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A man in white t-shirt holding his stomach while suffering from gastritis pain.

Can Allergies cause Gastritis?

A man in white t-shirt holding his stomach while suffering from gastritis pain.

Gastritis is an irritating ailment that can cause significant discomfort and may lead to complications if left untreated. While this condition can be managed, the best way to save yourself the headache of symptoms is to avoid triggering it in the first place. The problem is that there are many different triggers to try and avoid, such as inflammation. Allergies are quite capable of causing inflammation, but that begs the question, can allergies cause gastritis? Let’s take a look.

What is Gastritis? 

Gastritis is the term for a range of conditions with the core similarity of inflammation of the stomach lining. The primary cause of this inflammation is an infection caused by a buildup of harmful bacteria in the stomach. Once this bacteria grows to a certain amount, it can cause the stomach lining to be irritated and eventually inflamed.

Ulcers, overuse of painkillers known as NSAIDS, injuries, and consumption of alcohol in excess can also cause gastritis. When a gastritis attack occurs, there can be many different symptoms, including upper belly pain, nausea, and vomiting.

If left untreated, gastritis can worsen and may lead to ulcers and even stomach cancer.

Allergies and Inflammation 

We know that there are many different allergies and that anyone can have them. Allergies result from the body’s immune response to substances known as allergens. Allergens can range from pet fur and dander to certain foods, bee stings, and much more. When a person has an allergy, the immune system reacts and causes inflammation in the airway, lungs, and even the intestines.

If the allergic reaction is severe enough, it can cause wheezing, shortness of breath, pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting, and even death. Some allergies are so severe they can affect multiple parts of the body at once and cause systems in the body to react very strongly.

Some types of allergens may cause inflammation in the digestive tract,1 which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms.

Can Allergies cause Gastritis?

A woman sneezing in tissue while she is holding it on her nose.As we’ve mentioned, the primary cause of gastritis is inflammation in the lining of the stomach, caused by the buildup of certain bacteria. Allergens that cause allergic reactions can cause a buildup in what are known as eosinophils. Eosinophils are naturally produced by the body, but when the number grows too high, it can cause inflammation in the stomach lining and the organs. This, in turn, can cause a rare condition known as eosinophilic gastritis.

Furthermore, certain allergens can cause the stomach and intestinal tract to become inflamed, which can lead to gastritis and other digestive problems. Food allergies are the most common potential cause of gastritis, but it is possible that allergies to other minerals and substances that enter the body can also cause gastritis.

Conclusion 

Now that you know a bit more about gastritis, it is important to stay on top of both your digestive health and any allergies you may have. Leaving gastritis untreated can cause complications if left untreated.

If you experience pain in the upper area of your stomach, nausea, and vomiting and are unsure of the cause, it is a good idea to visit a doctor immediately.

Get your at Home Allergy Test with Concierge MD

If you are looking for an accurate and convenient way to determine if you have an allergy, Concierge MD can help. Our team will help you do the test, review the results with you, and let you know the next step in addressing your allergy or intolerance. We offer the convenience of home test kits, with the peace of mind that your health is in the capable hands of our trained healthcare team.

Call or click the button below to make an appointment today!

References

[1] Rentzos G, Lundberg V, Stotzer PO, et al. Intestinal allergic inflammation in birch pollen allergic patients in relation to pollen season, IgE sensitization profile and gastrointestinal symptoms. Clin Transl Allergy. 2014 May 30;4:19. doi: 10.1186/2045-7022-4-19



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