Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. When it lasts for months or years it is called chronic gastritis.
It often causes indigestion, burning and nausea — or no symptoms at all. The two most common causes, a bacterial
infection called H. pylori and regular use of painkillers, are both treatable, so finding the cause matters.
Ayurveda treats the burning, sour type of indigestion as Amlapitta.
Go to hospital immediately if you
Vomit blood or material that looks like coffee grounds, pass black, sticky,
tar-like stools, or feel faint or dizzy with stomach pain. These are signs of bleeding in the stomach and
need emergency care — call 108 / 112. Sudden, severe stomach pain that spreads and gets worse
with movement also needs emergency assessment.
Iron tablets and bismuth medicines can also darken stools, but these stools are usually firm rather than sticky and tar-like, and you feel otherwise well. If unsure, get checked.
What is chronic gastritis?
The stomach protects itself from its own acid with a layer of mucus and a constantly renewing lining. Gastritis
develops when this protection is damaged. Chronic gastritis develops slowly and may cause few symptoms, but over
years it can lead to stomach ulcers, loss of the acid-producing glands (atrophic gastritis), vitamin B12 and iron
deficiency, and, in a small number of people, stomach cancer. Treating the cause prevents these.
Freshly cooked, simply spiced meals eaten at regular times are the foundation of Ayurvedic care for digestion (agni).
Causes
Causes of chronic gastritis
Cause
What to know
H. pylori infection
The most common cause worldwide and very common in India, usually picked up in childhood. A breath, stool or biopsy test finds it; a 2-week course of antibiotics with acid-reducing medicine clears it in most people.
Painkillers (NSAIDs)
Regular ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin and similar medicines damage the lining. Many are sold over the counter for back or joint pain.
Alcohol and smoking
Both irritate the lining and slow healing.
Autoimmune gastritis
The immune system attacks the stomach lining, causing vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anaemia). More common with thyroid disease.
Bile reflux, severe stress
Bile flowing back after some operations; severe physical stress such as major illness or burns.
Spicy food and stress can worsen symptoms but are not the underlying cause of chronic gastritis.
Symptoms
Burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, often better or worse with food
Indigestion, bloating and belching; feeling full after a small meal
Nausea, loss of appetite, hiccups
Tiredness from anaemia; numbness or tingling from B12 deficiency (autoimmune type)
Many people have no symptoms at all
When to see a doctor
Indigestion that lasts more than a few weeks, or keeps returning
Difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, or unintended weight loss
New indigestion after the age of 55, or a family history of stomach cancer
Anaemia, tiredness or breathlessness
You need painkillers regularly — ask about stomach protection or alternatives
Tests & treatment
A doctor may test for H. pylori (breath or stool test; stop acid medicines 2 weeks beforehand if possible),
check blood count, iron and B12, and arrange an upper GI endoscopy with biopsies if there are warning signs or you
are older. Treatment depends on the cause:
H. pylori eradication — antibiotics plus a proton-pump inhibitor for 1–2 weeks, followed by a test to confirm cure. Family members don't routinely need testing unless they have symptoms.
Stopping or reducing NSAIDs; paracetamol is kinder to the stomach. If NSAIDs are essential, a stomach-protecting medicine is added.
Acid-reducing medicines (PPIs or H2 blockers) for a set course to allow healing; long-term use should be reviewed with your doctor.
B12 injections for autoimmune gastritis, with periodic endoscopy in some people.
Ayurvedic view
Pacify aggravated Pitta → restore balanced digestive fire (agni) → soothe and protect the stomach lining → regular, moderate meals.
Burning pain, sour belching and nausea correspond to Amlapitta, particularly its upward form (Urdhvaga
Amlapitta). Classical causes include eating before the previous meal is digested (adhyashana),
incompatible food combinations (viruddha ahara), excess sour, spicy, fried and fermented food, alcohol,
irregular meals, late nights, and anger and anxiety. Treatment uses diet and routine correction, cooling and
soothing herbs, and, where appropriate, supervised gentle purgation (virechana).
Herbs & safety
Yashtimadhu (liquorice) — soothes the lining; regular use can raise blood pressure and lower potassium
Amalaki — cooling, the classical first choice for Amlapitta
Shatavari and Guduchi — soothing and cooling
Avipattikara churna — a classical formulation; contains a mild laxative
Herbs do not eradicate H. pylori — get tested and treated. Don't let herbal treatment delay an endoscopy if
you have warning signs. Tell your doctor about any herbs, and use licensed products from a qualified practitioner.
Diet & habits
Eat at regular times; don't skip meals or go long hours on an empty stomach, and avoid late dinners.
