Erosive gastritis is a form of injury of the gastric mucosa that occurs as a result of trauma, iatrogenic and infectious factors. Dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting are reported in symptomatic patients, whereas upper or lower gastrointestinal bleeding can occur in severe cases. The diagnosis is made by endoscopy and treatment is focused on resolving the underlying cause, together with use of proton pump inhibitors or histamine-receptor antagonists.
Presentation
Patients with erosive gastritis may be initially asymptomatic, but most common symptoms include dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting and heartburn [1] [8]. The first sign, however, may be bleeding from the upper (hematemesis) and lower (melena) gastrointestinal tract and ranges from mild to severe. Symptoms usually develop within 12 hours after injury, whereas bleeding is seen after 2-5 days [1]. Acute stress gastritis is a severe form of erosive gastritis and is characterized by severe bleeding and is primarily encountered in critically ill patients as a result of hypoperfusion of the gastrointestinal tract [1].
Entire Body System
- Weakness
Then there is a case of a man with chronic gastritis, weak heart, lumbago, and sciatica. For some reason very little attention is paid to chronic gastritis and duodenal ulcer. [dictionary.cambridge.org]
I ate very little but nevertheless felt bloated, had a white coating on my tongue, a burning sensation at my stomach exit and felt very weak. These problems were worse in spring and autumn. [bruno-groening.org]
Weaknesses in the barrier allow your digestive juices to damage and inflame your stomach lining. A number of factors can contribute to or trigger gastritis, including: Bacterial infection. [web.archive.org]
Dehydration is most common in babies, young children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems. NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [medlineplus.gov]
- Asymptomatic
Most patients are asymptomatic. Diagnosis is by endoscopy. Treatment is eradication of H. pylori and sometimes acid suppression. [web.archive.org]
Patients with mild erosive gastritis are often asymptomatic, although some complain of dyspepsia, nausea, or vomiting. [merckmanuals.com]
Many cases are asymptomatic, but dyspepsia and GI bleeding sometimes occur. Diagnosis is by endoscopy. Treatment is directed at the cause but often includes acid suppression and, for Helicobacter pylori infection, antibiotics. [merck.com]
- Fatigue
We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition. Last updated: March 6, 2020 [patientslikeme.com]
Persistent bleeding can lead to symptoms of anemia, including fatigue, weakness, and light-headedness. Gastritis can lead to stomach ulcers (gastric ulcers), which may cause the symptoms to get worse. [msdmanuals.com]
There is a Chronic Fatigue support group here as well that I am part of. You might like to check it out and do some reading to see if it fits your description. If I can help just let me know. [dailystrength.org]
- Pallor
In addition there was also marked cortical pallor of the kidneys due to subnuclear renal tubular epithelial vacuolization (Armanni-Ebstein phenomenon). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Pallor, sweating, and rapid (or "racing") heart beat. [web.archive.org]
Pallor, sweating, and rapid (or "racing") heartbeat. [emedicinehealth.com]
- Localized Pain
Though gastritis and an ulcer share symptoms, an intense, localized pain is much more common with an ulcer, and an ulcer also carries the risk of bleeding, cancer and eventual stomach perforation. [tmphysiciannetwork.org]
(sudden onset of localized pain), abdominal distension, rigid abdomen Clinical (history & physical exam) Imaging (abdominal X-ray or CT showing free air) Labs (complete blood count) Aggressive IV fluid resuscitation General surgery consultation Antibiotics [en.wikipedia.org]
Gastrointestinal
- Abdominal Pain
However, when symptoms do occur, they typically include abdominal pain. People with gastritis typically report that their abdominal pain occurs in the upper center of the abdomen. [medicalnewstoday.com]
[…] location of abdominal pain can provide information about what may be causing the pain. [en.wikipedia.org]
Twenty-four patients presented with abdominal pain, for which no cause other than chronic erosive gastritis was found in 20 patients. Ten patients had pain for more than 1 yr. Three patients presented with painless vomiting. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Symptoms include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is sometimes referred to as the "stomach flu" or food poisoning, though it usually is neither. [medicinenet.com]
