Gastritis is a digestive disorder characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining, which can result from various causes. For instance, bacterial infection, often asymptomatic, can trigger gastritis. Other symptoms of gastritis may include a feeling of fullness after eating, indigestion, nausea or vomiting, and a burning sensation in the stomach.

In rare cases, gastritis can lead to severe abdominal pain, gastric bleeding (indicated by vomiting up blood or black faeces), as well as ulcers, growths, or tumours in the stomach, caused by tissue damage from stomach acid after areas of the stomach lining have worn away.

Sometimes, chronic gastritis can develop as a result of the immune system attacking the stomach lining. Chronic gastritis can also stem from bacterial infection from Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or prolonged use of aspirin or ibuprofen (NSAID painkillers), or from stress, major surgery, a serious illness, or injury.

If you experience indigestion that lasts for over a week, severe pain, or symptoms of gastric bleeding, you should seek medical advice. A doctor may test for chronic gastritis using a stool sample to detect blood in your faeces or the presence of H. pylori bacteria, a breath test to identify H. pylori, a barium swallow, or an endoscope to see inside your oesophagus and stomach.

Lifestyle changes such as avoiding NSAID painkillers and alcohol, not smoking, practicing relaxation techniques, eating smaller meals frequently, and cutting down on irritants such as fried, spicy, or acidic foods can help ease the symptoms of chronic gastritis. Acid-reducing medications can also be beneficial.