What Are the Causes of Gastritis?
Gastritis is defined as a condition characterized by inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining, which can occur suddenly in an acute form or develop gradually in a chronic manner. Gastritis is further classified into erosive and non-erosive types, depending on the extent of damage to the stomach lining. The following outlines the potential causes for each type:
Causes of Erosive Gastritis
Erosive gastritis is characterized by damage to the mucosal lining of the stomach, with symptoms ranging from severe to mild. Numerous factors may contribute to this condition, including:
- Exposure to Certain Substances:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to hinder the production of the mucous layer in the stomach and alter its composition, reducing the stomach’s ability to protect itself against digestive acids, which may lead to damage. Other irritants include alcoholic beverages and bile acids.
- Stress and Anxiety:
Stress and emotional pressures are common triggers for erosive gastritis, as they can increase the production of active substances (oxidants) that damage the stomach’s mucosal lining.
- Injury to the Stomach:
A stomach injury, such as that resulting from surgical procedures that involve partial gastrectomy, may also be linked to this condition, although the precise mechanism remains unclear. It may relate to stimulation of the vagus nerve, an increase in acid reflux, or a reduction in hormone-stimulated acid production.
- Autoimmune Diseases:
Certain autoimmune disorders result in the immune system attacking the stomach lining, leading to inflammation and atrophy. This is observed in individuals with autoimmune atrophic gastritis.
- Radiation Exposure:
Exposure to radiation is another cause of erosive gastritis, known as radiation-induced gastritis. Radiation can damage DNA and protein structures, disrupt their functions, and promote the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species that harm cells and tissues, resulting in gastritis and erosion.
- Rare Diseases and Conditions:
Some less common issues include:
- Viral Infections:
Cytomegalovirus, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, can lead to changes in the stomach mucosal surface, causing superficial or deep erosions, as reported in the Korean Journal of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research in 2019.
- Crohn’s Disease:
Inflammation associated with Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach lining.
- Eosinophilic Gastritis:
This condition arises from an allergic reaction that causes an increase in eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the stomach, leading to damage and irritation of the stomach lining.
Causes of Non-Erosive Gastritis
Non-erosive gastritis occurs when inflammation of the stomach lining happens without any erosion or damage. A common cause is an infection with Helicobacter pylori, which damages and penetrates the mucosal lining of the stomach. However, not everyone with this infection develops non-erosive gastritis, as certain individuals seem more susceptible due to factors such as genetic predispositions and lifestyle choices.
Risk Factors for Developing Gastritis
Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing gastritis. However, possessing one or more risk factors does not guarantee that an individual will develop the condition. Some of these risk factors include:
- Age:
Older adults are more susceptible to gastritis due to the thinning of the stomach lining that occurs with age, along with a higher incidence of autoimmune diseases and Helicobacter pylori infections compared to younger individuals.
- Smoking:
Smoking can increase the risk of Helicobacter pylori infection and the formation of ulcers in the stomach lining, potentially due to its impact on the protective mechanisms of the stomach against its natural acids and stimulating increased acid secretion.
- Chemotherapy Treatment:
Certain chemotherapy regimens may adversely affect the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to digestive problems. These therapies impact not only cancer cells but also healthy cells in the body, including those in the stomach, raising the risk for gastritis.
- Pregnancy:
Pregnancy-related physiological changes may also elevate the risk of developing gastritis.
- Parasitic Infections:
Parasitic infections can coincide with Helicobacter pylori infections and gastritis. This occurs as Helicobacter pylori releases urease to decrease stomach acidity, paving the way for parasitic infection, which may also influence immune response, potentially exacerbating gastritis, as indicated by a study published in Parasite Epidemiol Control in 2020.
Article Summary
Gastritis can be categorized into various types, including acute or chronic and erosive or non-erosive forms, each associated with numerous potential causes, such as Helicobacter pylori infection, prolonged use of NSAIDs, and certain medical conditions. Additionally, various risk factors can increase an individual’s likelihood of developing gastritis, but the mere presence of these factors does not guarantee the onset of the condition.