRCS Clinic today and let us help you take the first step towards a healthier, more comfortable life. Our specialists are ready to provide the care and support you need. Reach out now to schedule a consultation and start your journey to better health.
Yes, gastritis can go away, especially if the cause is treated. With proper medication and lifestyle changes, many people see improvement and relief from symptoms.
Foods that can help heal gastritis include high-fiber options like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, low-acid foods like bananas and melons, lean proteins such as chicken and fish, and probiotic-rich foods like yogurt. Herbal teas can also be soothing.
To recover quickly, follow your doctor's treatment plan, avoid irritants like alcohol and spicy foods, eat a bland diet, stay hydrated, manage stress, and get plenty of rest.
Yes, the stomach lining can repair itself, especially if you avoid things that irritate it and follow a healthy diet and treatment plan. The stomach lining has a good ability to heal with the right care.