Gastritis: Causes, Symptoms, and What You Can Do About It

When your gastritis, inflammation of the stomach lining. Also known as stomach inflammation, it isn’t just a one-time belly ache. It’s a real condition that can linger for weeks or come back again and again. You might feel burning, bloating, or nausea after eating, or even just a dull ache that won’t go away. It’s not just "too much spicy food"—though that can trigger it. Gastritis happens when the protective layer of your stomach lining breaks down, letting acid irritate the tissue underneath.

This isn’t just about diet. One of the most common causes is H. pylori, a bacteria that lives in the stomach and can damage the protective mucus layer. It’s silent, often without symptoms at first, but over time it can lead to ulcers or even increase cancer risk. Then there’s acid reflux, when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus and sometimes irritates the upper stomach. Regular use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin also wears down that lining. Even stress and excessive alcohol can play a role. It’s not one thing—it’s a mix of biology, habits, and sometimes bad luck.

What you feel matters. A sharp pain after coffee? That’s not normal. Constant bloating that doesn’t improve with antacids? That’s a signal. Nausea that won’t quit? It could be gastritis. Many people ignore it, thinking it’ll pass. But untreated, it can turn chronic and lead to more serious issues. The good news? You don’t need a complicated treatment plan. Often, it’s about identifying the trigger—whether it’s that daily painkiller, your coffee habit, or an undiagnosed infection—and making a few real changes.

Below, you’ll find real, practical guides on how to manage this condition. From understanding how medications interact with your stomach lining, to spotting when what you think is gastritis is actually something else, these posts give you clear, no-fluff advice. You’ll learn about how insurance covers generic drugs that help, what to watch for with newer weight-loss meds that affect digestion, and how to avoid common mistakes that make things worse. No guesses. No myths. Just what works.