How is gastritis treated?

Gastritis means the stomach lining is irritated or inflamed. Common contributors include Helicobacter pylori infection, anti-inflammatory pain medicines, alcohol and other irritants, although the cause is not always obvious. A clinician may recommend an acid-reducing medicine, test for H. pylori, or arrange further investigation when symptoms persist. If H. pylori is found, treatment usually combines prescribed antibiotics with acid suppression. Do not stop a regular medicine suddenly; ask whether it could be affecting your stomach and what safer option is suitable.

Take prescribed treatment as directed and avoid alcohol, smoking and foods or drinks that clearly worsen burning or discomfort. Smaller meals may be easier to tolerate while the stomach settles. Avoid taking ibuprofen, aspirin or similar anti-inflammatory medicines unless a clinician has advised them for you; these can irritate the stomach lining. Arrange a review if abdominal pain, indigestion, excessive burping or loss of appetite continues despite these measures.

Get urgent help if you vomit blood, pass black stools, develop severe or worsening abdominal pain, or have chest pain with sweating, breathlessness or faintness. Blood loss from the stomach can make stools black and requires prompt assessment. Repeated vomiting, inability to keep fluids down or marked weakness also warrants urgent medical advice.

Ask what may be irritating your stomach, whether H. pylori testing is appropriate, how long to use an acid-reducing medicine, and whether any current painkillers should change. Ask which changes in stool colour, pain or vomiting should prompt immediate care.