Acute gastritis is the sudden onset of inflammation and stomach lining irritation. This condition can cause a range of symptoms and is usually temporary. It is caused by bacterial or viral infections, such as H. pylori or norovirus, which can trigger acute gastritis.
Severe stress from traumatic events, major surgery, or critical illnesses can sometimes cause acute gastritis. In rare cases, the body’s immune system can attack the stomach lining, leading to autoimmune gastritis.
Epidemiology
Acute gastritis is a common condition worldwide, and its prevalence can vary among different populations. It affects individuals of all ages, from children to older adults. Acute gastritis can occur at any age, but certain age groups may be more prone to specific causes of gastritis. Acute gastritis is not gender specific, affecting males and females equally.
The prevalence and causes of acute gastritis can vary by region. In areas with high rates of H. pylori infection, such as some parts of Asia and Africa, this bacterium is a common cause of acute and chronic gastritis. In Western countries, lifestyle factors like alcohol consumption and NSAID use are more frequently associated with acute gastritis.
Anatomy
Pathophysiology
Acute gastritis often begins when the protective mechanisms of the stomach lining are compromised. This can result from exposure to irritants such as alcohol, NSAIDs, spicy foods, or corrosive substances. The irritants can directly damage the mucous layer, which normally protects the stomach lining from the acidic and enzymatic environment of the stomach. In response to the irritation or injury, the body initiates an inflammatory response.
White blood cells, particularly neutrophils, are recruited to the site of inflammation. In some cases, the inflammatory response can lead to increased gastric acid production. This can exacerbate the damage to the stomach lining. Increased acid production can occur due to the release of histamine and other signaling molecules. The inflammation and damage to the gastric mucosa can weaken the protective mucous layer and the tight junctions between epithelial cells.
This disruption allows gastric acid and digestive enzymes to penetrate deeper into the mucosal tissue, causing further damage. Prolonged or severe inflammation can lead to cell damage and even cell death in the stomach lining. As the acute gastritis resolves, the body initiates the process of tissue repair and regeneration to heal the damaged mucosa.
Etiology
Dietary Factors: Consumption of highly spicy or acidic foods on a regular basis can irritate the stomach lining and contribute to gastritis.
Stress: Severe emotional or physical stress, such as that experienced after a major surgery, traumatic injury, or critical illness, can lead to stress-induced gastritis.
Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can irritate and inflame the stomach lining, leading to acute alcoholic gastritis.
Corticosteroids: Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications can increase the risk of gastritis.
Caffeine: High intake of caffeinated beverages can sometimes contribute to gastritis.
Bile Reflux: Bile reflux gastritis can occur when bile from the small intestine flows backward into the stomach, irritating the stomach lining.
Genetics
Prognostic Factors
Acute gastritis is often a self-limiting condition that resolves independently with appropriate treatment and lifestyle modifications. Most people with acute gastritis experience symptom relief and healing of the gastric mucosa within a few days to a few weeks.
Clinical History
Abdominal pain is the hallmark symptom of acute gastritis. The pain is typically described as a burning or gnawing sensation and is usually located in the upper abdomen. Acute gastritis often leads to a decreased desire to eat or a feeling of early fullness when consuming meals. Excessive belching or burping can be a symptom of gastritis.
In severe cases or when complications like bleeding occur, stools may become dark and tarry or contain visible blood. Acute gastritis typically develops suddenly. The onset of symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause. In mild cases and when the underlying cause is addressed, symptoms may resolve within a few days to a week.
Physical Examination
The healthcare provider may gently press on different abdomen areas to check for tenderness. Tenderness in the upper abdomen, particularly the epigastric region, is common in acute gastritis. Guarding refers to the involuntary contraction of abdominal muscles in response to palpation or pressure. It can indicate abdominal discomfort or pain.
In severe cases, signs of dehydration, such as dry skin and mucous membranes or decreased skin turgor, may be evident. Additionally, pallor may be observed in cases of significant bleeding. If acute gastritis has led to significant bleeding, signs of anemia, such as pallor, fatigue, or increased heart rate, are observed.
Age group
Associated comorbidity
Associated activity
Acuity of presentation
Differential Diagnoses
Autoimmune gastritis
Cholecystitis
Dyspepsia
Gallstone disease
Lymphoma
Laboratory Studies
Imaging Studies
Procedures
Histologic Findings
Staging
Treatment Paradigm
Antibiotic Regimen
The primary treatment approach for H. pylori-associated gastritis is a triple therapy regimen consisting of clarithromycin, a proton-pump inhibitor, and amoxicillin, administered for 14 to 21 days. Clarithromycin is preferred over metronidazole due to its significantly lower recurrence rates than a triple therapy regimen using metronidazole. However, in regions where clarithromycin resistance is prevalent, metronidazole becomes the preferred choice. In such cases, a quadruple therapy approach that includes bismuth can be beneficial, especially when metronidazole is part of the treatment regimen.
