Gastritis Symptoms, Diet and When to See a Doctor

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. Common gastritis symptoms are pain or burning in the upper tummy, indigestion, bloating, feeling sick and feeling full quickly. The most common causes are the germ Helicobacter pylori, anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen, and alcohol. This guide is by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, an English-speaking GP licensed in Spain (Colegiado No. 484814280) who sees patients by video in English and Spanish.

What is gastritis?

It is inflammation of the layer that lines the inside of the stomach. It can be acute, starting suddenly and lasting a short time, or chronic, lasting months or years. Sometimes it only shows on a camera test (endoscopy) and the person feels nothing.

What are the symptoms of gastritis?

• Pain, burning or discomfort in the upper tummy.
• Indigestion, especially after eating.
• Bloating and wind.
• Feeling sick or being sick.
• Feeling full very quickly, and a smaller appetite.

These symptoms are like those of an ulcer, acid reflux or gallbladder problems. Read about upper stomach pain and its causes.

What causes gastritis?

• Helicobacter pylori: a germ that lives in many people's stomachs and can cause gastritis and ulcers.
• Anti-inflammatory painkillers: ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin, especially when taken often.
• Heavy drinking.
• Severe physical stress, such as a serious illness, surgery or burns.
• Autoimmune causes: the body's defences attack the lining. This can lead to low vitamin B12.

What is dyspepsia, and how is it different?

Dyspepsia is the medical word for indigestion: discomfort in the upper tummy during or after meals. It can come from gastritis, an ulcer or reflux, but often tests find no cause. Then it is called functional dyspepsia. In Spain doctors say dispepsia.

What should I eat with gastritis?

There is no miracle diet. What helps most is avoiding what upsets you and treating the cause:

• Eat small, regular meals, slowly.
• Do not eat in the 3 to 4 hours before bed.
• Cut down on alcohol, coffee, spicy, fried, very fatty, sour or fizzy food and drinks if they make it worse.
• Stop smoking.
• Lose weight if you need to.
• Do not take anti-inflammatory painkillers on your own. Ask which painkiller suits you.

Plain foods such as rice, grilled fish or chicken, cooked vegetables and bread are often easy to eat, but everyone is different.

Why do I burp so much?

Frequent burping usually comes from swallowing air: eating fast, talking while eating, fizzy drinks, chewing gum or anxiety. It also happens with indigestion and reflux. Eating slowly and cutting fizzy drinks helps. If burping comes with pain, weight loss or trouble swallowing, see a doctor.

How is gastritis diagnosed?

From your symptoms and, if needed, tests. The most common test looks for H. pylori with a breath or stool test. Read how to prepare for the H. pylori breath test. With warning signs, or depending on your age, a specialist may order an endoscopy.

How is gastritis treated?

It depends on the cause. H. pylori is treated with antibiotics and a stomach-protecting medicine, on prescription. If painkillers are the cause, a doctor checks whether you can stop or change them. For heartburn, pharmacies sell antacids and medicines that lower acid. Read about buying omeprazole in Spain.

Does gastritis go away?

Acute gastritis often settles in days or weeks once the cause is removed. Gastritis from H. pylori gets better once the germ is cleared. Chronic gastritis may need follow-up.

What do I ask for at a Spanish pharmacy?

Say tengo ardor de estómago or tengo gastritis. You can ask for an antiácido (antacid). The pharmacist will check your other medicines.

When to see a doctor

• Pain or indigestion lasts more than a week, gets worse or keeps coming back.
• You lose weight for no reason, or feel full after very little food.
• You feel a lump in your tummy, or it hurts or is hard to swallow.
• You are being sick often.
• You are over 55 and the symptoms are new.
• You often take anti-inflammatory painkillers, aspirin or blood thinners.

When to call 112

• You vomit red blood or something like coffee grounds.
• Your poo is black, sticky and smells very bad.
• Sudden, very strong pain in the tummy or chest.
• Severe dizziness or fainting with any of these.

Frequently asked questions about gastritis

Getting a medical assessment

If you are in Spain and have symptoms of gastritis, you can book a video consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, a physician registered in Spain. You can also read about H. pylori and its treatment. A prescription is never guaranteed: it is issued only where clinically appropriate after a genuine evaluation, as a private electronic prescription under Spanish law. This service is for urgent, non-emergency care. In an emergency, call 112.

This guide is general information. It does not replace the package leaflet or the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.