"Gastritis" is a generic term used to describe inflammation of your stomach lining. A variety of conditions can cause gastritis, including alcohol, infections, stress, medications and autoimmune diseases, such as sarcoidosis or pernicious anemia. Many cases of gastritis do not cause symptoms, but gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain and digestive problems can occur. Gastritis occurring in conjunction with polyps is sometimes associated with stomach cancer.
Polyps
Polyps are fingerlike projections of tissue which project from the lining of your stomach. They vary in size from 1 to 2 mm in diameter to several centimeters in length. Gastritis and polyps can arise from the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, and polyps are common in people taking proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole or lansoprazole. A bacterium called Helicobacter pylori is often the cause of gastritis and polyps, and this organism is the cause of most peptic ulcers and stomach cancers.
Helicobacter
Helicobacter pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium that can invade the lining of your stomach and trigger chronic inflammation. This organism produces ammonia, mucous-dissolving enzymes and toxins which allow it to survive in the acidic environment of your stomach. A February 2007 "American Family Physician" review states that half the world's population is infected by H. pylori, though most infected individuals are asymptomatic. When symptoms do occur, they range from vague abdominal discomfort, bloating and intermittent nausea to severe pain and -- if ulcers are present -- gastrointestinal bleeding.
Diagnosis
Both gastritis and gastric polyps are most commonly diagnosed via upper endoscopy, where a flexible, camera-equipped tube is passed through your esophagus and into your stomach. A specialized upper gastrointestinal X-ray study -- sometimes called a "barium swallow" -- can usually detect gastritis and polyps, but endoscopy is required to retrieve biopsies of your stomach lining and to remove polyps. Examination of these biopsies will allow your doctor to determine if you are infected with H. pylori or if you are at risk for stomach cancer.
Considerations
Gastritis and stomach polyps can arise from a variety of causes, but infection with H. pylori is among the most common -- and sometimes the most worrisome. H. pylori infection can be diagnosed with a blood test, a breath test or a stool sample, but more extensive testing is necessary to detect gastritis or polyps, and endoscopy is required to rule out precancerous or cancerous changes. If H. pylori is the cause of your gastritis, the organism can be eradicated with antibiotics. Endoscopy is then repeated to ensure that your gastritis resolves and the polyps don't recur.
References
- "The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, 18th Edition"; Mark H. Beers, M.D., Editor-in-Chief; 2006
- "American Family Physician"; Update on Helicobacter pylori Treatment; A.Z. Ables, et al.; February 2007
