Why are young and middle-aged individuals susceptible to gastritis?

Gastritis, which is due to the inflammation of gastric mucosa, is a common condition that we hear about. Mostly people think that not eating on time can cause gastritis. But do you know that even stress can induce gastritis?

“Due to stress, the vagus nerve is stimulated and there is a hyper secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCl). Hyper secretion of HCl can be harmful to the gastric mucosa and cause inflammation of the gastric mucosa,” said Dr Ranil Jayasena, Consultant Gastro-intestinal Surgeon. 

Speaking about gastritis Dr Jayasena stated that the main cause of inflammation can be due to various causes than not eating on time. However, not eating on time could worsen the condition. “The inflammation could be due to certain substances in food, stress, alcohol, painkillers and smoking. Direct injury to the gastric mucosa could damage its integrity,” he said. He also shared that usually young and middle-aged individuals are susceptible to gastritis. 

To avoid stress induced gastritis, Dr Jayasena advised to:

• Avoid stress
• Engage in mind relaxation techniques (meditation etc)
• Drink water frequently throughout the day
• Eat at the right time
• Avoid excessive spices and excess fried oily food
• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Take painkillers as per prescription
• Munch food well to facilitate digestion in the stomach

He also noted that if a patient with gastritis follows the instructions of the doctor, then the condition can be managed and cured. “However, sometimes gastritis is a symptom of another underlying disease condition. Once the root cause is diagnosed, gastritis can be cured,” he revealed. 

Dr Jayasena also stated that other than the common symptoms of gastritis such as epigastric pain, bloated feeling, belching and nausea, the following symptoms are seen in stress induced gastritis: 

• Psychosomatic symptoms (unusual body aches and pains, tingling sensations in the body)
• Restlessness
• Lack of sleep
• Uneasiness
• Feeling lifeless

“Once a patient has been diagnosed with gastritis, it is important to manage the condition,” he said. To manage gastritis, Dr Jayasena remarked that the management varied due to different causes. 

“Antacids, moderate amounts of milk and yoghurt, avoiding spices and fried oily food, avoiding alcohol and smoking, eating at correct times, drinking water frequently throughout the day can help in managing gastritis along with the prescribed medications and treatment,” the doctor concluded.