Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. Sometimes it comes on suddenly and sometimes it builds slowly over time, but in either case the lining becomes irritated and tender, which leads to that burning or aching feeling near the top of your belly.
Often it starts with an infection, but everyday factors can play a part too. Regular alcohol use, frequent use of NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen, ongoing stress, and getting older can all leave the stomach lining more vulnerable. Less commonly it is linked to conditions such as Crohn’s disease or to parasites.
The good news is that gastritis usually responds well to treatment once we understand what is driving it. Our gastroenterologists in Akron and Massillon evaluate the cause and build a plan to calm the inflammation and ease your symptoms.
Symptoms
- Burning or aching pain in the upper abdomen
- Nausea and sometimes vomiting
- Feeling unusually full, especially after eating
- A reduced appetite
Some people have mild symptoms that come and go, while others feel it more sharply. If the discomfort keeps returning or does not settle, it is worth being checked.
Causes and risk
Gastritis has several possible triggers, including:
- Bacterial or viral infection of the stomach
- Regular alcohol use
- Frequent use of NSAID pain relievers
- Ongoing stress
- Older age, as the stomach lining naturally thins
- Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory conditions
- Parasites
More than one of these can be at play at the same time, which is why a careful evaluation matters.
How we diagnose it
We start with your history and a conversation about your symptoms, your medications, and your habits. Blood work can help point to an infection or other causes. When we need a closer look, we recommend an upper endoscopy, a short procedure done under sedation that lets us examine the stomach lining directly and take small tissue samples if needed.
How we treat it
Treatment depends on the cause. For most people, acid-blocking or acid-reducing medication gives the lining a chance to heal, and antacids can ease symptoms in the meantime. If an infection is found, we treat it with antibiotics. Lifestyle changes, such as cutting back on alcohol or finding an alternative to frequent NSAID use, often make a real difference. We tailor the plan to you and follow up to make sure it is working.
When to see us
If you have ongoing burning upper-abdominal pain, persistent nausea, or a loss of appetite, do not wait it out. These symptoms can overlap with heartburn and GERD, and an evaluation helps us pinpoint the cause and treat it properly.
We welcome new patients at our Akron and Massillon offices. Call (330) 869-0954 or request an appointment, and we will help you feel better.