Symptoms and Causes of Gastritis

Gastritis is a condition in which the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed or irritated. This inflammation can happen suddenly (acute gastritis) or develop slowly over time (chronic gastritis).

When your stomach lining is healthy, it protects you from strong stomach acids that help digest food. However, when it becomes weak or damaged, acid can irritate the stomach wall, leading to pain and discomfort.

At Bali International Hospital, we often meet patients who think they just have a “regular stomachache,” but it turns out to be gastritis. Understanding the symptoms and causes can help you recognize the condition early and get the right treatment.

Common Symptoms of Gastritis

Gastritis can cause a variety of digestive problems. Some people may only feel mild discomfort, while others may have more serious pain.

The most common symptoms include:

1. Pain or a burning feeling in the upper stomach: This pain usually happens in the middle of your upper belly. It can feel worse or better after eating.
2. Indigestion or bloating: You might feel full or uncomfortable after eating, even when you’ve only had a small meal.
3. Nausea or vomiting: Some people feel like throwing up, especially after eating certain foods or taking medications like painkillers.
4. Loss of appetite: Ongoing stomach pain or nausea may make you lose your appetite.
5. Feeling full quickly after eating: Even small portions can make your stomach feel heavy or bloated.
6. More serious symptoms: If you vomit blood or notice your stools are black or tar-like, it could mean there’s bleeding in your stomach. These are emergency signs; you should seek immediate medical help.

If your stomach pain doesn’t go away or keeps coming back, it’s important to get checked by a doctor. At our international hospital, our specialists can find the cause of your gastritis and recommend the best treatment.

What Causes Gastritis?

There are several reasons why the stomach lining can become inflamed. Here are the most common causes:

1. H. pylori infection

A bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the main cause of chronic gastritis. It can live in your stomach lining and damage it over time.

Without proper treatment, this infection can lead to ulcers and, in rare cases, increase the risk of stomach cancer.

2. Frequent use of painkillers (NSAIDs)

Pain relievers like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen are commonly used for headaches or joint pain. But if you take them too often or in high doses, they can damage the stomach lining and cause gastritis.

3. Drinking too much alcohol

Alcohol irritates and erodes the stomach wall, especially when consumed regularly or in large amounts. This can cause both acute and chronic gastritis.

4. Stress-related gastritis

High physical or emotional stress can also trigger gastritis. People who have had major surgery, severe illness, burns, or injuries can develop a type of gastritis caused by stress.

5. Autoimmune gastritis

In some cases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the stomach lining. This is called autoimmune gastritis and can lead to long-term inflammation and difficulty absorbing important nutrients like vitamin B12.

6. Other causes

Gastritis can also be caused by bile reflux, trauma, or infections unrelated to H. pylori.

Gastritis in Indonesia

In Indonesia, gastritis is a major public health issue. According to the Ministry of Health, gastritis ranks among the most common diseases treated in hospitals.

There are more than 33,000 inpatient cases and over 200,000 outpatient cases each year. Some areas in Indonesia have especially high rates:

• Medan: 91.6%
• Jakarta: 50%
• Denpasar: 46%
• Palembang: 35.5%
• Bandung: 32%
• Surabaya: 31.2%

These numbers show that gastritis affects many Indonesians, especially in cities where people often experience stress, skip meals, or take painkillers regularly.

When You Should See a Doctor

Mild gastritis may improve on its own with simple lifestyle changes, such as:

1. Eating smaller meals
2. Avoiding spicy foods
3. Cutting down on alcohol
4. Managing stress

However, you should see a doctor if:

• Your stomach pain lasts more than a few days.
• You frequently feel bloated, nauseous, or lose your appetite.
• The pain gets worse after eating or taking medication.

You should seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds.
• Black, tar-like stools.
• Severe or sharp stomach pain.
• Unexplained weight loss or weakness.

These could be signs of more serious conditions like ulcers or internal bleeding.

At our hospital, our gastroenterology specialists use advanced diagnostic tools such as endoscopy and H. pylori tests to identify the exact cause of your gastritis. We then provide a personalized treatment plan that may include:

1. Medication
2. Dietary advice
3. Lifestyle guidance

Key Takeaways

• Gastritis happens when the stomach lining becomes inflamed or irritated.
• Common symptoms include:

1. Upper stomach pain
2. Nausea
3. Indigestion
4. Bloating

• Major causes include:

1. H. pylori infection
2. Frequent painkiller use
3. Alcohol
4. Stress

• In Indonesia, gastritis is very common, especially in big cities.
• Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications like ulcers or bleeding.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gastritis

Can gastritis go away on its own?

Yes, mild or acute gastritis can sometimes go away on its own, especially if you stop habits that irritate the stomach, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking certain painkillers. However, chronic gastritis usually lasts longer and often needs medical treatment to address the main cause.

What foods should you avoid with gastritis?

Avoid spicy, acidic, fried, and fatty foods like chili, citrus fruits, pizza, and bacon. Stay away from caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and chocolate.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid skipping meals to reduce irritation.

Is gastritis the same as acid reflux?

No. Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, while acid reflux (or GERD) happens when stomach acid moves up into the throat, causing heartburn.

Both can cause discomfort, but they are different conditions.

What to drink with gastritis?

Choose gentle drinks like water, herbal teas without caffeine, clear broths, or diluted non-citrus juices. Avoid alcohol, coffee, and acidic juices to keep symptoms from getting worse.

If your symptoms continue, always talk to a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Get the Right Care at Bali International Hospital

If you often experience stomach discomfort, don’t ignore the signs. Gastritis can start as a mild condition but may lead to more serious problems if left untreated.

At our international hospital, our experienced doctors are ready to help diagnose and treat your stomach issues with care and professionalism. We focus on providing personalized medical solutions that suit your health needs and lifestyle.

If your condition becomes severe and you need immediate medical attention, our emergency hospital ambulance in Bali is available to provide fast and reliable support whenever you need it.

Take the first step toward better digestive health, contact us today or book an appointment at our hospital, and let our team help you find lasting relief from gastritis.