Gastritis Treatment
Also known as: Gastritis management or Gastritis therapy, which may include acid suppression or H. pylori eradication.
What is gastritis?
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, which can cause discomfort, pain, or indigestion. It may appear suddenly (acute gastritis) or develop gradually over time (chronic gastritis). The most common cause is infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, but other factors such as certain medications, excessive alcohol use, stress, or autoimmune conditions can also contribute. Gastritis can impact the digestive system by affecting stomach function. If persistent, it may interfere with nutrient absorption by damaging the stomach lining.
Symptoms of gastritis
Symptoms of gastritis can vary widely among individuals. Some people may experience no symptoms at all, especially in mild or early cases. When symptoms do occur, they often include stomach pain or discomfort, nausea, vomiting, bloating, loss of appetite, and a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating. Gastritis pain is typically felt in the upper middle abdomen and may have a burning or gnawing quality. In some cases, symptoms may worsen or improve with eating. Severe or prolonged gastritis can lead to complications such as stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding, which might present with additional signs like vomiting blood or black stools. Recognising these symptoms early can help in seeking timely medical care.
Possible complications
If gastritis is not adequately managed or left untreated, it can lead to complications that may impact your overall digestive health and well-being. One of the most common complications is the development of stomach ulcers (painful sores in the stomach lining) that can cause persistent stomach pain, nausea, and, in severe cases, gastrointestinal bleeding. Chronic gastritis, especially when linked to a Helicobacter pylori infection, increases your risk of more serious conditions such as gastric cancer. Autoimmune gastritis, where your immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach’s parietal cells (acid-producing cells), can result in a deficiency of intrinsic factor. This can cause vitamin B12 deficiency and anaemia, leading to tiredness, weakness, and other symptoms.
Other complications include erosive gastritis, where your stomach lining becomes worn away, raising the risk of bleeding and, in rare cases, perforation of the stomach wall.
Bile reflux gastritis occurs when bile flows back from the small intestine into your stomach, causing ongoing inflammation, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms can have a significant impact on daily comfort and quality of life. Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also worsen your gastritis symptoms and increase the likelihood of complications developing over time.
In severe cases, untreated gastritis can lead to life-threatening problems such as peritonitis if a stomach ulcer perforates. Because symptoms of gastritis (such as stomach pain, nausea, and digestive discomfort) can sometimes be mild or mistaken for other issues, it’s key to seek medical attention if they persist or worsen.
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Ways to payBefore treatment
Gastritis is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic procedures. Before starting gastritis treatment, a consultant gastroenterologist will assess the severity and cause of the inflammation. This usually involves a detailed medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Standard diagnostic procedures include breath tests or stool tests to detect Helicobacter pylori infection, which is one of the most common causes of gastritis worldwide. In some cases, a gastroscopy may be performed, where a flexible tube with a tiny camera is inserted through the mouth to directly examine the digestive tract, including the stomach lining, and take small tissue samples (biopsies) for analysis to confirm a gastritis diagnosis. A barium swallow and X-ray can also be used to detect abnormalities in the upper digestive tract, especially when endoscopy is not suitable. Identifying the underlying cause, such as infection, medication use, or autoimmune factors, is crucial to determining the most effective treatment approach.
During treatment
Treatment for gastritis depends on its cause and severity. If Helicobacter pylori infection is present, a combination of antibiotics and acid-suppressing medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is prescribed to eradicate the bacteria and reduce stomach acid, promoting healing. Other medicines, such as antacids, may also be used alongside primary treatments to manage symptoms and support recovery.
For gastritis caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), commonly used pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen, lifestyle changes, including stopping NSAIDs and reducing alcohol intake, are essential. NSAIDs can increase the risk of gastritis, similar to steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which also have potential side effects on the stomach lining. In some cases, switching to a different medicine or alternative pain relievers may be recommended to manage reactive gastropathy and prevent further irritation.
It is important to note that drinking too much alcohol can damage the stomach lining and contribute to gastritis, so limiting alcohol consumption is a key part of treatment. Acid-neutralising medicines like antacids and alginates may also be used to relieve symptoms by neutralising stomach acid.
In cases of autoimmune gastritis, supplementation with vitamin B12 or iron may be required, as the condition can reduce the body’s ability to absorb these nutrients. Using the right treatments to treat gastritis, including medication, lifestyle changes, and addressing underlying causes, is essential for effective management and prevention of complications.
After treatment
After completing treatment, many people experience significant improvement or complete resolution of symptoms. However, some individuals with chronic gastritis may require ongoing management to control inflammation and prevent complications such as stomach ulcers or a slightly increased risk of developing stomach (gastric) cancer.
In cases of long-term gastritis, there is a risk of developing complications like mucosal atrophy, nutrient malabsorption, and precancerous changes such as gastric intestinal metaplasia, so careful monitoring and management are essential.
Lifestyle modifications, including avoiding irritants like NSAIDs, alcohol, and smoking, play a vital role in maintaining digestive health. To prevent gastritis, it is also essential to avoid harmful substances and practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of H. pylori infection. Maintaining a balanced diet with smaller meals can help ease digestive discomfort.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with an appointment with one of our expert gastroenterologists. During this visit, your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors will be discussed in detail to help identify the possible causes of your gastritis.
