9 Hidden signs you Have Gastritis

Gastritis can often cause pain, burning stomach and other symptoms that are tell-tale signs you have Gastritis, but for some, the symptoms are so mild that it can be mistaken for other less worrying conditions. Gastritis if ignored can be serious for some, leading to stomach ulcers or even cancer in extreme cases. So, it’s good to know what to look out for so you know when you might need to seek treatment for your symptoms.

Signs of Gastritis

Nausea

Nausea is a very common condition for many different conditions, so it can be difficult to know when this is caused by Gastritis. Most stomach bugs or things like food poisoning will be short-lived and clear the system anything from 2-7 days after starting. But nausea caused by Gastritis will often persist much longer and for me personally was one of the first signs of Gastritis. I would wake up feeling sick and it would come and go throughout the day, often feeling a little better after eating, only to return again an hour or so later.

Feeling full quickly (Early Satiety)

When your stomach is inflamed from Gastritis, its common to feel full after eating just a small amount of food. You may feel hungry but when you start eating you can only manage a couple of mouthfuls. I have struggled with this in the past and it is hard to deal with. I found eating more smaller meals and snacks throughout the day helped, rather than 3 large meals.

Weight loss

You may not notice you are losing weight at first, but if your appetite has decreased and you have been suffering from nausea, you may have been eating less over time and started to lose some weight. I lost nearly 2 stone when I had gastritis, mine was definitely a result of no appetite, nausea and following a strict diet.

It’s important to make sure you are eating enough to avoid too much weight loss, which can result in other health issues including vitamin deficiency. If eating your usual foods are a problem, you may want to try nutritional shakes in the short term. Smoothies and soups are also a good alternative and are easier on the stomach.

Weight gain

A lesser-known symptom of Gastritis is actually weight gain. For some, eating is the only time they feel some relief from nausea or acid reflux. If someone has a stomach or duodenal ulcer, food can actually act as a buffer between the lining of the stomach and the acid, and eating will provide some relief from stomach pain. This can result in some extra weight gain over time.

Back pain

A symptom many people don’t associate with Gastritis is back pain. Nerves in the digestive system overlap slightly with the upper backs organs, so it’s not uncommon for someone with stabbing and burning pain in the stomach to also feel it in the upper back, mainly between the shoulder blades. Pain here can be caused by other conditions, so it’s important to get this checked by a Doctor.

Blood in your vomit or poo

This is something that should always involve a trip to see your GP or even the hospital if the bleeding is bad. The blood may be red but may also be dark brown, often said to look like coffee grounds in texture, or even be black and tarry.

Burping/Belching and hiccups

This is a common symptom of many digestive complaints like indigestion and might happen after a large meal. But persistent belching more often than is usual for you could be an early sign of Gastritis. I would never normally get hiccups or belch that often, but these were generally a first sign of a gastritis flare up for me, especially after eating a trigger food that my stomach didn’t like.

Belching as well as other indigestion type symptoms can be caused by the H.Pylori bacteria. It’s estimated that over half the world’s population is infected with these bacteria so it’s very common to say the least. H.Pylori can be treated with anti-biotics and for most people that will be sufficient to clear it up.

Loss of appetite

Losing your appetite is often a sign that something isn’t quite right, it could be an emotional upset or feeling stressed. But if it continues and you are starting to lose weight, it may be Gastritis.

I had little appetite with Gastritis and found sipping Chicken bone broth very soothing. I made my own so I knew what was in it, but you can also buy it from Amazon. It contains Collagen and gelatine which are released from the bones as you cook them. These contain anti-inflammatory properties. Want to know how to make it? Here’s my step-by-step guide. Delicious bone broth.

Feeling bloated

Being bloated is such an uncomfortable feeling and sometimes it will be down to hormonal fluctuations, water retention or even eating too much fibre.

It can also be a sign that your stomach is struggling with Gastritis, if you notice you are becoming bloated more often and you are experiencing any other symptoms such as indigestion, constipation etc, it may be a good idea to see your GP.

I have found taking a decent probiotic helpful with bloating, it doesn’t help immediately but after a couple of weeks, my bloating had gone. I have tried various types, but these are definitely the best ones I have tried. Biocare probiotics

Everyone is different and many of the above could be a sign of various serious and non serious conditions. So if you have a troubling new issue its always a good idea to get it checked out by your Doctor.