Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining caused by infection, injuries, certain medications or immune system disorders, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. Acute gastritis usually comes on suddenly with abdominal discomfort or nausea. Chronic gastritis develops slowly for some people, but it causes no symptoms for others until the symptoms are suddenly felt. Symptoms may be different depending on the individual and the cause of the gastritis. The condition is usually treated with medication to reduce stomach acid production.
Abdominal Discomfort
A gnawing or burning ache or pain in the upper abdomen may indicate gastritis, the Mayo Clinic notes. It could include a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating or a feeling of indigestion. Belching or bloating more than usual may occur. Dark stools may result in bowel movements. Loss of appetite and weight loss are also symptoms. The discomfort may have conflicting feelings. Abdominal symptoms may be relieved following a meal, but the symptoms can also get worse after eating.
Nausea
Nausea and vomiting from time to time may occur with erosive gastritis or acute gastritis from stress, the Merck Manuals explains. The symptoms may be mild for people with acute stress gastritis. Vomiting blood or coffee-ground like substances may occur in some cases because the stomach lining can become irritated and inflamed, especially with chronic gastritis.
Ulcers
Ulcers can develop in acute gastritis or advanced gastritis, according to the Merck Manuals. Bleeding ulcers may result, causing a person to vomit blood or have black, tarry stools. The bleeding may happen several days following an illness or injury with acute stress gastritis. It can develop more slowly with chronic gastritis. Persistent bleeding may cause other symptoms such as anemia, fatigue and lightheadedness. Ulcers can perforate the stomach wall and cause stomach contents to spill into the abdominal cavity. Inflammation and infection may result with worsening pain that happens suddenly.
Eventual Symptoms
The scarring and narrowing of the stomach passageway can eventually lead to severe nausea and frequent vomiting. Gastritis may interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 that is needed for the production of red blood cells. This can cause symptoms of weakness, the Merck Manuals states. Some severe cases of gastritis can lead to precancerous or cancerous conditions in the stomach. This happens in a small percentage of people with gastritis, but it shows the necessity of getting treatment as soon as symptoms are noticed. Gastritis that has no initial symptoms may suddenly bring on pain, abdominal discomfort or nausea that may be thought of as indigestion.