Diagnostic Tests
To confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause, your specialist may recommend tests such as a breath or stool test to detect Helicobacter pylori, or a gastroscopy to view the stomach lining and take small tissue samples (biopsies). In some cases, a barium swallow X-ray may be performed if endoscopy is not suitable.
Personalised Treatment Plan
Once the cause and severity are identified, your gastroenterologist will design a tailored treatment plan. This may include antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) if H. pylori is present, or acid-neutralising medicines like antacids to relieve discomfort.
Lifestyle & Medication Adjustments
If your gastritis is linked to NSAID use, alcohol intake, or stress, your doctor will guide you in making safe medication changes and lifestyle adjustments to protect your stomach lining. For autoimmune gastritis, vitamin B12 or iron supplementation may be recommended.
Aftercare & Recovery
Following treatment, most people experience significant relief from symptoms. You’ll receive advice on maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding irritants like alcohol, NSAIDs, and smoking, and practicing good hygiene to prevent reinfection or recurrence.
Follow-Up & Long-Term Monitoring
For those with chronic or autoimmune gastritis, regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor recovery and prevent complications such as ulcers or nutrient deficiencies. Your gastroenterologist will ensure your stomach health remains stable and well-managed.
Experts
We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.
We offer 3 ways to pay for your treatment
We exist to take the stress out of private healthcare.
Our payment options are designed to offer you easy access to our treatments and services. You can choose to pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance.
Our patient services team will guide you through the process, providing clear costs and support throughout your course of treatment so you can focus on the thing that matters most – your health.
Whether you pay in advance, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance, rest assured you will be receiving exceptional care 365 days a year.
Pay in Advance
Even if you do not have medical insurance, you can still get quick and comprehensive access to private medical care.
We provide transparent pricing from your initial consultation to the completion of your treatment so you know where your stand, every step of the way.
We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as Apple Pay for UK residents. Please note that we do not accept cash or cheques.
Spread the cost monthly
Paying for your treatment at OSD Healthcare can be spread monthly from 12 to 60 months, rather than paying in one go.
With an upfront 10% deposit paid, via our Financial partner Chrysalis Finance, we offer various flexible terms to enable you to spread the cost, including 12-months at 0% APR. Click here to find out more.
Monthly payments need to be linked to an OSD treatment over £385 and is subject to a 14-day ‘cooling-off’ period before any treatment can start.
Your on-going payments will be made directly between Chrysalis and yourself. It’s that simple.
Pay using PMI
We are recognised by all major health insurance companies and with our extensive range of services, there are lots of benefits to using your insurance with us. Our patient services team is here to answer any questions you may have about using your private health insurance with us.
Please bring along your policy details including your scheme details, membership or policy number, expiry date and confirmation of eligibility to claim (i.e. your authorisation number). If you do not have these details with you, we will require payment from you on the day. Patients are liable for any amounts not settled by their insurer.
FAQs
The best treatment for gastritis depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. For gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, the most effective approach is a combination of antibiotics to eradicate the bacteria and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid production in the stomach, which promotes healing of the stomach lining. Suppose gastritis is due to the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or excessive alcohol consumption. In that case, the primary treatment involves stopping or reducing these irritants to allow the stomach lining to recover. Acid-neutralising medications such as antacids and alginates can provide symptomatic relief by neutralising stomach acid and protecting the stomach lining. In cases of autoimmune gastritis, treatment may include vitamin B12 and iron supplements to address deficiencies caused by impaired absorption. Lifestyle changes, including avoiding smoking and eating smaller, more frequent meals, also support the healing process. It is essential to follow your healthcare professional’s guidance and complete any prescribed medication courses to prevent further complications.
Yes, many people with gastritis can live long and healthy lives, mainly when the condition is appropriately managed and treated. Acute gastritis often resolves completely with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes. Chronic gastritis, while more persistent, can be controlled through ongoing medical care, dietary modifications, and avoidance of triggers such as NSAIDs, alcohol, and smoking. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing complications like stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, or an increased risk of gastric cancer. Regular medical follow-up is critical for individuals with autoimmune gastritis or long-term Helicobacter pylori infection to monitor and manage the condition effectively.
When managing gastritis, it is advisable to drink fluids that are gentle on the stomach and help soothe irritation. Water is the best choice to stay hydrated without irritating the stomach lining. Herbal teas such as chamomile or ginger tea may help reduce nausea and inflammation. Avoid beverages that can aggravate gastritis symptoms, including caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea, alcohol, carbonated sodas, and acidic juices such as orange or grapefruit juice. Drinking smaller amounts more frequently can also help prevent discomfort. In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend specific oral rehydration solutions or supplements if nutrient absorption is affected.
A diet that supports healing and reduces irritation of the stomach lining is beneficial for people with gastritis. Foods that are gentle and easy to digest include cooked vegetables, lean proteins such as chicken or fish, oatmeal, bananas, applesauce, and low-fat dairy products. Eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large portions can help reduce stomach acid production and discomfort. It is advisable to avoid spicy, fried, and fatty foods; caffeine; alcohol; and acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits, as these can worsen gastritis symptoms. Incorporating foods rich in fibre and antioxidants may also support digestive health. Consulting a healthcare professional or dietitian can provide personalised dietary recommendations based on individual needs and the type of gastritis.