Gastritis is a collective term used by doctors today to describe the symptoms that cause inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Gastritis occurs in two forms – acute and chronic. Acute gastritis occurs suddenly while chronic gastritis lasts for a longer period of time, especially if the symptoms that occur are not treated. If you think you have gastritis, scroll to Step 1 below to learn about the symptoms and people who are most susceptible to it.
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Method 1 of 3: Recognizing Early Symptoms
Step 1. Pay attention to any burning sensation you feel
You can feel a burning sensation in your stomach, especially at night or between meals: This is because at that time the stomach is empty. Therefore, stomach acid affects the lining of the abdomen more strongly. This results in a burning sensation.
Step 2. Notice when you feel like you're losing your appetite
This happens because the mucosal lining becomes inflamed and irritated which causes gas to be trapped in the stomach. You may feel bloated which results in loss of appetite.
Step 3. Pay attention to any nausea you experience
The acid produced in the stomach to break down and digest the food that has been eaten is the main cause of nausea. The acid can irritate the stomach lining and erode.
Step 4. Watch as your saliva production increases
When you have gastritis, your stomach acid will return to your mouth through your esophagus. Your mouth will produce extra saliva in order to protect your teeth from acid.
Increased saliva production can also cause bad breath
Method 2 of 3: Recognizing Advanced Symptoms
Step 1. See a doctor if you have abdominal pain
Pain that occurs can be in the form of burning, gripping, sharp or not as well as constant or intermittent -- it depends on each individual and how severe the gastritis has occurred. The pain usually appears in the upper middle of the abdomen, but can occur anywhere.
Step 2. Watch for vomiting
Vomiting and difficulty digesting are caused by the production of excess stomach acid which can erode or irritate the lining of the stomach. The vomit may be clear, yellow or green in color, contain bloodstains or be completely bloody. It depends on the severity of the ulceration that occurs in the stomach.
Step 3. Seek medical attention if you pass solid black stools
Black stools are caused by internal bleeding from the ulceration. Old blood causes the stool to be almost black in color. You should also look for fresh or old blood in the stool:
Fresh blood means that your stomach lining is actively bleeding whereas old blood means that the bleeding is no longer active, but bleeding occurred at an earlier time
Step 4. If you vomit vomit that is coffee-colored, then go to the emergency room immediately
This happens because the stomach lining is eroded and bleeding. This is actually a sign of danger that requires immediate medical attention.
Method 3 of 3: Knowing the Risk Factors
Step 1. Know that alcohol can cause gastritis
Gastritis is usually found in people who frequently consume alcohol. This happens because alcohol causes erosion of the stomach lining. Alcohol can also increase the production of hydrochloric acid which can damage the lining of the abdomen.
Step 2. Note that chronic vomiting can also lead to gastritis
Vomiting can result in an empty stomach. This can cause stomach acid to damage the stomach lining. If you have an illness that causes vomiting, take steps to calm your stomach and reduce the frequency of vomiting.
Step 3. Know that age also plays a role in gastritis
Older people have a higher risk of gastritis because the stomach lining becomes thinner at that age. In addition, elderly people have a tendency to develop bacterial infections.
Step 4. Understand that people with bacterial infections are at a higher risk
People who have bacterial infections tend to develop gastritis. These include infection with H. pylori, a bacterium that is inherited or caused by high stress and smoking. Bacteria and viruses that attack your immune system can increase your risk of developing gastritis.
Step 5. Be aware of gastritis symptoms if you are anemic
Gastritis is usually caused by destructive anemia. This type of anemia occurs when your stomach lacks the capacity to properly absorb vitamin B12.
