Gastritis -

Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining, which can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term). It is commonly caused by H. pylori infection, irritants such as NSAIDs and alcohol, or autoimmune and reflux-related issues.

What Is Gastritis

Gastritis occurs when the protective stomach lining becomes inflamed or damaged.

It can be:

Acute gastritis – quick onset, often due to infection, alcohol, or medications.
Chronic gastritis – long-term inflammation, usually caused by H. pylori, autoimmune issues, or persistent irritants.

Complications of untreated gastritis can include ulcers, bleeding, and in rare long-standing cases, increased risk of stomach cancer.

Causes of Gastritis

Gastritis develops when the stomach lining is irritated, infected, or weakened. Understanding the causes of gastritis helps choose the right treatment and prevent recurrence.

Infections Causing Gastritis (H. pylori and others)

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) – the most common cause of chronic gastritis worldwide
Viral or fungal infections in people with low immunity (less common)

Irritants: Alcohol, Smoking, and Spicy Foods

Excessive alcohol consumption
Smoking or tobacco use
Spicy, oily, and very acidic foods
Coffee or strong tea on an empty stomach

Medicines That Trigger Gastritis (NSAIDs, Steroids)

NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin)
Corticosteroids
Potassium supplements
Certain antibiotics or other drugs that irritate the stomach

Medical Conditions Linked to Gastritis

Autoimmune gastritis
Bile reflux
Pernicious anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency
Severe stress from illness, injury, or surgery
Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory conditions

Lifestyle Factors and Stress

Irregular meals or long gaps between meals
Eating too fast or overeating
Late-night heavy meals
Chronic stress and anxiety affecting digestion

Symptoms of Gastritis and Warning Signs

Gastritis symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe, ulcer-like pain. Some people with chronic gastritis may have few or no symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Gastritis

Upper abdominal pain or burning (“acidity”)
Bloating and heaviness
Nausea or vomiting
Early fullness after eating small amounts
Loss of appetite
Sour burps and bad breath

Severe Symptoms That Need Immediate Medical Care

Blood in vomit (coffee-ground appearance)
Black, tarry stools (suggesting bleeding)
Sharp, severe stomach pain
Persistent vomiting
Unexplained weight loss or fatigue

Seek urgent medical care if you notice blood in vomit or stools, severe ongoing pain, or repeated vomiting.

Diagnosis of Gastritis

Diagnosis involves assessing symptoms and performing tests to check the stomach lining and detect H. pylori infection or complications.

Clinical Evaluation and History

Discussion of symptoms and meal patterns
Review of medications (especially painkillers)
Alcohol and smoking history

Endoscopy and H. pylori Tests

Upper GI endoscopy – gold standard to view inflammation and take biopsies
H. pylori tests:

Urea breath test
Stool antigen test
Biopsy during endoscopy
Blood test for antibodies (less reliable for active infection)

Blood and Stool Tests

CBC for anemia
Stool test for hidden bleeding
Vitamin B12 levels (in autoimmune gastritis)

Treatment of Gastritis

Treatment aims to remove the cause, reduce stomach acid, and heal the stomach lining while preventing complications.

Acid-Reducing Medicines (Antacids, H2 Blockers, PPIs)

Antacids for quick relief
H2 blockers (famotidine) to reduce acid production
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole—most effective for healing the lining and essential for H. pylori treatment

Antibiotics for H. pylori Infection

Used only when H. pylori is confirmed. Typical combinations include:

Amoxicillin
Clarithromycin
Metronidazole or tinidazole

Along with a PPI (triple or quadruple therapy)

Cytoprotective Medicines and Stopping Irritants

Sucralfate to coat and protect the stomach lining
Avoiding NSAIDs and replacing them with safer alternatives
Stopping smoking and reducing alcohol

Surecare Homeopathic Doctors’ View in Treating Gastritis

Homeopathic practitioners view gastritis as a blend of physical, immune, and emotional imbalance. Treatments are individualized based on:

Type of pain
Aggravating foods
Time of symptoms
Emotional state
Associated complaints (bloating, acidity, gas)

Goals of Homeopathy Treatment for Gastritis

Improve digestion and reduce stomach lining irritation
Address stress-related triggers
Reduce frequency of flare-ups
Enhance long-term digestive balance
Complement (not replace) standard medical treatment

Prevention of Gastritis (Diet & Lifestyle)

Eat smaller, frequent meals
Avoid long gaps between meals
Limit NSAIDs unless medically required
Reduce alcohol and quit smoking
Manage stress with yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises
Maintain healthy sleep habits

Diet for Gastritis: Foods to Eat and Avoid

Diet has a major role in reducing flare-ups and protecting the stomach lining.

Foods to Eat

Light foods: khichdi, dal, rice, oats, porridge
Boiled/steamed vegetables
Bananas, apples, papaya
Non-citrus fruits
Curd, buttermilk, coconut water
Ginger or chamomile tea (if tolerated)
Vegetable or chicken soups
Almonds, honey with warm water

Foods to Avoid

Spicy, fried, or heavily oily foods
Pickles, vinegar, and excess salt
Tomatoes, garlic, onion (if sensitive)
Citrus fruits during flare-ups
Coffee, strong tea, carbonated drinks
Chocolate and processed foods
Smoking and alcohol

Helpful Drinks

Warm water
Jeera (cumin) water or fennel (saunf) water
Aloe vera juice (use in moderation and with guidance)
Cabbage juice—traditional remedy, may support ulcer healing, but should not replace medical treatment

Conclusion

This gastritis complete overview provides everything patients need to understand gastritis—its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, prevention tips, and diet guidelines. Homeopathy treatment for gastritis may offer complementary support remains essential for safe and effective management of acute and chronic gastritis.