Medically Reviewed by Dr P. E. Pancoast, MD
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Alcoholic gastritis is stomach inflammation caused by excessive alcohol use. Those who drink heavily may put themselves at an increased risk for gastritis.
There are two kinds of gastritis: acute and chronic.
Acute gastritis is usually caused by an irritant or infection. It can cause severe stomach pain and sudden inflammation and often resolves quickly with treatment.
Chronic gastritis occurs when the stomach lining becomes damaged over an extended period. Symptoms tend to appear more slowly and sometimes aren’t felt at all. Long-lasting inflammation may take longer for the stomach lining to return to normal.
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Repeated alcohol consumption over an extended period can raise your risk for chronic gastritis. Alcohol gradually irritates and erodes your stomach lining. This exposes your stomach tissues to digestive acids.
At the same time, alcohol decreases the amount of stomach acid produced, making it more difficult for it to destroy bacteria. These bacteria can infect the stomach lining, causing ulcers and other harmful problems.
If left untreated, chronic gastritis can lead to various symptoms and complications, such as stomach cancer.
Besides alcohol, there are other potential causes of gastritis. These include:
Alcoholic gastritis symptoms may include:
It’s important to note that gastritis can sometimes be asymptomatic. In addition, some of these symptoms can be due to other conditions, such as indigestion. If you’re vomiting blood or see it in your stool, you should seek medical attention from a doctor.
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People at risk for alcoholic gastritis are those who consistently drink too much alcohol. Alcohol damages your stomach lining, making the stomach more vulnerable to digestive juices.
This category often overlaps with older adults. Older adults are at higher risk for gastritis because the stomach lining thins with age.
Middle-aged and elderly adults suffering from alcohol addiction are particularly at high risk for alcoholic gastritis.
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Complications from alcohol-related gastritis may include:
The gut and the brain also influence each other. Studies show a link between inflammation of the stomach lining caused by alcoholic gastritis and feelings of depression, anxiety, and reduced attention span.2
In addition, stomach inflammation may also exacerbate or directly cause various disorders like cancer and liver disease.1
Alcoholic gastritis can be diagnosed with a careful look at your medical history and a thorough physical exam.
When you visit your medical care provider, you may go through any or all of the following tests:
You drink a small glass of special clear liquid containing radioactive carbon. H. pylori breaks down this liquid in your stomach. You then blow into a bag, which is then sealed and tested. If H.pylori is present, then it will interact with the radioactive carbon and the test will be positive.
The doctor inserts a thin, flexible lighted tube called an endoscope down your esophagus.
This tube is equipped with a camera, allowing the doctor to inspect your digestive system for signs of inflammation. The doctor can also use the endoscope to retrieve small tissue samples for laboratory examination (this is known as a biopsy).
First, you’ll drink a white metallic liquid called barium. Then the doctor takes an x-ray of your digestive system, examining your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. This is to look for any abnormalities, such as stomach ulcers.
Blood tests usually measure the levels of certain substances in your blood. This looks for signs of anemia and H. pylori infection.
This is done to check for H. pylori bacteria or blood, which are commonly found with gastritis.
Medical treatment for alcoholic gastritis will depend on symptoms, age, and overall health. Here are some ways to treat alcoholic gastritis:
The first step in treating alcoholic gastritis is to stop drinking alcohol. This will help reduce inflammation and allow your stomach lining to heal.
Your doctor may also recommend dietary changes, such as avoiding spicy foods, caffeine, and acidic foods.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to reduce stomach acid production and protect the stomach lining from further damage. These medications include antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue or repair a tear in the stomach lining.
The good news is that, in most cases, alcoholic gastritis is completely reversible. Through abstinence from alcohol use and proper treatment, a person’s digestive system can completely recover (some scar tissue on the stomach lining may remain).
Heavy drinking, alcohol cravings, anxiety, and/or depression when not drinking are all signs of a drinking problem.
If you have any of these symptoms, you should consider speaking to a healthcare professional. You may have an alcohol use disorder (AUD), more commonly known as alcohol addiction.
Addiction treatment options for AUD can include behavioral therapy and medical detox.
Mutual support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can also be helpful. These options can be pursued in conjunction with treatment for alcoholic gastritis.
Alcoholic gastritis is a condition caused by excessive alcohol consumption that can lead to inflammation of the stomach lining. The condition may be reversible, especially when alcohol use is stopped.
If you suffer from alcoholism, it’s important to seek treatment for both conditions.
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