Gastritis means the stomach lining is inflamed. It can come on suddenly after a heavy night of drinking or a course of painkillers, or build up slowly over years. Most cases are easily treated once the cause is found.
Imagine taking ibuprofen every day for two weeks for a bad back. Now there’s a gnawing, burning pain in the upper tummy, you feel sick after eating, and you’re full after a few mouthfuls. The painkiller that helped your back may be irritating your stomach.
Symptoms
- Burning or gnawing pain in the upper middle tummy
- Indigestion, bloating and burping
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling full quickly
Common causes
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen and aspirin
- Helicobacter pylori infection, very common worldwide
- Heavy alcohol use and smoking
- Severe physical stress, such as major illness
- Less commonly, autoimmune conditions
Treatment
- Stopping or reducing the trigger, such as painkillers or alcohol, with your doctor’s advice
- Acid-reducing medicines such as proton pump inhibitors or antacids
- A course of antibiotics plus acid reducers if H. pylori is found (tested with a breath, stool or blood test)
- Smaller meals and avoiding foods that make symptoms worse
But when is it serious?
Get urgent help if you vomit blood or something that looks like coffee grounds, have black, tarry stools, feel faint, or have severe tummy pain. See a doctor soon for difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting or symptoms that don’t improve, especially if you’re over 55.
Your next step: If you’ve been taking anti-inflammatory painkillers regularly and have tummy pain, speak to a pharmacist or doctor today about safer pain relief.
Sources: NHS (Gastritis), US National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, World Gastroenterology Organisation. This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from your own nurse, doctor or pharmacist.
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