Alcohol abuse can affect your brain and body in many ways. Alcoholic gastritis is a medical condition that can occur as a result of alcohol abuse.

Developing alcoholic gastritis can be a sign that you have an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. It could signal alcohol abuse or dependence. Many people with alcohol abuse or addiction find it very challenging to change their drinking habits alone. Most require comprehensive treatment and continuing support to get and stay sober.

This article will explore what alcoholic gastritis is and how it occurs. You will learn:

• The symptoms of alcoholic gastritis
• What causes this condition
• The long-term effects of gastritis
• How to treat it
• How to recognize and treat alcohol addiction
• Where to find alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment

If you or someone you love struggles with alcoholic gastritis or other symptoms of alcohol abuse, you are not alone. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health team to learn about our treatment and recovery support programs. You may also reach out to our specialists with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

What is Alcoholic Gastritis?

Gastritis is a medical condition that causes inflammation of the stomach lining. People with chronic gastritis may experience:

• Upper abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach irritation
• Anemia (low iron)
• Tiredness

People may have chronic gastritis symptoms for a long time before recognizing the need for treatment. Eating spicy foods does not cause gastritis, but it can irritate the stomach lining and make symptoms worse.

In some cases, gastritis symptoms can be mild. However, acute gastritis produces an immediate inflammation in the stomach lining. People with acute gastritis may experience:

• Bloating and gas
• Ulcers
• Stomach pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hemorrhage

Several things can cause gastritis, including:

• Autoimmune disorders
• Bacterial infections
• Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen
• Excessive alcohol use

Alcoholic gastritis is a type of acute gastritis. Drinking alcohol excessively or for long periods can cause this condition.

Symptoms of Alcoholic Gastritis

Alcoholic gastritis is a type of acute gastritis that can occur as a result of heavy or prolonged drinking. Some common symptoms of alcoholic gastritis include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Indigestion
• Appetite loss
• Hiccups
• Regurgitating food
• Feeling bloated in the abdomen or too full
• Burning or stabbing pain in the upper abdomen

People with alcoholic gastritis may experience symptoms after binge drinking. People who drink regularly or heavily may develop chronic (ongoing) gastritis symptoms over time.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Alcoholic Gastritis?

People may notice the symptoms of gastritis after drinking. It is important to seek medical treatment for symptoms that could indicate gastritis.

Your doctor may assess you for gastritis. Here are some of the ways doctors check for gastritis.

Breath test

Certain bacterial infections may cause gastritis. A breath test involves drinking a special liquid and breathing into a bag. Then, medical professionals will test the air in the bag for evidence of gastritis-causing bacteria.

X-ray

Your doctor may perform an x-ray of your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

Blood test

Your doctor may draw blood to test for anemia (low red blood cells) and bacteria.

Stool test

Your doctor may examine your stool for blood, which would indicate intestinal or stomach bleeding. The test will also look for bacteria that cause gastritis.

Upper endoscopy

An endoscopy involves inserting a small tube with a light and a camera into your upper GI tract. The doctor will look for peptic ulcers, bleeding, and other damage. They may also take a small tissue sample for lab testing.

It is important to diagnose and treat gastritis right away. Without treatment, gastritis can lead to dangerous or life-threatening bleeding. It can also cause tears in the stomach lining, allowing digestive acid into the abdominal cavity.

Treating Alcoholic Gastritis

There are several effective alcoholic gastritis treatments. These include:

• Antacids to reduce stomach acid
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to treat acid reflux and stomach ulcers
• Histamine (H2) blockers to reduce stomach acid production
• Antibiotics to kill the bacteria that can cause gastritis

One of the most important aspects of treating alcoholic gastritis is reducing your alcohol intake. If you have trouble managing your drinking, you may need professional treatment and support.

Treatment for alcohol abuse and addiction includes:

• Medical detox programs, including medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms
• Emotional support, including individual, group, and family therapy
• Behavioral therapies
• Relapse prevention education
• Coping skills
• Nutrition support, mindfulness, exercise, and other holistic therapies
• Aftercare planning and support

Getting treatment and continuing care can help people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) get sober and avoid relapse.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with alcohol abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists now to explore our addiction treatment and recovery support programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

1. National Institute of Health (NIH): Chronic gastritis, alcohol, and non-ulcer dyspepsia
2. Science Direct: Alcoholic Gastritis
3. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Alcoholic Gastritis 
4. Wiley Online Library: Alcohol consumption and chronic atrophic gastritis: Population-based study among 9,444 older adults from Germany