Gastritis facts for kids
Gastritis is when the lining of your stomach gets inflamed or swollen. Think of it like a rash inside your stomach. This can happen for many reasons.
Sometimes, gastritis starts after a big surgery, a serious injury, or even bad burns. It can also happen if you get certain infections. People who have had weight loss surgery might also get gastritis.
One common cause is taking certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for a long time. These are medicines like aspirin or ibuprofen. Drinking too much of certain kinds of drinks can also cause it.
For some people, gastritis is caused by a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. This germ can live in your stomach for a long time. Other health problems, like pernicious anemia or certain autoimmune disorders, can also lead to gastritis. Even a lot of stress can sometimes play a part.
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What is Gastritis?
Gastritis means the inner layer of your stomach is irritated. This lining normally protects your stomach from the strong acids it uses to digest food. When it gets inflamed, it can cause discomfort.
How Your Stomach Works
Your stomach is a very important organ. It helps break down the food you eat. It does this using strong acids and special enzymes. The stomach lining has a protective layer of mucus. This mucus keeps the acid from hurting the stomach itself.
When this protective layer is damaged, the stomach acid can irritate the lining. This irritation is what we call gastritis.
What Causes Gastritis?
Many different things can make your stomach lining inflamed. It's important to know the causes so you can try to prevent it.
Common Reasons for Gastritis
One common cause is taking certain medications. For example, if you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen often, they can sometimes irritate your stomach.
Another cause can be a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. This germ can live in your stomach and cause long-term inflammation. Doctors can test for this bacteria.
Other Things That Can Cause It
Sometimes, gastritis can happen after a major surgery or a serious injury. It can also be linked to certain infections in the body.
Some diseases can also lead to gastritis. These include pernicious anemia, which is a problem with red blood cells. Also, conditions where bile flows back into the stomach can cause it. Even a lot of stress can sometimes make your stomach lining inflamed.
What Are the Symptoms?
The most common sign of gastritis is pain in your belly. This pain is often in the upper part of your stomach.
How Gastritis Feels
Besides pain, you might feel indigestion, which is a burning feeling. Your belly might feel bloated or full. Some people feel sick to their stomach, which is called nausea. You might also vomit.
Sometimes, you might just feel a burning sensation in your upper belly. It can also feel like you are full very quickly after eating.
How Doctors Find Gastritis
Doctors have several ways to figure out if you have gastritis. They will ask about your symptoms first.
Tests Doctors Use
One common test is a gastroscopy. This is when a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end. They gently guide it down your throat to look at your stomach lining.
Doctors might also do a blood test or a complete blood count test. These tests can check for signs of infection or other problems. Sometimes, a stool test is used to check for the Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
How Gastritis is Treated
The good news is that gastritis can often be treated. The treatment depends on what caused it.
Medicines and Diet Changes
Doctors might suggest taking antacids. These medicines help to reduce stomach acid. Other medicines, like proton pump inhibitors, can also lower the amount of acid your stomach makes. If bacteria like Helicobacter pylori are causing it, you might need antibiotics.
It's also helpful to avoid foods that can irritate your stomach. This often means staying away from very hot or spicy foods. For people with pernicious anemia, special B12 injections are given.
Images for kids
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Early acute superficial gastritis: Marked neutrophilic infiltrates appear in the mucous neck region and lamina with a pit microabscess. This case was caused by Helicobacter pylori.
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Updated Sydney System for visual classification of gastritis on histopathology.
See also
In Spanish: Gastritis para niños
