Acute gastritis is a sudden inflammation of your stomach lining. It can cause pain, nausea, and other uncomfortable symptoms. The good news is that it often improves quickly with proper treatment.
Unlike chronic gastritis, which develops slowly over time, acute gastritis comes on suddenly. It can last from a few hours to several days.
Table of Contents
What Causes Acute Gastritis?
Your stomach lining can become inflamed for many reasons. Understanding these causes can help you prevent future episodes.
Common Causes
The most common causes of acute gastritis include:
- Certain medications, especially NSAIDs like aspirin
- Bacterial infections, particularly H. pylori
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Extreme stress from illness or surgery
- Food poisoning
- Viral infections
Research shows that aspirin can cause gastritis in many people. In one study, 6 out of 10 volunteers developed mild gastritis after taking aspirin for a week (1).
Special Risk Groups
Some people face higher risks of developing acute gastritis.
Critically ill children in intensive care units often develop stress-related gastritis. This can lead to serious complications like stomach bleeding (2).
People having heart surgery also face increased risk. Research found that without preventive treatment, many develop bleeding and gastritis after surgery (3).
Symptoms of Acute Gastritis
Symptoms can come on suddenly and vary in severity. You might experience one or several of these symptoms.
Common Symptoms
The most frequent symptoms include:
- Upper stomach pain or burning sensation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling full quickly when eating
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating
- Indigestion
Some people may also experience diarrhea. Studies show that treatment can shorten diarrhea duration by about 2 days (4).
Severe Symptoms
In some cases, gastritis can cause more serious symptoms that need immediate medical attention.
Two volunteers in one study experienced vomiting blood (hematemesis) while taking aspirin (1).
How Is Acute Gastritis Diagnosed?
Doctors use several methods to diagnose acute gastritis. The process usually starts with discussing your symptoms and medical history.
Endoscopy
Endoscopy is the most accurate way to diagnose gastritis. During this procedure, a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look inside your stomach.
Studies show that endoscopy can reveal erosions (small breaks in the stomach lining) that indicate gastritis. In clinical trials, doctors use endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis and monitor treatment progress (5).
Other Tests
Your doctor might also recommend:
- Blood tests to check for H. pylori infection or anemia
- Stool tests to look for blood
- Breath tests for H. pylori
Treatment Options for Acute Gastritis
Treatment depends on what’s causing your gastritis. Most cases improve within a few days with proper care.
Medications That Reduce Stomach Acid
Reducing stomach acid helps your stomach lining heal. Several types of medications can help.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
PPIs are often the first choice for treating gastritis. They work by blocking acid production in your stomach.
Studies show that omeprazole combined with atropine can significantly improve symptoms. This combination shortened total treatment time and reduced symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting (4).
For preventing gastritis after heart surgery, proton pump inhibitors have been shown to be the most effective option. In one study, only 2.9% of patients taking rabeprazole developed hemorrhagic gastritis, compared to much higher rates with other treatments (3).
Newer Acid Blockers
Fexuprazan is a newer medication that works differently than PPIs. Research shows it can improve erosions in about 58-66% of patients after 2 weeks of treatment (6).
Protective Medications
Some medications help protect your stomach lining while it heals.
CKD-495, extracted from cinnamon, has shown promising results. In clinical trials, it demonstrated better healing rates than traditional treatments. About 55-73% of patients showed improvement after 2 weeks (5, 7).
H. Pylori Treatment
If H. pylori bacteria caused your gastritis, you’ll need antibiotic treatment.
Early treatment is crucial. Research shows that starting eradication therapy within one day of symptom onset can lead to complete healing in just one week. Patients who started treatment later needed additional weeks of acid-suppressing medication (8).
The typical H. pylori treatment includes:
- A proton pump inhibitor
- Two antibiotics (usually clarithromycin and amoxicillin)
- Sometimes a stomach-protective medication
Foods to Avoid with Acute Gastritis
Your diet plays a crucial role in healing. Some foods can irritate your stomach lining and make symptoms worse.
The Worst Foods for Gastritis
These foods commonly trigger or worsen gastritis symptoms:
- Spicy foods: Hot peppers, curry, and spicy sauces
- Acidic foods: Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar
- Fatty and fried foods: These slow digestion and increase stomach acid
- Coffee and caffeinated drinks: Can stimulate acid production
- Alcohol: Directly irritates the stomach lining
- Carbonated beverages: Can cause bloating and discomfort
- Processed meats: High in preservatives that may irritate the stomach
Foods That May Help
While research on specific foods for gastritis is limited, some foods are generally easier on the stomach:
- Plain rice and oatmeal
- Lean proteins like chicken and fish
- Non-acidic fruits like bananas and melons
- Cooked vegetables
- Low-fat dairy products (if tolerated)
- Herbal teas (especially ginger or chamomile)
How to Prevent Acute Gastritis
You can take steps to reduce your risk of developing gastritis.
Medication Safety
If you need to take NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen:
- Take them with food
- Use the lowest effective dose
- Consider alternatives when possible
- Ask your doctor about protective medications
Lifestyle Changes
Simple changes can make a big difference:
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoid lying down right after eating
- Quit smoking if you smoke
For High-Risk Situations
If you’re having surgery or are critically ill, preventive treatment may be necessary. Studies show that preventive medications can significantly reduce the risk of developing gastritis and bleeding (2).
When to See a Doctor
Don’t wait to seek medical care if you have concerning symptoms.
See a Doctor Immediately If You Have:
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Black, tarry stools
- Severe abdominal pain
- Signs of dehydration from persistent vomiting
- High fever with stomach pain
Schedule an Appointment If You Have:
- Stomach pain lasting more than a few days
- Recurring episodes of gastritis
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing
- Symptoms that don’t improve with over-the-counter treatments
Living with Acute Gastritis
Most people recover completely from acute gastritis with proper treatment. Here’s what you can expect.
Recovery Timeline
With treatment, symptoms often improve within days. Studies show:
- Pain relief can occur within 2-3 days
- Nausea and vomiting typically improve within a week
- Complete healing of erosions may take 2-4 weeks
Follow-Up Care
Your doctor may recommend:
- A follow-up appointment to ensure healing
- Repeat endoscopy for severe cases
- Testing to confirm H. pylori eradication if treated
- Long-term acid suppression for recurring gastritis
Conclusion
Acute gastritis can be uncomfortable and disruptive, but it’s usually not serious when treated promptly. Understanding your triggers and following your treatment plan are essential for recovery.
Remember that what works for one person may not work for another. Work with your healthcare provider to find the best treatment approach for you. With proper care, most people make a full recovery and can prevent future episodes through lifestyle changes and medication management.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of gastritis, don’t ignore them. Early treatment can prevent complications and help you feel better faster.