Gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammatory disease of the stomach lining that leads to various disorders of the digestive system and problems with digestion. Without proper treatment, acute gastritis becomes chronic. This, in turn, carries the risk of serious complications such as ulcers and cancer.

01 What types of gastritis are there?

There are two main types of gastritis:

• Erosive: erosive gastritis causes both inflammation and erosion (wearing away) of the stomach lining. Causes include alcohol, smoking, corticosteroids, viral or bacterial infections and stress from illness or injury.
• Non-erosive: inflammation of the stomach lining without erosion or damage to the lining.

Symptoms of gastritis

Signs and symptoms of gastritis include:

• A gnawing or burning ache or pain (indigestion) in the upper abdomen, which may get worse or better with eating.
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• A feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating

Gastritis does not always cause signs and symptoms.

What irritates the stomach lining?

The mucus produced by the lining is vulnerable. Some factors are so aggressive that they can disrupt mucus production, allowing stomach acid to attack the stomach wall. The following factors can lead to this:

• infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria,
• stress,
• certain medicines, such as painkillers,
• excessive consumption of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine,
• hot spices,
• a weakened immune system,
• very acidic foods.

The result is gastritis. Symptoms of acute gastritis usually appear suddenly. Appropriate treatment, usually with medicines that reduce the production of gastric juice, generally takes a few days, but relieving the symptoms can sometimes take up to several weeks. Irritation of the stomach lining can also become chronic. The early stages of inflammation often go unnoticed, and the disease can develop for years until symptoms such as a stomach ulcer become apparent.

Gastritis reduces the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestine, preventing this vitamin from fulfilling its important role in blood formation.

Gastritis is diagnosed by a gastroenterologist. During the examination, the specialist checks the condition of the stomach lining for changes such as redness or swelling, and for a stomach ulcer. A sample is usually taken from the stomach wall and sent for histological examination. The diagnosis of gastritis also confirms whether Helicobacter pylori is present.

How to support gastritis treatment

Certain foods that irritate the stomach can cause further problems and worsen symptoms. Until the inflammation has healed, follow these tips:

• eat slowly,
• chew thoroughly,
• avoid food that is too hot or too cold,
• avoid very sweet, spicy and salty food,
• try to eat five small meals a day.

If you have gastritis, choose easily digestible food and try to avoid:

• fatty dairy products (such as cheese and cream),
• fatty, smoked and fried meat, as well as breaded foods, goose and duck meat, and fatty poultry skin,
• oily fish (such as eel and mackerel) and any smoked, marinated or oil-preserved fish, as well as tinned fish,
• fatty sauces (such as mayonnaise),
• fried foods (such as chips),
• sweets and cakes,
• fresh bread and coarse wholemeal bread (instead, eat bread made from finely ground wholegrain flour that is at least a day old),
• fresh vegetables that can cause wind (such as cabbage and onions).

In addition, try to avoid stimulants:

• coffee and black tea,
• alcohol,
• nicotine.

Dietary advice for gastritis differs slightly from that for diarrhoea and other digestive disorders. During the illness, eat nourishing, easily digestible food that does not unduly irritate the stomach lining. Particularly recommended foods include rice, boiled or mashed potatoes, unsalted and lightly seasoned vegetables and similar dishes rich in easily digestible nutrients that do not burden the inflamed lining. The following stewed vegetables are considered easy to digest:

• fennel,
• carrots,
• green peas,
• courgettes,
• tomatoes.

If you have gastritis or suspect you may have it, turn to the best clinics in Switzerland. Our doctors will carry out the diagnosis and help you overcome the condition. You will find our central consultation number on the Contacts page.

Preventing gastritis

To reduce the risk of gastritis, it is advisable to follow these relatively simple rules:

• Eat a balanced diet based on fresh produce, with limited animal fats and spicy food.
• Abstain from alcohol.
• Take medicines only when strictly necessary.
• Stay smoke-free.
• Avoid stress.