By Dr. Arief Hamid.
In today’s fast-paced world, it is common to hear people complain of “gastric pain”, bloating, or a burning sensation in the stomach. Some brush it off as a minor inconvenience, while others take antacids without much thought. However, these recurring discomforts may be a sign of a condition known as gastritis — an inflammation of the stomach lining that should not be ignored.
Gastritis occurs when the protective layer inside the stomach becomes irritated or damaged. This layer normally shields the stomach from its own digestive acids. When it weakens, the acid begins to irritate the stomach wall, leading to pain, discomfort, and other unpleasant symptoms. The condition can appear suddenly (acute gastritis) or develop slowly over months or years (chronic gastritis).
Although gastritis is very common, many people fail to recognise its seriousness. Left untreated, it can progress to stomach ulcers, internal bleeding, or even increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Why Does Gastritis Happen?
Several factors can trigger gastritis, many of which are linked to modern lifestyle habits. Frequent use of common painkillers such as ibuprofen and aspirin is one of the leading causes. These medications, when taken regularly without medical supervision, weaken the stomach’s protective layer.
Another major cause is infection with a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacteria lives in the stomach and slowly damages the lining, often without obvious symptoms in the early stages.
Other contributing factors include excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, severe stress, skipping meals, irregular eating patterns, spicy or oily foods, and chronic acid reflux. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders may also increase the risk of developing gastritis.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
Gastritis does not always announce itself loudly. In some people, the symptoms are mild or come and go. However, common complaints include a burning or aching pain in the upper abdomen, bloating, a feeling of fullness even after small meals, nausea, frequent burping, heartburn, and loss of appetite.
Some individuals may feel discomfort especially when the stomach is empty, while others notice it worsening after meals.
Warning Signs That Should Never Be Ignored
Certain symptoms suggest a more serious problem and require immediate medical attention:
- Severe or persistent stomach pain
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Black, tarry-looking stools
- Sudden, unexplained weight loss
- Persistent vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Constant fatigue, dizziness, or pale skin
- Symptoms lasting more than two weeks despite treatment
These may indicate stomach bleeding, ulcers, or even early signs of cancer and should prompt urgent medical review or specialist referral.
How Doctors Diagnose Gastritis
Diagnosis usually begins with a detailed discussion about symptoms, eating habits, medication use, and lifestyle factors. Blood tests may be done to look for signs of infection or anaemia. Special tests such as breath or stool tests help detect H. pylori infection.
The most accurate test is a procedure called gastroscopy, where a thin flexible camera is gently passed through the mouth into the stomach to directly view the stomach lining. This allows doctors to confirm inflammation and take small samples if needed.
Treatment: From Traditional to Modern Approaches
Treatment is based on the underlying cause and severity. The main goal is to reduce stomach acid and allow healing.
Common medications include antacids for quick relief, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole to suppress acid production, and H2 blockers which also reduce acid. If H. pylori infection is present, a combination of antibiotics is prescribed for up to two weeks.
In recent years, newer medications known as potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs) such as vonoprazan have been introduced. These work faster and more effectively than traditional drugs. Doctors may also prescribe probiotics to improve gut health and reduce future flare-ups.
Why Gastritis Often Returns
Many sufferers wonder why their symptoms keep coming back. In most cases, the root cause has not been properly addressed. This includes continued use of painkillers, incomplete antibiotic treatment, ongoing smoking or alcohol consumption, unmanaged stress, poor sleep, and returning too quickly to irritating foods.
Skipping meals, overeating, and irregular eating times also disrupt stomach balance, encouraging repeated episodes.
Lifestyle Changes That Make a Real Difference
Simple lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce symptoms and prevent recurrence.
Eating smaller meals more frequently helps reduce acid overload. Avoiding spicy, oily, sour, and heavily processed foods can soothe the stomach. Reducing caffeine and carbonated drinks is equally important.
It is advisable to stop smoking, limit or avoid alcohol, and avoid lying down immediately after meals. Allow at least two hours before sleeping. Staying hydrated and managing stress through relaxation, prayer, breathing exercises, or light physical activity helps protect the stomach.
Adequate sleep and maintaining a healthy body weight also contribute to better digestive health.
When Specialist Care Is Needed
A general surgeon or gastroenterologist should be consulted if symptoms persist despite treatment, if warning signs appear, or if gastritis keeps recurring. People above 40 experiencing new, persistent gastric symptoms should also undergo proper assessment to rule out serious conditions.
A Final Word to us all
Gastritis is more than just “ordinary gastric pain.” It is your body’s way of signalling that something is wrong with your stomach lining. While it is usually treatable, ignoring persistent symptoms can lead to complicated and potentially life-threatening consequences.
Listening to your body, seeking early medical advice, and making healthy lifestyle choices are the keys to keeping your stomach and overall health in good condition. In a society where hurried meals and stress are the norm, perhaps the greatest medicine is simply slowing down and caring for what we eat and how we live.
