Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and can be an acute or chronic complaint. Acute gastritis involves a simple inflammation with superficial ulcers.

Chronic gastritis may be associated with an autoimmune condition, such as anaemia or hypothyroidism, or long term use of aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.

It is commonly caused by aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, alcohol or from stressful situations, burns, injuries, kidney or liver disease.

In acute gastritis there are bouts of epigastric pain and vomiting. In cases of ulceration, blood may be vomited.

Chronic gastritis has fewer characteristic symptoms. These include discomfort in the stomach with nausea in the mornings, belching, vomiting of mucus, abdominal distension and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. There may also be signs of bleeding gums (gingivitis).

This is made by gastroscopy. In chronic gastritis there will be a reduced level of gastric acid and there maybe evidence of anaemia. A barium meal can also reveal the quality of the stomach lining.

Pernicious anaemia will be treated with B12 injections for life. It is important to remove the cause of the gastritis if possible.