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Alcoholic Gastritis Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Alcoholic gastritis is one of many physical conditions that can develop as a result of misusing alcohol. This problem may seem to be nothing more than a recurrent stomachache after drinking or heartburn, but it could signal the development of additional health complications such as ulcers that might be avoided altogether by not drinking.

alcoholic gastritis

What Is Alcoholic Gastritis?

As defined by the National Library of Medicine, gastritis is inflammation of the stomach. Alcohol Gastritis is when that inflammation is caused by alcohol use. Gastritis can be acute or chronic.1

Chronic gastritis is a long-term condition where the stomach lining remains inflamed and is worn down over time. Those who consume alcohol regularly may only experience minor symptoms for an extended period, because of decreased sensitivity from continued alcohol use.

Symptoms of Chronic Gastritis

Symptoms related to chronic gastritis may not be addressed, as early as needed, because of the gradual effects.

Symptoms may include:

  • Mild upper abdominal pain.
  • Tiredness.
  • Anemia.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Stomach irritation.

Symptoms of Acute Gastritis

Acute gastritis is an immediate inflammation of the stomach lining. Acute gastritis can happen quickly and tends to be much more painful than chronic gastritis. You may also experience more severe symptoms.

Symptoms may include:

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

What Causes Alcohol Gastritis?

Alcohol Gastritis is a type of acute gastritis and is caused by excessive alcohol consumption. The sudden inflammation of the stomach lining can be very painful and cause severe stomach cramping, irritability and vomiting. While consuming too much alcohol is the main cause of Alcohol Gastritis, it often develops in connection with some sort of infection, direct irritation or localized tissue damage. It can be caused by:

  • Taking non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin or ibuprofen (i.e., NSAIDs).
  • Certain bacterial infections.
  • Bile reflux from proximal small intestine.
  • Autoimmune disorders.

While these are the chief causes of the condition, there are other activities and circumstances that can contribute to the irritation, including stress, smoking and caffeine intake. If you wait to see a doctor for alcohol gastritis symptoms and continue to drink the more likely it may lead to permanent damage to the stomach and digestive system.

Alcoholic Gastritis Symptoms and Signs

Potential signs and symptoms of alcoholic gastritis include:1

  • Upper abdominal pain, ranging from a burning ache to stabbing pain.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Bloated or full feeling in the abdomen.
  • Regurgitation of food.
  • Hiccups.
  • Indegestion.
  • Loss of appetite.

Those with alcohol associated gastritis may feel symptoms after an evening of binge drinking or, alternately, the symptoms may develop as a more chronic problem for individuals who engage in regular, heavy drinking. symptoms of alcoholic gastritis

Long-Term Effects of Alcoholic Gastritis

As mentioned, because alcoholic gastritis results from damage to and/or inflammation of the stomach lining, it is sometimes also associated with more severe complications, such as gastrointestinal tract bleeding. GI bleeding constitutes a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.1 While the location of GI bleeds vary, vomited blood might indicate that a tear has been made in an esophageal blood vessel or that an ulceration has developed in either the stomach or duodenum (proximal portion of the small intestine). While gastritis and ulcers are treatable, upper GI bleeding can be lethal if the bleeding can’t be stopped, or if the stomach lining is perforated and releases digestive acids into the body cavity around the stomach. Other associated, life-threatening complications include generalized peritonitis, sepsis and multiorgan failure.1

Some of these conditions may require surgery to completely resolve, and could present life-threatening risks to the individual. In particular, obstruction or perforation of the stomach are emergency situations that require immediate intervention and can lead to death if not treated.

How to Treat Your Gastritis Symptoms

Gastritis, whether caused or worsened by alcohol consumption or not, can be treated by a medical professional. In some more severe cases, more intense medical treatment may be required. This treatment may include:1

  • Antibiotics to control certain types of GI bacteria that may contribute to the irritation and damage.
  • Proton pump inhibitors and other acid reduction medicines.
  • Antacids to neutralize acid that is produced.
  • Probiotics to encourage helpful gastric bacteria.

Each individual has different factors contributing to whether acute gastritis will develop into a chronic condition. Working with a doctor is the best way to determine the individualized treatment needed to help the person manage alcoholic gastritis. However, the ability to do so hinges specifically on the person’s ability to stop drinking alcohol. Without removing this main cause, the gastritis is likely to continue even with the most effective medical intervention.alcoholic gastritis

Reversing the Effects of Alcoholic Gastritis

It is possible to treat gastritis using medicines that soothe and heal the stomach lining if other means don’t work. For people who misuse alcohol on a regular basis and who develop either acute gastritis or chronic gastritis, one way to potentially reverse the damage is to stop drinking.4 In some cases, altering one’s diet can also help reduce the symptoms of alcoholic gastritis.4

If the damage is extensive before drinking is stopped, it may not be able to be fully reversed, and lifelong management of chronic gastritis may be required, including reparative surgeries, regular medication, avoidance of irritating foods and other treatments to prevent additional damage. Regardless, a lessening of alcohol intake may result in a reduction of the symptoms of alcoholic gastritis.4

Treating Alcohol-Induced Gastritis and Alcoholism

If an alcohol use disorder or other compulsive drinking behavior is a factor in the development of gastritis, it can be especially challenging for the person to stop drinking in order to provide the best chance for helping this condition. In these cases, professional substance use rehabilitation could prove vital in helping the person begin to recover. Comprehensive, individualized alcohol treatment interventions can help individuals stop drinking alcohol and stay abstinent, minimizing the likelihood of relapse.

With a commitment to treatment and recovery, alcoholic gastritis can be managed and the damage can even be reversed. With treatment, those who are struggling with alcohol use or addiction—but have not yet developed alcoholic gastritis—can potentially avoid developing the condition altogether, contributing to overall quality of life. American Addiction Centers (AAC) operates an addiction helpline that can help answer questions about alcohol and gastritis, help you find suitable rehab centers, and verify your insurance. Don’t delay; contact us today at to get started.

 


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