Lifestyle Modifications
Eliminate or reduce factors that can irritate the stomach lining, such as alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and acidic foods. Opt for a bland, easily digestible diet, including foods like rice, applesauce, bananas, and plain yogurt. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to prevent overloading the stomach and avoid lying down immediately after eating. Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, as stress can exacerbate gastritis.
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Acute gastritis is the sudden onset of inflammation and stomach lining irritation. This condition can cause a range of symptoms and is usually temporary. It is caused by bacterial or viral infections, such as H. pylori or norovirus, which can trigger acute gastritis.
Severe stress from traumatic events, major surgery, or critical illnesses can sometimes cause acute gastritis. In rare cases, the body’s immune system can attack the stomach lining, leading to autoimmune gastritis.
Acute gastritis is a common condition worldwide, and its prevalence can vary among different populations. It affects individuals of all ages, from children to older adults. Acute gastritis can occur at any age, but certain age groups may be more prone to specific causes of gastritis. Acute gastritis is not gender specific, affecting males and females equally.
The prevalence and causes of acute gastritis can vary by region. In areas with high rates of H. pylori infection, such as some parts of Asia and Africa, this bacterium is a common cause of acute and chronic gastritis. In Western countries, lifestyle factors like alcohol consumption and NSAID use are more frequently associated with acute gastritis.
Acute gastritis often begins when the protective mechanisms of the stomach lining are compromised. This can result from exposure to irritants such as alcohol, NSAIDs, spicy foods, or corrosive substances. The irritants can directly damage the mucous layer, which normally protects the stomach lining from the acidic and enzymatic environment of the stomach. In response to the irritation or injury, the body initiates an inflammatory response.
White blood cells, particularly neutrophils, are recruited to the site of inflammation. In some cases, the inflammatory response can lead to increased gastric acid production. This can exacerbate the damage to the stomach lining. Increased acid production can occur due to the release of histamine and other signaling molecules. The inflammation and damage to the gastric mucosa can weaken the protective mucous layer and the tight junctions between epithelial cells.
This disruption allows gastric acid and digestive enzymes to penetrate deeper into the mucosal tissue, causing further damage. Prolonged or severe inflammation can lead to cell damage and even cell death in the stomach lining. As the acute gastritis resolves, the body initiates the process of tissue repair and regeneration to heal the damaged mucosa.
Dietary Factors: Consumption of highly spicy or acidic foods on a regular basis can irritate the stomach lining and contribute to gastritis.
Stress: Severe emotional or physical stress, such as that experienced after a major surgery, traumatic injury, or critical illness, can lead to stress-induced gastritis.
Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can irritate and inflame the stomach lining, leading to acute alcoholic gastritis.
Corticosteroids: Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications can increase the risk of gastritis.
Caffeine: High intake of caffeinated beverages can sometimes contribute to gastritis.
Bile Reflux: Bile reflux gastritis can occur when bile from the small intestine flows backward into the stomach, irritating the stomach lining.
Acute gastritis is often a self-limiting condition that resolves independently with appropriate treatment and lifestyle modifications. Most people with acute gastritis experience symptom relief and healing of the gastric mucosa within a few days to a few weeks.
Abdominal pain is the hallmark symptom of acute gastritis. The pain is typically described as a burning or gnawing sensation and is usually located in the upper abdomen. Acute gastritis often leads to a decreased desire to eat or a feeling of early fullness when consuming meals. Excessive belching or burping can be a symptom of gastritis.
In severe cases or when complications like bleeding occur, stools may become dark and tarry or contain visible blood. Acute gastritis typically develops suddenly. The onset of symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause. In mild cases and when the underlying cause is addressed, symptoms may resolve within a few days to a week.
The healthcare provider may gently press on different abdomen areas to check for tenderness. Tenderness in the upper abdomen, particularly the epigastric region, is common in acute gastritis. Guarding refers to the involuntary contraction of abdominal muscles in response to palpation or pressure. It can indicate abdominal discomfort or pain.
In severe cases, signs of dehydration, such as dry skin and mucous membranes or decreased skin turgor, may be evident. Additionally, pallor may be observed in cases of significant bleeding. If acute gastritis has led to significant bleeding, signs of anemia, such as pallor, fatigue, or increased heart rate, are observed.
Autoimmune gastritis
Cholecystitis
Dyspepsia
Gallstone disease
Lymphoma
Antibiotic Regimen
The primary treatment approach for H. pylori-associated gastritis is a triple therapy regimen consisting of clarithromycin, a proton-pump inhibitor, and amoxicillin, administered for 14 to 21 days. Clarithromycin is preferred over metronidazole due to its significantly lower recurrence rates than a triple therapy regimen using metronidazole. However, in regions where clarithromycin resistance is prevalent, metronidazole becomes the preferred choice. In such cases, a quadruple therapy approach that includes bismuth can be beneficial, especially when metronidazole is part of the treatment regimen.
