08 Jun How Long Does Gastritis Last?

What Causes Gastritis

Here are some of the most common causes of gastritis:

• Bacterial Infections
• Overuse of Painkillers
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption
• Stress and Anxiety
• Autoimmune Disorders

As you can see, there are several causes of gastritis. Infections are the most common, caused by bad bacteria build up in the stomach which irritates the lining. Using too many painkillers, especially NSAIDs, can also cause irritation of the stomach which may lead to gastritis. In fact, prolonged use of NSAIDs is incredibly unhealthy for the stomach, and research shows it can cause very serious consequences.

Alcohol is another cause of inflammation and irritation of the stomach lining. Excessive consumption often leads to short-term gastritis. Stress and anxiety are known to cause stomach irritation and inflammation as well, leading to stomach ulcers and bleeding in severe cases.

Lastly, certain autoimmune disorders like Crohn’s disease can irritate the stomach and cause stomach and bowel issues.

Types of Gastritis

There are four known types of gastritis.

Acute Gastritis

Acute gastritis is the most common type and is defined as a sudden onset of inflammation in the lining of the stomach. This type is usually caused by things like drinking too much alcohol or certain foods or irritants.

Chronic Gastritis

Chronic gastritis is an ongoing condition that is typically caused by a more serious illness, such as some infections and autoimmune conditions. Finding permanent relief for symptoms can be difficult and usually requires seeing a medical specialist.

Erosive Gastritis

Erosive is a more severe and often acute form of gastritis that can cause lesions and ulcers in the stomach lining. This causes symptoms such as bleeding, but the extent of the damage is difficult to detect without an endoscopic examination.

Atrophic Gastritis

Atrophic gastritis is a specific type of gastritis that not only causes inflammation, but thinning of the stomach lining as the cells in the stomach lining begin to mimic those of the intestines. This is a chronic condition that requires specialized treatment.

How Long Does Gastritis Last?

There are numerous factors that affect how long gastritis can last. Environment, diet, alcohol consumption, health history, and genetics all impact your gastrointestinal health and how long these conditions can last. 

Acute gastritis can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. On average, the duration is 2 to 3 days, and some patients may be asymptomatic or only experience mild discomfort. Chronic gastritis can last for months, depending on the cause and risk factors and whether or not treatment has been given.

Erosive and atrophic gastritis are both different, with erosive being acute and atrophic being chronic. However, both can last for extended periods if they go undiagnosed and untreated, so it is best if you notice any symptoms to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

Gastritis Treatment

There are a few ways to treat gastritis that can provide symptom relief and make the condition more manageable, even for those with chronic symptoms.

Medications are available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms that work to treat gastritis, including acid blockers, anti-nausea medications, and medications to soothe inflammation and nausea/vomiting.

Lifestyle changes are also important. Avoid drinking excessive amounts of food, learn to de-stress, and avoid spicy foods to help prevent or limit the number of gastritis episodes. If you do find yourself with persistent gastritis, then it is best to see a doctor and find out about the underlying cause.

Conclusion

Gastritis can be a serious medical condition that is caused by inflammation of the stomach lining. It’s important to determine the cause of your gastritis right away as it could lead to severe consequences. Depending on the cause, gastritis can last anywhere from a few hours to several months.

If symptoms persist or get worse even with treatment, then it is time to go see a medical professional and find out the underlying cause of your gastritis and what to do about it.