Gastritis
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Gastritis means that the lining of your stomach is irritated, swollen, or inflamed. It can happen all of a sudden (acute gastritis) or slowly and last a long time (chronic gastritis). The stomach lining is the inside wall of your stomach that protects it from the strong acid it uses to break down food.
Key facts
- Gastritis is common and can often be improved with treatment.
- It may be caused by an H. pylori infection, certain pain relievers, alcohol, or stress.
- Some people with gastritis don't have any symptoms, while others have belly pain or nausea.
Gastritis is one of the most common stomach complaints seen in general practice.
It can affect people of all ages, but it's more common in older adults, people who regularly take certain pain medicines, and those who drink alcohol heavily.
Symptoms
- Vomiting blood (it may look bright red or like coffee grounds)
- Passing black, sticky, tarry stools (a sign of bleeding in the stomach)
- Severe, constant abdominal pain
- A swollen and tender abdomen
- Feeling faint, dizzy, or unable to stand
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- ⚠Vomiting continuously or being unable to keep fluids down
- ⚠Fever along with stomach pain
- ⚠Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, little or no urine, extreme weakness)
- ⚠Pain that gets worse or does not go away after a day
Common symptoms
- Burning or gnawing pain in the upper belly (just below the breastbone)
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Nausea
- Feeling full or bloated after a small meal
- Belching or burping
- Loss of appetite
Symptoms in children
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach ache that comes and goes
- Poor appetite
- Feeling full quickly
- Belly bloating
Symptoms in older adults
- May have no symptoms at all
- Upper belly pain that is dull and constant
- Blood in vomit or black stools
- Unexplained weight loss or tiredness
Causes
Main causes
- Infection with a germ called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which lives in the stomach lining
- Long-term use of certain pain medicines, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Drinking too much alcohol
- A serious illness, surgery, or injury (stress gastritis)
- Autoimmune gastritis, where the body's immune system attacks the stomach lining
Risk factors
- Being older than 60
- Smoking
- Using corticosteroid medicines (talk to your doctor)
- Having a family history of gastritis or stomach ulcers
- High levels of stress or anxiety
- Using NSAIDs often — always follow the label or your doctor's advice
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- If you have any of the emergency symptoms above, such as blood in vomit or stool, call your local emergency number right away.
- If you have severe pain with sweating, confusion, or a rapid heartbeat, get emergency care.
Book a routine appointment if:
- You have had stomach discomfort, indigestion, or nausea for a week or more.
- You are losing weight without trying.
- You feel tired or pale, which can be a sign of stomach bleeding.
- You need to take medicine for pain or acid, but it is not helping.
Diagnosis
The doctor will start by asking you about your symptoms, your eating and drinking habits, and any medicines you take. They may gently press on your stomach to check for tenderness. Based on that, they may suggest one or more simple tests.
Tests that may be done
- A stool test – checks for H. pylori or hidden blood
- A breath test – you drink a special liquid and breathe into a bag; a high level of carbon dioxide after a few minutes suggests H. pylori
- An upper endoscopy – a thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed through your mouth into your stomach to look at the lining
- A biopsy – during an endoscopy, a tiny sample of stomach tissue may be taken and sent to a lab
What to expect at your appointment
Most tests are quick and painless. If your doctor thinks you have gastritis, they may start treatment right away, or you may be referred to a stomach specialist (gastroenterologist). You will also likely be given advice on foods and habits to help your stomach heal.
Treatment
Treatment for gastritis depends on the cause. If you have an H. pylori infection, your doctor will prescribe a course of medicine to clear it. If pain medicine is the trigger, you may need to stop or switch to a different option. If it's caused by alcohol or stress, changing those habits goes a long way.
Self-care at home
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals – large meals are harder on your stomach.
- Avoid foods and drinks that trigger your symptoms, such as spicy food, citrus, very acidic drinks, or fatty meals.
- Limit or stop alcohol – it directly irritates the stomach lining.
- If you smoke, ask your doctor about ways to quit and get support.
- Wait at least 3 hours after eating before lying down to help reduce reflux.
- Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any pain medicine, even ones you buy without a prescription.
Medical treatments
Your doctor may recommend medicines that reduce stomach acid or neutralize it while the lining heals. If H. pylori is found, you will be given a combination of medicines, usually including an antibiotic and an acid reducer. Always take these medicines exactly as directed, even if you start feeling better.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is rarely needed for gastritis. It is only considered in very serious cases, such as severe bleeding that cannot be controlled by other methods.
Living with this condition
Living with gastritis can take some getting used to. Many people learn which foods and situations trigger their symptoms and find ways to manage them. With the right treatment, most people can get back to their normal routine within a few weeks.
Lifestyle tips
- Follow your doctor's treatment plan and keep follow-up appointments.
- Avoid eating large meals late at night.
- Find a stress-reduction technique that works for you, such as deep breathing, meditation, or a short walk.
- Keep a symptom diary to spot patterns and help your doctor fine-tune your care.
- Stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day.
Diet and exercise
A balanced diet that is lower in spicy, greasy, or very acidic foods may help you feel better. Gentle exercise, such as walking, cycling, or yoga, can improve digestion and lower stress. If you eat a full meal, allow time to relax before being active; listen to your body and avoid anything that worsens your symptoms.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Ongoing stomach pain can be exhausting and can increase stress or worry. It's important to talk to your doctor about how you're coping, both physically and emotionally. Addressing your mental well-being is a key part of managing a digestive condition.
Prevention
You can't always prevent gastritis, but you can lower your chances by limiting alcohol, not smoking, eating a varied and not overly spicy diet, and using pain medicines only as recommended. If you need ongoing pain relief, talk to your doctor about the safest option for you.
Vaccines
There is no vaccine for gastritis.
Screening programmes
There is no routine screening test for gastritis, but if you have a higher risk (for example, a family history of stomach cancer), your doctor may recommend regular check-ups and occasional tests.
Complications
If left untreated
- Stomach ulcers – open sores that can cause bleeding
- Bleeding inside the stomach – which can lead to anemia (low blood iron)
- Narrowing of the stomach outlet – can make food get stuck
- In rare cases, chronic gastritis can increase the risk of stomach cancer
Long-term outlook
The outlook is generally very good. Most people improve significantly with treatment, and many recover completely. Even people with chronic gastritis can lead normal lives with the right care. The key is to work with your doctor to find the cause and treat it early.
Find support
International organisations
Local organisations
- NHS (UK) ↗ · United Kingdom
Helplines
External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.
Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
Related conditions
Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 31, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.