Do you feel sick or pain in your stomach whenever you eat something? Well, that is probably because your food isn’t digested well or the lining of your stomach is inflamed. In simpler words, you might be suffering with gastritis.
If you are not well aware of the possible causes, we are here to guide.
This article is all about gastritis, its potential causes with a special focus on the role of antibiotics in the development of the condition.
So, keep reading!
Gastritis
Gastritis is a condition in which the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed. This inflammation can cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. In some cases, gastritis can lead to bleeding or ulcers in the stomach.
Treatment for gastritis typically involves addressing the underlying cause and may include medications to reduce inflammation and neutralize stomach acid.
The symptoms can vary depending on the severity and cause of the condition. Some of the most common ones include;
- Abdominal pain or discomfort, which may feel like a burning or gnawing sensation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating
- Indigestion
- Belching
- Hiccups
- Weight loss
- Dark or black stool
Symptoms usually improve with treatment, but if you have severe pain or vomiting blood, you should seek immediate medical attention. However, it must be noted that in some cases, people with gastritis may not experience any symptoms at all.
Causes of Gastritis
Gastritis can be caused by a variety of factors, including infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and excessive alcohol consumption.
Let’s have a look at the causes, in detail.
Infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori: This is one of the most common causes of gastritis and is thought to be responsible for up to 80% of cases. H. pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium that lives in the mucous layer that covers the stomach lining. It can cause inflammation and ulcers in the stomach and small intestine.
Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These medications, which include aspirin and ibuprofen, can irritate the stomach lining and cause inflammation.
Excessive alcohol consumption: Consuming large amounts of alcohol can damage the stomach lining and lead to gastritis.
Autoimmune disorders: In some cases, gastritis may be caused by an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach lining.
Trauma: Injuries or surgery to the stomach can cause gastritis.
Other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as pernicious anemia, can also cause gastritis.
Idiopathic: Some gastritis may happen without any obvious cause.
Besides these, there is another possible cause of gastritis and that is the overuse of antibiotics. Yes, you read it right! The normal antibiotics that you eat to beat the bacteria out of your body can be harsh on your stomach and cause inflammation. How?
Let’s find out.
Can antibiotics cause gastritis?
Antibiotics are a commonly prescribed medication used to treat bacterial infections. However, recent research studies have suggested that these drugs may also be responsible for causing gastritis.
The exact mechanism by which antibiotics cause gastritis is not well understood. However, it is believed that the drugs may disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. These bacteria produce toxins that can damage the stomach lining, leading to inflammation.
Basically, numerous microbiomes exist in the stomach and intestines, comprising bacteria (both good and bad) that aid in digestion.
Unfortunately, antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections in the body cannot distinguish between good and bad bacteria in the stomach and somehow produce unfavorable outcomes such as;
- Killing the beneficial microorganisms in the gut
- Increasing in the number of dangerous bacteria
- Causing an imbalance in the gut ecology
- Increasing stomach pressure leading to acid reflux
In any case, the lining of the stomach gets damaged and gastritis is likely to occur. In addition, decrease in the diversity of the gut microbiome can also lead to various allergic reactions and autoimmune responses.
What type of antibiotics cause gastritis?
One of the most common types of antibiotics associated with gastritis is a class of drugs called fluoroquinolones. These drugs, which include ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, are often prescribed to treat urinary tract and respiratory infections. Studies have found that patients who take these drugs are at an increased risk of developing gastritis.
Another class of antibiotics that have been linked to gastritis is macrolides. These drugs, which include azithromycin and clarithromycin, are often prescribed to treat upper respiratory infections. Studies have found that patients who take these drugs are at an increased risk of developing gastritis.
In addition to these specific classes of antibiotics, other studies have suggested that the excessive use of any antibiotic may increase the risk of gastritis. This is thought to be due to the disruption of the balance of bacteria in the gut that can occur with any antibiotic use.
It is important to note that not all patients who take antibiotics will develop gastritis. The risk of developing this condition is thought to be influenced by a number of factors, including the type of antibiotic used, the duration of treatment, and the individual’s overall health.
To minimize the risk of gastritis, it is important to use antibiotics only when they are truly needed. Patients who are prescribed antibiotics should also be carefully monitored for signs of gastritis, and the medication should be discontinued if symptoms develop.
In addition, it is important to maintain a healthy gut by consuming probiotics and fermented foods, which can help to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Probiotics supplements can be also taken to replenish good gut bacteria.
Potential benefits of antibiotics
Now that you have discovered the link between gastritis and antibiotics, don’t think of them evil only. They have a lot of benefits to offer as well.
For instance, antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and they are very useful in controlling and treating them by either killing the bacteria or preventing them from reproducing.
Here is a quick list to check the wide range of benefits offered by antibiotics.
- Treating bacterial infections such as strep throat, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections.
- Preventing infections in people who have certain medical conditions or are having certain medical procedures.
- Helping to prevent the spread of contagious bacterial infections.
- Improving the outcome of certain illnesses, such as sepsis, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition caused by a bacterial infection.
- Antibiotics can also be used to prevent infections in people who have been exposed to certain bacteria, such as after a tick bite or animal bite.
Additionally, antibiotics are essential in modern medicine and have saved countless lives since their discovery, specifically in the field of surgery, childbirth, and cancer treatments where bacterial infections can cause serious complications.
However, it’s important to note that antibiotics should be used only when necessary and prescribed by a doctor, as overuse and misuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, which is a growing public health concern.
Conclusion
So finally, antibiotics are a commonly prescribed medication used to treat bacterial infections. However, recent research has suggested that these drugs may also be responsible for causing gastritis which is the inflammation of the stomach lining.
Therefore, it is best to use antibiotics only when they are truly needed and to monitor for symptoms of gastritis. Additionally, maintaining a healthy gut through probiotics and fermented foods can help to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which may help to prevent the development of gastritis.
If you are in trouble with gastritis, take a look to 1 week gastritis diet plan
It’s important to note that gastritis can be a chronic condition and if left untreated can lead to more serious conditions such as ulcers and even stomach cancer. Therefore, it is very important to recognize the underlying cause and began with proper treatment.
