What are the Symptoms of Gastritis?
Gastritis does not always present symptoms, and the manifestations can vary significantly among individuals. Below is a clarification of the symptoms associated with gastritis:
Common Symptoms of Gastritis
Among the common symptoms of gastritis, the following are noted:
- Indigestion.
- Abdominal bloating and a sense of fullness.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Lack of appetite.
- Belching.
- Gas.
- Sharp, burning pain in the upper abdominal area that may radiate to the back.
- Hiccups.
- Decreased appetite.
- Weight loss.
- A burning or gnawing sensation in the stomach, especially between meals or at night.
- Stools that are black or tarry in appearance.
Severe Symptoms of Gastritis
In some cases, individuals with gastritis may experience severe symptoms, which can include:
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest pain.
- Vomiting that contains blood.
- Intense abdominal pain.
- Foul-smelling stools.
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional if your gastritis symptoms persist for more than a week or if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Excessive sweating.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Abdominal pain accompanied by fever.
- Vomiting blood.
- Vomiting large amounts of yellow or green fluid.
- Dizziness.
- Fainting.
- Blood in the stool.
How Can I Confirm a Diagnosis of Gastritis?
While physicians can often diagnose gastritis by reviewing your medical history and assessing your symptoms, they may also request various tests to determine the underlying cause of the gastritis. These tests may include:
- Testing for Helicobacter pylori:
This may involve a stool test or a breath test to identify Helicobacter pylori infection, with the choice of test depending on your health condition.
- Upper Endoscopy:
During this procedure, the doctor inserts a tube with a camera at the end through your mouth and throat into the stomach to capture images of the stomach lining. In some cases, a biopsy of the stomach lining tissue may be taken for laboratory analysis.
- Upper Gastrointestinal X-rays:
This involves consuming a contrast material known as barium and capturing several X-ray images of the upper gastrointestinal tract to observe the stomach lining for any lesions.
How Can I Alleviate Symptoms of Gastritis?
If your gastritis symptoms are mild, you can implement various strategies to ease discomfort, including:
- Reduce the intake of caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, cola, and energy drinks.
- Try sleeping with several pillows at night to prevent acid reflux into the throat while sleeping.
- Lose excess weight if you are overweight.
- Consult your doctor regarding the regular use of pain relief medications like aspirin or ibuprofen.
- Avoid eating for 3-4 hours before bedtime.
- Steer clear of acidic, spicy, or fatty foods and drinks.
- Refrain from smoking.