From the Guidelines
Gastritis is a condition where the lining of your stomach becomes inflamed, often caused by H. pylori infection, and can lead to symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, but with proper treatment, most cases can improve. When explaining gastritis to a patient, it's essential to discuss the potential causes, such as H. pylori infection, which is a significant risk factor for peptic ulcer and gastric cancer, as noted in a 2022 study published in the Annual Review of Medicine 1.
Key Points to Discuss with the Patient
- H. pylori infection is generally acquired in childhood, especially through transmission within families, and can increase the risk of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer.
- The lifetime risk of peptic ulcer is approximately 1 in 6 (∼17%) among those with H. pylori infection.
- Gastric cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the third most common cause of cancer death.
- Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying cause, such as H. pylori infection, with antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor.
- Lifestyle changes, like avoiding spicy foods, alcohol, and NSAIDs, eating smaller meals, and managing stress, are also crucial for healing.
Treatment Options
- For H. pylori infection, antibiotics like amoxicillin and clarithromycin, along with a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole, are commonly prescribed for 7-14 days.
- For non-infectious gastritis, reducing stomach acid with medications like omeprazole or famotidine for 4-8 weeks can help healing. It's vital to emphasize the importance of completing the full course of prescribed medications and attending follow-up appointments to ensure the inflammation has resolved, as highlighted in the study 1.
From the Research
What is Gastritis
- Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining, which can be caused by various factors, including Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- H. pylori infection is a common cause of gastritis, and it can lead to chronic inflammation and damage to the stomach lining 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Symptoms of Gastritis
- The symptoms of gastritis can vary, but common symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting 3, 5
- In some cases, gastritis can lead to more serious complications, such as peptic ulcers and gastric cancer 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Treatment of Gastritis
- The treatment of gastritis depends on the underlying cause, but it often involves the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori infection 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- PPIs, such as omeprazole and lansoprazole, can help reduce stomach acid and alleviate symptoms, while antibiotics can help eradicate H. pylori infection 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- In some cases, other medications, such as H2-receptor antagonists, may be used to treat gastritis 4
Eradication of H. pylori Infection
- The eradication of H. pylori infection is crucial in the treatment of gastritis, and it can be achieved through the use of triple therapy, which includes a PPI, an antibiotic, and another medication 3, 4, 5, 6
- The choice of antibiotic and PPI can affect the efficacy of the treatment, and it is important to select the most effective combination based on the patient's specific needs and medical history 3, 4, 5, 6