Symptoms of Acute Gastritis

Aug 04, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhao Haiming

Introduction

The primary symptom of acute gastritis is abdominal pain, typically more pronounced in the upper abdomen beneath the xiphoid process. Other symptoms may also occur. If the gastric mucosa is severely damaged and gastric acid secretion is reduced, patients may experience acid reflux. In cases of deeper mucosal injury, gastrointestinal bleeding may occur, manifesting as vomiting of coffee-ground material—or even dark red or bright red blood.

Patients with acute gastritis may experience symptoms including abdominal pain, acid reflux, heartburn, and bloating; severely affected individuals may vomit or even vomit coffee-ground material.

Symptoms of Acute Gastritis

The primary symptom of acute gastritis is abdominal pain, typically most pronounced in the upper abdomen beneath the xiphoid process. Additional symptoms may occur depending on the severity of gastric mucosal injury. If the mucosal damage is relatively superficial, increased gastric acid secretion may lead to acid reflux. In cases of deeper mucosal injury, gastrointestinal bleeding may develop, manifesting as coffee-ground emesis—or even vomiting of dark red or bright red blood. Such presentations suggest acute gastritis complicated by erosive or hemorrhagic gastritis.

Common causes of acute gastritis include irritation from certain medications—such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, ibuprofen, or glucocorticoids—as well as excessive alcohol consumption or improper dietary habits. When the above symptoms appear, acute gastritis should be considered, and prompt medical evaluation and diagnosis at a hospital are strongly recommended.

Dietary management plays a crucial role in recovery. Patients should avoid high-fiber, cold, greasy, and spicy foods, as these can further irritate or damage the gastric mucosa and increase gastrointestinal burden, thereby delaying recovery. Instead, patients should consume light, low-fat liquid or semi-liquid foods and ensure adequate nutritional support to promote optimal healing. We hope this information is helpful to you.

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Can patients with acute gastritis eat watermelon?

Patients with acute gastritis are generally advised to avoid eating watermelon, as it is a cold-natured fruit with relatively high sugar content. Consumption of watermelon may irritate the gastrointestinal tract in patients with acute gastritis, leading to excessive gastric acid secretion and potentially worsening the condition. Dietary management for acute gastritis should emphasize light, easily digestible foods—such as steamed buns, millet porridge, and well-cooked noodles.

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Is intravenous (IV) infusion necessary for acute gastroenteritis?

Acute gastroenteritis typically does not require intravenous (IV) fluid therapy. However, in severe cases—where patients are unable to eat normally, experience pronounced nausea and vomiting, and have progressively worsening diarrhea—failure to promptly replenish fluids may lead to dehydration. Common signs of dehydration include thirst, decreased urine output, and dry skin.

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Does acute gastritis require hospitalization?

Whether hospitalization is needed for acute gastritis depends on the individual situation. Most cases of acute gastritis are caused by improper diet. If symptoms are mild, medication under medical guidance is usually sufficient, and hospitalization is not necessary. However, in elderly patients, who may have multiple underlying conditions and experience severe vomiting leading to inability to eat, hospitalization may be required for intravenous fluid therapy to relieve symptoms.