Call
+918447748545

Published on: May 04, 2022
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Gastritis Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Gastritis is a condition that describes the inflammation of the stomach lining. Gastritis can be caused by a variety of things, including infection, injury, or autoimmune disease. Symptoms of gastritis include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, indigestion, and bloating. Treatment for gastritis depends on the underlying cause; however, antacids and other stomach-lining protectants are often used to help relieve symptoms. If you think you may have gastritis, it's important to see your doctor so that an accurate diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment can be started.

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. It can have many different causes, but most often it is caused by infection with bacteria or viruses. Gastritis can also be caused by injury to the stomach lining, such as from overuse of pain relievers or alcohol. Symptoms of gastritis may include stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Treatment for gastritis usually involves taking medications to reduce stomach acid and heal the inflamed stomach lining. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary to remove part of the stomach lining that has been damaged by gastritis.

Common causes include stress, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medications. Symptoms of gastritis include pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, bloating, heartburn, and nausea. Gastritis can usually be treated with home remedies and over-the-counter medications. However, in some cases, it may require medical treatment. If you think you may have gastritis, it's important to see your doctor so they can properly diagnose and treat the condition.

Gastritis is a condition that any of us could develop. It happens when our stomach lining becomes inflamed. Due to this can range from discomfort and pain to bleeding. While it isn’t a life-threatening condition, if left untreated, gastritis can lead tore ulcers, an increased risk of developing stomach cancer, and other serious problems. The most common cause of gastritis is bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (Hp). This bacterium is present in the digestive tract of many people and usually doesn’t cause any harm. However, in some cases it can lead to gastritis.

The most common symptom of gastritis is a burning feeling in the upper abdomen. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, bloating, belching, and indigestion. The most common cause of gastritis is infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). However, other factors such as stress, alcohol use, certain medications, and autoimmune conditions can also contribute to gastritis. Treatment typically involves antibiotics to clear the H. pylori infection and antacids or other medications to relieve symptoms. Symptoms of gastritis may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, and indigestion. Treatment depends on the cause of gastritis and may include antibiotics, antacids, and dietary changes.

Treatment for gastritis may involve antibiotics if the cause is bacterial, or antacid medications to reduce stomach acidity. More severe cases may require hospitalization. Surgery is rarely needed but may be necessary if there is significant bleeding from the stomach. There are many different causes of gastritis, and the symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause. However, the most common symptoms include pain or discomfort in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, heartburn, and indigestion. Gastritis can also lead to ulcers in the stomach lining.

There are a number of different factors that can contribute to gastritis. These include infections (such as Helicobacter pylori), autoimmune conditions (such as Crohn's disease), stress, drinking too much alcohol, and taking certain medications (such as NSAIDs). Diagnosing gastritis requires a combination of medical history, physical examination, and testing (including blood tests and endoscopy). The inflammation can be caused by various factors, including damage to the stomach lining from excess acid production, infection, or autoimmune response. Common symptoms of gastritis include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause of the inflammation but may include antacids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and antibiotics. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue or deploy a barrier between the stomach lining and acid-producing cells.

Read Blog

Asthma Symptoms in Adults: Early Signs, Triggers, and When to Seek Care

Asthma is often perceived as a childhood condition, but a significant number of cases develop or persist into adulthood. In India, adult asthma is increasingly recognised due to rising air pollution, occupational exposure and lifestyle-related risk factors. Unfortunately, asthma symptoms in adults are frequently misdiagnosed as recurrent infections, allergies or age-related breathlessness, leading to delayed treatment.

Understanding adult asthma symptoms is critical for early diagnosis, effective control and prevention of severe attacks.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. In asthma, the airways become:

inflamed
narrow
overly sensitive to triggers

This leads to difficulty in breathing, especially during exposure to specific stimuli.

Why Adult Asthma Is Often Missed

Adult asthma symptoms may:

appear gradually
vary in severity
mimic common respiratory conditions

According to Indian Council of Medical Research and WHO data, many adults remain undiagnosed for years, increasing the risk of complications.

Common Asthma Symptoms in Adults

Wheezing

A high-pitched whistling sound while breathing, especially during exhalation, is a classic asthma sign.