When a patient complains of abdominal pain, the various causes of an acute abdomen or referred pain should be considered. Upper abdominal pain could be acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, or a perforated ulcer. [contemporaryclinic.pharmacytimes.com]
- Gastropathy
Erosive Gastritis Erosive gastropathy (disorder) Gastritis (disorder) Gastritis [Ambiguous] Gastritis unspecified (disorder) Hemorrhagic Gastritis Idiopathic erosive/hemorrhagic gastritis (disorder) acute Gastritis acute gastric mucosal erosion (disorder [wikidata.org]
In gastropathy, the stomach lining is damaged, but little or no inflammation is present. Symptoms & Causes The majority of people with gastritis or gastropathy don’t have any symptoms. [niddk.nih.gov]
Gastropathy is the epithelial damage with minimal inflammation, where gastritis is inflammation of the stomach with the associated mucosal injury. [youtube.com]
- Hematemesis
A 3 1/2-month-old male infant presented with hematemesis due to erosive gastritis following whole-cow's-milk feeding. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Date: 1990 Abstract: A 3 1/2 -month-old male infant presented with hematemesis due to erosive gastritis following whole-cow's-milk feeding. [ugspace.ug.edu.gh]
Often, the first sign is hematemesis, melena, or blood in the nasogastric aspirate, usually within 2 to 5 days of the inciting event. [merckmanuals.com]
[…] infections (Salmonella), severe stress (trauma, burns, surgery), ischemia and shock, acid/alkali ingestion as part of suicide attempts, gastric irradiation or freezing, mechanical trauma (nasogastric tube), distal gastrectomy Major cause of massive hematemesis [pathologyoutlines.com]
- Melena
His melena disappeared, and the gastric erosions were markedly decreased. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Often, the first sign is hematemesis, melena, or blood in the nasogastric aspirate, usually within 2 to 5 days of the inciting event. [merckmanuals.com]
- Black Stools
Call your provider if you develop: Pain in the upper part of the belly or abdomen that does not go away Black or tarry stools Vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like material Avoid long-term use of substances that can irritate your stomach such as aspirin [medlineplus.gov]
Blood in your vomit or black stools may be a sign of bleeding in the stomach, which may indicate a serious problem requiring immediate medical attention. Gastritis is diagnosed through one or more medical tests: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. [web.archive.org]
If the condition is classified as erosive gastritis, the patient will normally experience symptoms such as black stool and/or vomiting blood. Gastritis can also develop complications. [docdoc.com.sg]
Jaw & Teeth
- Halitosis
His symptoms disappeared after two weeks, but he took antibiotics to kill the remaining bacteria at the urging of his wife, since halitosis is one of the symptoms of infection.[38] This experiment was published in 1984 in the Australian Medical Journal [en.wikipedia.org]
Cardiovascular
- Hypotension
Severe dehydration—which is an emergency—can cause extreme thirst, extreme sleepiness, sunken fontanels, and fussiness in infants; irritability/confusion in adults; and dry mucous membranes, little urine to anuria, sunken eyes, tenting, hypotension, tachycardia [contemporaryclinic.pharmacytimes.com]
Ulcero-hemorrhagic gastritis is believed to be secondary to ischemia related to hypotension and shock or to the release of vasoconstrictive substances, but the etiology is often unknown. [emedicine.medscape.com]
However, vomiting does not relieve the pain brought on by pancreatitis or cholecystitis.[13] Physical exam[edit] It is important to watch out for signs of dehydration, such as orthostatic hypotension and loss of skin turgor. [en.wikipedia.org]
Eyes
- Visual Impairment
The most important cause of visual impairment in terms of prevalence and YLDs was uncorrected refractive error accounting for just over 85% of all cases and 56% of YLDs due to vision impairment. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Workup
The diagnostic workup should start with a detailed patient history that may reveal the causative agent of erosive gastritis. Previous use of NSAIDs, alcohol or history of gastritis can suggest erosive gastritis in patients having GI symptoms and the diagnosis is confirmed by endoscopy [6]. Through this procedure, a direct view into the gastric mucosa can be obtained and the site of erosion can be identified. Additional studies may include H. pylori testing, either by serology, urea breath test, fecal antigen test or microscopic identification after obtaining a biopsy of the gastric mucosa.
