Gastritis is a condition that involves inflammation and damage to the stomach lining. In its early stages, it often causes symptoms like nausea and stomach pain. In later stages, it may lead to signs of vitamin deficiencies. The most common cause of gastritis is infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

If left untreated, gastritis can become serious and may progress to stomach cancer. Because early symptoms are often mild or absent, many people may not realize they have it. Fortunately, gastritis is typically treatable. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause.

Types of Gastritis

Acute Gastritis

Acute gastritis comes on suddenly, often resulting in symptoms like nausea and stomach discomfort.

Chronic Gastritis

Chronic gastritis develops gradually over time and is often due to untreated H. pylori infection or unresolved acute gastritis. It may also result from autoimmune conditions that attack healthy stomach cells.

Special (Distinctive) Gastritis

This rare form is termed "distinctive" because stomach cells appear abnormal under a microscope. Causes include rare conditions like eosinophilic disorders or graft-versus-host disease.

Acute gastritis may lead to chronic gastritis if not treated promptly.

Symptoms of Gastritis

Symptoms can vary between individuals and depend on whether the condition is acute or chronic.

Acute Gastritis

Symptoms of acute gastritis often begin suddenly and resemble those of other stomach viruses. They may include:

  • Pain in the upper abdomen (epigastric pain)

  • Nausea

  • Feeling full after eating only a small amount

  • Vomiting

Some individuals may not experience symptoms at all, a condition known as asymptomatic gastritis.

Chronic Gastritis

Chronic gastritis, including autoimmune gastritis, can cause symptoms linked to nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron and vitamin B12. Common signs of anemia related to chronic gastritis include:

  • Cold hands and feet

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Fatigue

  • Pale skin

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms, as testing for anemia and related conditions may be necessary.

Causes of Gastritis

Gastritis can have many causes, and in some cases, no specific cause is identified. The most commonly known cause is H. pylori infection. Nearly all individuals infected with H. pylori eventually develop chronic gastritis.

Other potential causes include:

  • Alcohol consumption

  • Autoimmune conditions (e.g., sarcoidosis)

  • Viral infections (e.g., cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus)

  • Smoking

  • Use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen

Less common causes include diseases like Crohn’s, vasculitis, and Menetrier’s disease, which can create ulcers in the stomach lining.

Diagnosis

To diagnose gastritis, a healthcare provider (typically a gastroenterologist) may perform an endoscopy to take a biopsy of the stomach lining.

Other diagnostic methods include:

  • Reviewing medical history and risk factors such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease

  • Testing for H. pylori through breath or stool samples

  • Blood tests to detect inflammation or high serum gastrin levels

Endoscopy remains the most accurate method but is also the most invasive.

Gastritis Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. If gastritis results from another condition, like Crohn’s disease, that condition will be the treatment focus. Doctors may also prescribe supplements such as iron or vitamin B12.

For acute gastritis caused by H. pylori, antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, pantoprazole) are commonly used. Multiple rounds may be needed to fully eliminate the bacteria.

Lifestyle changes can also help:

  • Avoid spicy foods

  • Manage stress with exercise, meditation, or rest

  • Stop smoking and limit alcohol intake

  • Reduce or stop NSAID use (under medical guidance)

Prevention

While not all causes are preventable (e.g., autoimmune diseases), good hygiene can reduce H. pylori risk. Tips include:

  • Washing hands thoroughly, especially before meals and after using the restroom

  • Maintaining good oral hygiene

  • Cleaning shared surfaces, especially after illness

  • Avoiding sharing food or drinks

  • Drinking clean water and eating properly cooked food

Since adults can pass H. pylori to children, hygiene is especially important in households.

Complications

Gastritis may lead to complications, ranging from mild to severe. These include:

  • Vitamin deficiencies (iron, B12, C, D)

  • Peptic ulcers

  • Atrophic gastritis (loss of protective stomach lining cells)

  • Gastric bleeding

  • Stomach cancer

  • Neuroendocrine tumors (associated with autoimmune gastritis)

In children, gastritis may interfere with growth due to poor nutrient absorption.

Living with Gastritis

Gastritis is relatively common, especially since H. pylori affects about 35% of the U.S. population. Treatment often includes antibiotics and lifestyle changes. If you have symptoms or risk factors, speak with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment options.