Definition

  • Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, which can be acute or chronic and caused by various factors.
  • Peptic Ulcer: Refers to an open sore on the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcer) or the first part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcer).
  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori): A bacterium that lives in the stomach lining and is often associated with gastritis and peptic ulcers.

Pathogenesis

  • Gastritis: Can result from exposure to toxic substances (e.g., alcohol, smoking), medications (NSAIDs), infections, autoimmune disorders, or stress.
  • Peptic Ulcer: Occurs when the balance between digestive fluids and the protective mechanisms of the stomach lining is disrupted. Often linked to H. pylori infection and prolonged use of anti-inflammatory medications.

Diagnosis

  • Gastritis and Peptic Ulcer: Diagnosed through endoscopy and biopsy of the stomach lining.
  • H. pylori: Diagnosed using breath tests, blood tests, stool tests, or samples obtained during endoscopy.

Treatment

  • Gastritis and Peptic Ulcer:
    • Medications to reduce acid production, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
    • For H. pylori infection, eradication therapy using antibiotics.
    • Lifestyle changes, including dietary management, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and reducing stress.

Regular medical follow-up is crucial to effectively manage the condition and prevent complications.

Once the sequence reaches dysplasia, removal is endoscopic. See the resection of a lesion in the prepyloric antrum.

Chronic infection is the leading risk factor for gastric cancer. When upper abdominal symptoms persist without any structural finding, functional dyspepsia should be considered.

Frequently asked questions

Is gastritis caused by stress?

Stress and diet can aggravate symptoms, but the two established causes of gastritis and peptic ulcer are Helicobacter pylori infection and non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. This distinction matters, because the treatable cause is usually the bacterium, not lifestyle.

How is Helicobacter pylori transmitted?

Person to person, mainly by the oral and faecal oral routes, most often within families and during childhood. What is transmissible is the bacterium, not gastritis itself. Gastritis caused by medication or by alcohol is not contagious.

Why does it matter to eradicate it?

Because chronic infection drives atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia, which can progress towards gastric cancer. Eradication reduces that risk, and is most effective before atrophy becomes advanced. It also heals most peptic ulcers and prevents their recurrence.

Sources


Content last updated: September 2026 (15/09/2026).