Microbiology
- Helicobacter Pylori
In erosive gastritis accompanied by Helicobacter pylori mean level of Il-6R was higher than in the control group, but was normal in patients without Helicobacter pylori. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Helicobacter pylori in peptic ulcer disease. NIH Consensus Development Panel on Helicobacter pylori in Peptic Ulcer Disease. JAMA. 1994 Jul 6. 272(1):65-9. [Medline]. Shiotani A, Nurgalieva ZZ, Yamaoka Y, Graham DY. Helicobacter pylori. [emedicine.medscape.com]
Mechanisms of increased acid secretion after eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection. Gut 2006; 55: 144-6. El-Omar EM, Oien K, El-Nujumi A, Gillen D, Wirz A, Dahill S, et al. Helicobacter pylori infection and chronic gastric acid hyposecretion. [kjfp.or.kr]
Gastroscopy
- Gastric Lesion
This drug is effective in healing the gastric mucosal lesions without altering the therapeutic benefits of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs given to arthritis patients. [rarediseases.org]
Lesion of Chronic Gastritis With Acute Exacerbation or Gastric Ulcer Completed NCT01190657 Phase 4 Selbex;Selbex 11 A Phase IV Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Vitamin B12 Contains Extract of Lamb's Stomach in Treatment of Chronic Atrophic [malacards.org]
Colonoscopy
- Polyps
1 Gastric Polyps 2 Normal Stomach Stomach Miscelaneous Post Acid Buming Intragastric Balloon Obesity Nissen Fundoplication Gastric GIST Gastric Schwannoma Gastric Angiodysplasia Watermelon Stomach Gastric Diverticulum Heterotopic Pancreas Duodenum Normal [gastrointestinalatlas.com]
Read Full » Can the polyps in the esophagus be cancer? Query: Hi doctor, My wife had an endoscopy, and they found polyps in her esophagus. I am so worried that it could be cancer. Can it be cancer? Read Full » Dr. [icliniq.com]
however, I have a erosive gastritis, of which he took several biopsies; he removed a polyp, which will also be biopsied; and finally, he took a biopsy specific to check for celiac. My concern is the erosive gastritis. [bariatricpal.com]
[…] diverticulum 牽引性憩室 traction diveriticulum ツェンカー憩室 Zenker diverticulum ロキタンスキー憩室 Rokitansky diverticulum 食道重複 duplication of the esophagus 食道静脈瘤 esophageal varices 食道閉鎖症 esophageal atresia (atresia of the esophagus) 食道ヘルペス herpes of the esophagus 食道ポリープ polyp [jsge.or.jp]
The most common lesions encountered endoscopically in AG are hyperplastic polyps, found in 10% to 40% of patients.3 Most of the polyps are sessile, less than 2 cm in diameter, and are often multiple.8 The polyps can be so numerous that they mimic a polyposis [archivesofpathology.org]
Treatment
Treatment principles may vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the extent of erosion. In general, first-line therapy includes administration of proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole or pantoprazole and H2-receptor blockers such as cimetidine or ranitidine [1]. Misoprostol, a prostaglandin E1 agonist, has shown to be effective in reducing the extent of symptoms [11]. Antimicrobial therapy, as well as administration of PPIs are sometimes necessary if H. pylori is the causative agent. Gefarnate is a drug that disrupts prostaglandin E2 and prostacyclin synthesis and has shown significant results in alleviating chronic erosive gastritis [12], while octreotide, a somatostatin analog, has been used in the setting of erosive gastritis associated with pancreatitis [13]. In the case of bleeding that does not respond to therapy, of if significant amounts of blood are lost, endoscopic hemostasis is necessary to stop further blood loss and several techniques are described, including adrenaline injection, thermal coagulation and band ligation procedures [14].