Shortness of Breath

Adults with asthma often feel:

breathless during routine activities
difficulty taking deep breaths

This may worsen at night or early morning.

Chest Tightness

Many describe a sensation of pressure or tightness in the chest, which can be mistaken for heart-related issues.

Chronic Cough

A persistent cough, especially:

at night
early morning
after exercise

is a common but overlooked asthma symptom.

Symptoms That Worsen With Triggers

Asthma symptoms often intensify after exposure to specific triggers.

Air Pollution and Smoke

Urban pollution, vehicle emissions and indoor smoke significantly worsen asthma symptoms in adults.

Allergens

Dust mites, pollen, mould and pet dander are common triggers.

Respiratory Infections

Viral infections can trigger asthma flare-ups or reveal undiagnosed asthma.

Physical Activity

Exercise-induced asthma causes breathlessness and wheezing during or after physical exertion.

Weather Changes

Cold air, humidity and sudden temperature changes can aggravate symptoms.

Adult-Onset Asthma

Adult-onset asthma differs from childhood asthma.

Characteristics include:

onset after age 20–30
less association with childhood allergies
more persistent symptoms
higher likelihood of severe disease

Occupational exposure and hormonal changes contribute to adult-onset asthma.

Risk Factors for Asthma in Adults

Several factors increase asthma risk:

long-term exposure to pollution
smoking or passive smoking
occupational chemicals or dust
obesity
family history of asthma
chronic sinusitis or allergies

Women may experience asthma onset or worsening during hormonal changes.

When Asthma Symptoms Become Serious

Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing:

severe breathlessness
difficulty speaking in full sentences
bluish lips or fingertips
rapid worsening of symptoms
poor response to usual inhalers

These signs indicate a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.

How Adult Asthma Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis includes:

detailed symptom history
physical examination
lung function tests (spirometry)
response to bronchodilators

Early diagnosis improves long-term outcomes.

Impact of Untreated Asthma

Untreated asthma can lead to:

frequent attacks
reduced lung function
sleep disturbances
missed workdays
reduced quality of life

According to Lancet respiratory studies, uncontrolled asthma increases hospitalisation risk.

Managing Asthma Symptoms in Adults

Effective asthma management focuses on:

identifying and avoiding triggers
using prescribed inhalers correctly
monitoring symptoms regularly
maintaining follow-up care

Asthma action plans help patients recognise worsening symptoms early.

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare helps:

detect asthma early
assess lung function
guide lifestyle modifications

Regular health checkups are especially important for individuals with respiratory symptoms or occupational exposure.

Lifestyle Measures That Support Asthma Control

Helpful practices include:

avoiding smoking
improving indoor air quality
wearing masks in polluted environments
maintaining healthy weight
regular, moderate exercise

Lifestyle support complements medical treatment.

Mental Health and Asthma

Stress and anxiety can worsen asthma symptoms.

Stress management:

reduces symptom frequency
improves medication response

Holistic care improves asthma outcomes.

Importance of Medication Adherence

Asthma medications work best when:

taken regularly as prescribed
inhaler technique is correct

Skipping treatment increases flare-up risk.

Long-Term Outlook for Adults With Asthma

With proper management:

symptoms are well controlled
severe attacks are preventable
normal activity levels are achievable

Most adults with asthma lead active, productive lives.

Conclusion

Asthma symptoms in adults are often subtle, variable and easily mistaken for common respiratory problems. Wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and chronic cough should not be ignored, especially when triggered by pollution, exercise or weather changes. Early diagnosis, trigger control and consistent treatment are essential to prevent severe attacks and preserve lung health. Recognising adult asthma early empowers individuals to manage symptoms effectively and maintain a good quality of life.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Respiratory Disease and Asthma Studies
World Health Organization (WHO) – Asthma Management and Prevention Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Respiratory Health Indicators
Lancet Respiratory Medicine – Adult Asthma Outcomes and Management
NITI Aayog – Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Reports
Statista – Global Asthma Prevalence and Trends

Request A Callback

+91

By using this website/app, I confirm that I am at least 18 years old and consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Declaration.