What are the symptoms of gastritis?
Disease description:
My stomach has been uncomfortable for the past two days. When I went to the hospital for examination, they told me it was caused by gastritis. I would like to ask, what are the common symptoms of gastritis that can help in determining it?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Gastritis refers to the inflammation of the gastric mucosa, and common symptoms include but are not limited to the following:
1. Upper abdominal pain or discomfort: This is one of the most common symptoms. The pain may manifest as dull pain, distension pain, or a burning sensation, usually located beneath the xiphoid process.
2. Indigestion: Patients often experience postprandial fullness, early satiety, belching, and acid reflux. These symptoms result from gastric mucosal damage, abnormal gastric acid secretion, and weakened gastric motility.
3. Loss of appetite: Due to discomfort in the stomach, patients may lose interest in food, leading to reduced appetite and food intake.
4. Nausea and vomiting: Some patients with gastritis, especially those with acute gastritis or severe gastric mucosal damage, may experience symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, with vomitus typically consisting of gastric contents.
5. Black or bloody stools: If gastritis is accompanied by bleeding caused by gastric mucosal injury, the stool may appear black; in severe cases, stools may contain bright red blood.
6. Other symptoms: A minority of patients may also experience systemic symptoms such as weight loss, anemia, fatigue, and mental depression, which may be related to long-term indigestion and impaired nutrient absorption.
If the above symptoms occur, prompt medical attention is advised.
