Gastritis refers to the inflammation, irritation or erosion of the stomach lining. There are 2 types of gastritis, acute (sudden and short term) or chronic (gradual and lingering from months to years). Patients suffer from acute gastritis are usually caused by excessive consumption of alcohol or regular use of aspirin or NSAIDs (NonSteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) like ibuprofen or naproxen. Acute gastritis can also be developed after some major surgery, traumatic accidents which cause injury, severe illness like kidney failure or severe viral or bacterial infections.



How does excessive consumption of alcohol cause Acute Gastritis?

Alcohol can be absorbed by the stomach lining and excessive consumption erodes the mucosa layer of the stomach. When this layer of mucus is damaged, it may develop stomach ulcers.

Note: The mucosa layer is the most inner layer of the stomach where digestive juices and acid are made. A stomach has 5 layers in total.

Below diagram shows how an inflammation looks like.

How does regular use of NSAIDs cause Acute Gastritis?

These drugs contain an enzyme called cyclooxygenase-1 which is responsible for the biosynthesis of eicosanoids which increases the chances of peptic ulcers forming. Short term usage may not be dangerous in normal circumstance but prolong usage may result in gastritis.

Patients suffer from chronic gastritis usually suffered from bacterial infections such as Helicobacter Pylori or Chronic Bile Reflux (backflow of bile into the stomach from bile tract). Other factors that can lead to chronic gastritis are stress and some autoimmune disorders such as pernicious anemia.

Note: Helicobacter Pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium that stays in the protective mucous lining and produces substances that weaken the lining.

Pernicious anemia refers to the lack of ability of the stomach to absorb vitamin B12 and digest it.

What happens if Gastritis is left untreated?

Gastritis affects a person’s quality of life as a person may experience stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or unexplained loss of weight. If left untreated, may leads to severe loss of blood and in worse case, results in stomach cancer.

What does it mean by the term Atrophic Gastritis?

Atrophic Gastritis is a term that refers to chronic inflammation on the mucosa layer of the stomach and results in losing of gastric glandular cells which are replaced by intestinal epithelium, pyloric glands and fibrous tissues. It is sometimes called Type A Gastritis (which is commonly associated with pernicious anemia) or Type B Gastritis (which is commonly associated with Helicobacter Pylori).