Prognosis
Etiology
Although Helicobacter pylori infection is known to be the most common cause of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease, chronic use of NSAIDs are more commonly associated with erosive gastritis, as they reduce mucosal defense by inhibiting synthesis of prostaglandins [2]. Alcohol consumption, stress, radiation therapy, gastric hypoperfusion in the setting of trauma and instrumentation are also known causes of this form of gastric injury [1]. In most cases, especially if H. pylori is the cause, erosions are more frequently seen in the gastric antrum [7].
Epidemiology
Data regarding the presence of erosive gastritis is scarce and the majority of information is turned to peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Previous studies have shown that erosive findings were found in 0.5-11% of patients who underwent endoscopic examination [8]. A multicenter study from China that included almost 9000 patients showed that more than 40% of patients who report gastrointestinal symptoms were found to have erosive changes in the gastric mucosa [6]. Diabetes mellitus is considered to be a risk factor for this condition [5]., as is high body mass index and obesity, whereas fast eating speed has also been implicated as a harmful factor [4]. An increased rate of this condition is observed in patients with cardiovascular and other somatic diseases and their correlation remains to be elucidated [9].
Pathophysiology
Under physiological conditions, hydrochloric and various digestive enzymes are secreted in the stomach for proper food digestion and create a highly acidic environment (pH in the stomach is around 1) [2]. To protect the gastric mucosa from these vigorous conditions, mucosal cells secrete a thick layer of mucin and a layer of pH-neutral fluid containing bicarbonate [13]. Normally, this balance is constantly maintained, but in the presence of some stimuli that either enhance gastric acid secretion or reduce synthesis of protective mucosal layers, erosion occurs. Alcohol directly stimulates gastrin and hydrochloric acid secretion [10]., and Helicobacter pylori causes similar effects through its ability to survive in acidic conditions. NSAIDs are the most common iatrogenic factor that contributes to erosive gastritis, presumably due to inhibition of prostaglandins that are normally synthesized in order to repel gastric acid [2].
Prevention
At-risk patients can be prophylactically treated with either PPIs or histamine-receptor antagonists to reduce the incidence of erosive gastritis, in particularly the acute stress form [1]. Use of NSAIDs should be carefully considered, especially if chronic use is necessary, whereas heavy alcohol consumption mandates significant reductions.
Summary
Erosive gastritis is a condition in which injury of the mucosal lining of the stomach occurs. Helicobacter pylori (the causative agent of peptic ulcer disease in vast majority of cases), Campylobacter jejuni and cytomegalovirus are recognized as causative agents, but this form is more commonly associated with chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), radiation, alcohol consumption, stress and instrumentation [1]. The pathogenesis model still remains incompletely understood, but an imbalance between protective mucosal defenses and exposure to injurious factors has been proposed as the main disease mechanism [2]. Secretion of hormones such as gastrin, insulin and thyroxine, increased intragastric pressure, presence of Helicobacter pylori and increased concentrations of biliary acids contribute to disruption of the mucosa, resulting in epithelial erosions [3]. High body mass index and high eating speed or overeating are shown to be significant risk factors for all gastrointestinal diseases, including erosive gastritis [4]., as is diabetes mellitus type 2 [5]. The clinical presentation may significantly vary depending on the severity and extent of erosions. In general, erosive gastritis may be divided into acute and chronic. Patients suffering from acute forms may develop dyspepsia, nausea and vomiting, while severe cases present with either upper or lower gastrointestinal bleeding (hematemesis and melena, respectively). Bleeding may be mild or quite severe and can necessitate rapid therapeutic measures. Acute stress gastritis is a specific subtype that occurs in approximately 5% of patients that are critically ill, presumably as a result of diffuse hypoperfusion of the GI tract [1]. Chronic erosive gastritis, on the other hand, is often asymptomatic. Signs and symptoms supported by patient history and evaluation of potential risk factors such as chronic NSAID use, alcohol abuse or previous H. pylori infection, can aid the physician in making a presumptive diagnosis, but endoscopy is considered as the gold standard for diagnosis [6]. Direct visualization of erosions is achieved through this diagnostic method, after which appropriate treatment measures can be taken. Treatment depends on the severity of gastritis. Conservative measures such as fluid administration and use of proton pump inhibitors or histamine (H2)-receptor antagonists may be sufficient in patients who experience mild symptoms, while bleeding, especially in severe cases, requires endoscopic hemostasis that attempts to stop the bleeding from the eroded mucosa.