Lifestyle Modifications
Eliminate or reduce factors that can irritate the stomach lining, such as alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and acidic foods. Opt for a bland, easily digestible diet, including foods like rice, applesauce, bananas, and plain yogurt. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to prevent overloading the stomach and avoid lying down immediately after eating. Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, as stress can exacerbate gastritis.
medtigo
Acute Gastritis
Updated :
September 10, 2023
Acute gastritis is the sudden onset of inflammation and stomach lining irritation. This condition can cause a range of symptoms and is usually temporary. It is caused by bacterial or viral infections, such as H. pylori or norovirus, which can trigger acute gastritis.
Severe stress from traumatic events, major surgery, or critical illnesses can sometimes cause acute gastritis. In rare cases, the body’s immune system can attack the stomach lining, leading to autoimmune gastritis.
Acute gastritis is a common condition worldwide, and its prevalence can vary among different populations. It affects individuals of all ages, from children to older adults. Acute gastritis can occur at any age, but certain age groups may be more prone to specific causes of gastritis. Acute gastritis is not gender specific, affecting males and females equally.
The prevalence and causes of acute gastritis can vary by region. In areas with high rates of H. pylori infection, such as some parts of Asia and Africa, this bacterium is a common cause of acute and chronic gastritis. In Western countries, lifestyle factors like alcohol consumption and NSAID use are more frequently associated with acute gastritis.
Acute gastritis often begins when the protective mechanisms of the stomach lining are compromised. This can result from exposure to irritants such as alcohol, NSAIDs, spicy foods, or corrosive substances. The irritants can directly damage the mucous layer, which normally protects the stomach lining from the acidic and enzymatic environment of the stomach. In response to the irritation or injury, the body initiates an inflammatory response.
White blood cells, particularly neutrophils, are recruited to the site of inflammation. In some cases, the inflammatory response can lead to increased gastric acid production. This can exacerbate the damage to the stomach lining. Increased acid production can occur due to the release of histamine and other signaling molecules. The inflammation and damage to the gastric mucosa can weaken the protective mucous layer and the tight junctions between epithelial cells.
This disruption allows gastric acid and digestive enzymes to penetrate deeper into the mucosal tissue, causing further damage. Prolonged or severe inflammation can lead to cell damage and even cell death in the stomach lining. As the acute gastritis resolves, the body initiates the process of tissue repair and regeneration to heal the damaged mucosa.
Dietary Factors: Consumption of highly spicy or acidic foods on a regular basis can irritate the stomach lining and contribute to gastritis.
Stress: Severe emotional or physical stress, such as that experienced after a major surgery, traumatic injury, or critical illness, can lead to stress-induced gastritis.
Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can irritate and inflame the stomach lining, leading to acute alcoholic gastritis.
Corticosteroids: Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications can increase the risk of gastritis.
Caffeine: High intake of caffeinated beverages can sometimes contribute to gastritis.
Bile Reflux: Bile reflux gastritis can occur when bile from the small intestine flows backward into the stomach, irritating the stomach lining.
Acute gastritis is often a self-limiting condition that resolves independently with appropriate treatment and lifestyle modifications. Most people with acute gastritis experience symptom relief and healing of the gastric mucosa within a few days to a few weeks.
Abdominal pain is the hallmark symptom of acute gastritis. The pain is typically described as a burning or gnawing sensation and is usually located in the upper abdomen. Acute gastritis often leads to a decreased desire to eat or a feeling of early fullness when consuming meals. Excessive belching or burping can be a symptom of gastritis.
In severe cases or when complications like bleeding occur, stools may become dark and tarry or contain visible blood. Acute gastritis typically develops suddenly. The onset of symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause. In mild cases and when the underlying cause is addressed, symptoms may resolve within a few days to a week.
The healthcare provider may gently press on different abdomen areas to check for tenderness. Tenderness in the upper abdomen, particularly the epigastric region, is common in acute gastritis. Guarding refers to the involuntary contraction of abdominal muscles in response to palpation or pressure. It can indicate abdominal discomfort or pain.
In severe cases, signs of dehydration, such as dry skin and mucous membranes or decreased skin turgor, may be evident. Additionally, pallor may be observed in cases of significant bleeding. If acute gastritis has led to significant bleeding, signs of anemia, such as pallor, fatigue, or increased heart rate, are observed.
Autoimmune gastritis
Cholecystitis
Dyspepsia
Gallstone disease
Lymphoma
Antibiotic Regimen
The primary treatment approach for H. pylori-associated gastritis is a triple therapy regimen consisting of clarithromycin, a proton-pump inhibitor, and amoxicillin, administered for 14 to 21 days. Clarithromycin is preferred over metronidazole due to its significantly lower recurrence rates than a triple therapy regimen using metronidazole. However, in regions where clarithromycin resistance is prevalent, metronidazole becomes the preferred choice. In such cases, a quadruple therapy approach that includes bismuth can be beneficial, especially when metronidazole is part of the treatment regimen.
Lifestyle Modifications
Eliminate or reduce factors that can irritate the stomach lining, such as alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods, and acidic foods. Opt for a bland, easily digestible diet, including foods like rice, applesauce, bananas, and plain yogurt. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to prevent overloading the stomach and avoid lying down immediately after eating. Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, as stress can exacerbate gastritis.
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