Gastritis Treatment in Bathinda — Dr. Raman Garg, Stomach Specialist

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining — one of the most common GI conditions affecting people of all ages in Punjab and across India. While mild gastritis often resolves quickly, chronic gastritis requires proper medical evaluation and treatment to prevent serious complications including stomach ulcers and gastric cancer. Dr. Raman Garg at Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute, Bathinda provides expert diagnosis and treatment for all types of gastritis.

What is Gastritis?

The stomach lining (mucosa) is protected by a thick layer of mucus that prevents stomach acid from damaging it. When this protective layer is weakened or damaged — by infection, medications, or other causes — stomach acid irritates and inflames the lining, causing gastritis.

Types of Gastritis

Acute Gastritis

Sudden onset inflammation. Usually caused by:

• Alcohol binge or prolonged alcohol use
• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin)
• Spicy or irritant food
• Stress (critical illness, burns, trauma — "stress gastritis")
• Infection (bacterial, viral)

Acute gastritis usually resolves in a few days with treatment.

Chronic Gastritis

Long-standing inflammation of the stomach lining. Main types:

• Type B (H. pylori-associated): By far the most common — H. pylori bacteria infect the stomach and cause ongoing inflammation. Affects the antrum (lower part of stomach). Can progress to peptic ulcer and gastric cancer if untreated.
• Type A (Autoimmune gastritis): Body's immune system attacks acid-producing cells — causes pernicious anaemia (B12 deficiency). Involves the body of the stomach (corpus).
• Chemical/Reactive gastritis: From bile reflux after stomach surgery, or long-term NSAIDs
• Atrophic gastritis: End-stage chronic gastritis — stomach lining becomes thin and loses normal cells. Associated with increased risk of gastric cancer.

Symptoms of Gastritis

• Gnawing or burning pain in the upper abdomen (epigastric area)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling of fullness after a small amount of food (early satiety)
• Loss of appetite
• Belching and bloating
• Indigestion (dyspepsia)
• Hiccups
• Dark stools (if bleeding is present)
• Note: Some people with gastritis have no symptoms at all

Diagnosis of Gastritis

• Upper GI Endoscopy (OGD Scope): Gold standard — visualises the stomach lining directly, assesses severity of inflammation, takes biopsies. Read more →
• Endoscopic Biopsy + Histopathology: Confirms gastritis type, H. pylori presence, presence of intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia (precancerous changes)
• Rapid Urease Test (CLO test): Quick H. pylori test from biopsy during endoscopy
• Urea Breath Test: Non-invasive H. pylori test — blow into a bag before and after drinking a labelled urea drink
• Stool Antigen Test: Non-invasive H. pylori test
• Blood tests: CBC, B12 level (for autoimmune gastritis), parietal cell antibodies, intrinsic factor antibodies

Gastritis Treatment at Bombay Gastro & Cancer Institute, Bathinda

H. pylori Eradication (Most Important)

For H. pylori-positive gastritis (most cases), the cornerstone of treatment is eradicating the bacteria:

• Triple Therapy: PPI (omeprazole/pantoprazole) + amoxicillin + clarithromycin × 10–14 days
• Bismuth Quadruple Therapy: PPI + bismuth + tetracycline + metronidazole × 10–14 days — for treatment failures or clarithromycin resistance areas
• Successful H. pylori eradication leads to permanent healing of gastritis in most patients
• Confirmation of eradication by urea breath test or stool antigen test 4–6 weeks after completing treatment

Acid-Suppressive Therapy

• PPIs (omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole) — reduce acid production, allow healing
• Antacids (aluminium/magnesium hydroxide) — for immediate symptom relief
• H2 blockers (famotidine) — milder acid reduction
• Sucralfate — forms protective coating over inflamed mucosa

Lifestyle Modifications

• Stop NSAIDs — switch to paracetamol if needed for pain
• Stop alcohol and smoking completely
• Avoid trigger foods: spicy, fried, carbonated drinks, coffee
• Eat small, frequent, bland meals
• Stress management

For Autoimmune Gastritis

• Vitamin B12 injections (for deficiency)
• Regular endoscopic surveillance for gastric cancer (every 1–3 years)

Gastritis and Stomach Cancer Risk

Chronic H. pylori gastritis is a Group 1 carcinogen (definitely causes stomach cancer) according to the WHO. The sequence is: H. pylori gastritis → atrophic gastritis → intestinal metaplasia → dysplasia → gastric cancer. However, this process takes decades and can be interrupted at any stage by proper treatment. Early H. pylori eradication significantly reduces stomach cancer risk.

Frequently Asked Questions — Gastritis Treatment Bathinda