Patient Information
Erosive gastritis is a form of injury of the stomach lining that can occur due to various reasons. In contrast to classical forms of gastritis, where Helicobacter pylori is by far the most common cause, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), alcohol consumption, stress and radiation therapy are shown to be important causes, in addition to infection. To digest food and battle against various threats, the stomach secretes hydrochloric acid and various digestive enzymes that create a highly acidic environment, which poses a major threat to the stomach epithelium. To sustain acid pH, the mucosal lining produces abundant amounts of fluid that are pH-neutral and secretes other compounds that protect the stomach from injury. But in the case of increased gastric acid production or reduced capacity for protective fluid synthesis, which may be induced by any of the mentioned causes, injury of the epithelium occurs and symptoms may appear. In initial stages, patients may not complain of any symptoms, but indigestion, nausea and vomiting are most frequently reported. Bleeding may occur, although it is seen only in severe cases. Blood may be found in vomit or in stool and may require rapid diagnostic and therapeutic measures. To make the diagnosis, initial suspicion can be based on signs and symptoms, but to confirm erosive gastritis, endoscopy is the main diagnostic method. Endoscopy comprises insertion of a tube with a camera through the throat and into the stomach, which can easily identify the site of erosion and bleeding. Therapy depends on the severity of symptoms. Use of drugs that reduce production of gastric acid such as proton pump inhibitors or histamine-receptor antagonists is considered to be first-line therapy, whereas endoscopic management of erosions is recommended in cases of bleeding. The prognosis of erosive gastritis with proper therapy is generally good, but severe bleeding from gastric erosions requires prompt treatment, especially in the setting of acute stress gastritis, a form of erosive gastritis that is seen in patients who are severely ill due to other causes. Fluid administration and blood transfusions may be necessary to restore blood that is lost. High risk patients, such as those who are undergoing radiation therapy or those with a history of gastritis, may benefit from prophylactic use of drugs that reduce gastric acid production.
References
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- Kim M-K, Ko BJ, Kim E-Y, et al. Fast Eating Speed Increases the Risk of Endoscopic Erosive Gastritis in Korean Adults. Korean J Fam Med. 2015;36(6):300-304.
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- Du Y, Bai Y, Xie P, et al. Chronic gastritis in China: a national multi-center survey. BMC Gastroenterology. 2014;14:21.
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- Dal Monte PR, D'lmperio N, Barillari A, et al. Treatment of Chronic Erosive Gastritis: A Double-Blind Trial of Pirenzepine and Cimetidine. Clin Ther. 1989;11(6):762-767.
- Selezneva MG, Kolobov SV, Zaĭrat'iants OV, et al. Acute erosive gastropathies. Arkh Patol. 2010;72(5):57-60.
- Bujanda L. The effects of alcohol consumption upon the gastrointestinal tract. Am J Gastroenterol. 2000;95(12):3374-3382.
- Pazzi P, Gamberini S, Scagliarini R, et al. Misoprostol for the treatment of chronic erosive gastritis: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Am J Gastroenterol. 1994;89(7):1007-1013.
- Du YQ, Su T, Hao JY, et al. Gastro-protecting effect of gefarnate on chronic erosive gastritis with dyspeptic symptoms. Chin Med J (Engl). 2012;125(16):2878-2884.
- Yabuki K, Maekawa T, Satoh K, et al. Extensive hemorrhagic erosive gastritis associated with acute pancreatitis successfully treated with a somatostatin analog. J Gastroenterol. 2002;37(9):737-741.
- Liu JJ, Saltzman JR. Endoscopic hemostasis treatment: How should you perform it? Can J Gastroenterol. 2009;23(7):484.