How to Recognize Alcoholic Gastritis
According to data from the National Institutes of Health, over 16 million adults in the United States report heavy alcohol use on a regular basis. Heavy alcohol use is defined as having more than 4 drinks per day or 14 drinks per week for men and more than 3 drinks per day or 7 drinks per week for women. Sadly, alcohol use and abuse are relatively common in this country, and there are numerous health conditions that are made more likely as a result. One example of a condition many people may not be aware of is called alcoholic gastritis.
What Is Alcoholic Gastritis?
Gastritis is the general term used to refer to any inflammation of the stomach lining. Though inflammation is part of the normal immune response to pathogens or irritants, it tends to cause unpleasant symptoms and side effects. Gastritis can either be acute or chronic; acute gastritis is typically caused by either a Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection or excessive use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Chronic gastritis can also be caused by an H. pylori infection, but it is also linked to the presence of stomach ulcers.
By contrast, alcoholic gastritis refers to inflammation caused specifically by excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol-related gastritis is generally an acute condition, though prolonged alcohol abuse can cause repeated episodes of inflammation that can lead to long-term damage. This is because inflammation leaves the stomach lining vulnerable to the body’s own stomach acid as well as other irritants present in spicy foods or acidic foods. This type of gastritis is considered erosive because of the way it can wear away the stomach lining over time.
Common Symptoms of Alcoholic Gastritis
Just like other types of gastritis, alcohol-induced gastritis may not always present with clear symptoms. And even when there are symptoms, they can be easily mistaken for common gastrointestinal problems like indigestion or acid reflux. Regardless of whether the gastritis is due to heavy drinking, though, there are some common symptoms:
- stomach pain or general abdominal pain
- burping or hiccups
- bloating or a feeling of fullness in the stomach that worsens after eating
- nausea and vomiting
- loss of appetite
If stomach ulcers are involved in the development of gastritis (or if they just happen to be present for other reasons), there may also be bleeding in the stomach. Bleeding in the stomach or elsewhere along the digestive tract can additionally lead to anemia, a condition characterized by having too few red blood cells in the bloodstream. Anemia can then cause additional symptoms like fatigue or shortness of breath.
Causes and Risk Factors of Alcoholic Gastritis
The main role of the digestive system is to break down food into components that can be used by the body for normal functioning. One of the ways this happens is through digestive juices secreted by the liver and pancreas. While crucial for digestion, these juices are also highly acidic; that is why the entire gastrointestinal tract (from the esophagus down to the large and small intestines) is lined in epithelial tissue that can handle the acidity. When this tissue is damaged or eroded, it is more likely to become inflamed.
Even in moderation, drinking alcohol is never really “good” for you, yet the potential dangers are mainly associated with regular heavy drinking or frequent episodes of binge drinking. A single instance of heavy drinking can damage the mucosal lining of the stomach and bring about inflammation and lesions. Smaller amounts of alcohol can also make the inflammation worse if the person already has a stomach infection or any of the other potential causes of gastritis. Below are some risk factors that can make all forms of gastritis more likely:
How Is Alcoholic Gastritis Diagnosed?
Alcoholic gastritis is diagnosed in roughly the same way as other forms of gastritis, and the first step is usually a physical exam and medical history. Depending on your symptoms, the doctor may use any number of a series of tests: a breath test to check for bacterial infections, an upper endoscopy to look at the lining of the stomach, or a blood test to look for signs of anemia. The doctor will also ask questions about your lifestyle and drinking habits to determine how much of a role alcohol has played.
Alcoholic Gastritis Treatment Options
Unsurprisingly, alcoholic gastritis is more common in those who have a history of alcohol addiction. As with other types of substance abuse, addiction is one of the biggest obstacles to getting healthy. So before any other interventions, the first step is to stop drinking. There are many alcohol addiction treatment programs that can help a person detox and address the mental health aspects of healing while other treatments are underway. Once a person stops drinking, there are a number of approaches to reducing inflammation and improving the symptoms of gastritis:
- Antibiotics: Since an H. pylori infection is possible at the same time as alcohol-induced gastritis, antibiotics may be prescribed to deal with the underlying infection. Once the harmful bacteria are eliminated, the inflammation should be reduced.
- Antacids: In some mild cases, over-the-counter or prescription antacids can be used to neutralize excess acid present in the stomach. Stomach acid that has been neutralized in this way is less likely to trigger inflammation.
- Proton pump inhibitors: Where antacids neutralize the acid that’s already there, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) actually reduce the amount of acid that the body produces. PPIs are also often used to treat severe cases of acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- H2 blockers: H2 blockers, or histamine blockers, are a type of medication that block histamine receptors in the stomach. Histamine is a compound that acts as a neurotransmitter and is involved in the immune response behind inflammation; in blocking these receptors, less stomach acid is produced.
Complications of Alcoholic Gastritis
Many cases of acute gastritis have few, if any, symptoms and can be resolved by avoiding any stomach irritants. For more serious cases, however, going without treatment can lead to additional health issues. Besides peptic ulcers and related anemia, for instance, alcoholic gastritis can result in the development of gastric polyps, abnormal growths of cells in the stomach lining. While many gastric polyps are benign, some have been known to lead to tumors and eventually stomach cancer.
Cary Gastro for Digestive Healthcare
Alcoholic gastritis is just one possible concern related to excessive alcohol consumption; there are also many other concerns related to the digestive system and overall health. Cary Gastro is a leading provider of high quality digestive healthcare services. If you have been experiencing any of the symptoms noted above that are related to gastritis, it is wise to get examined sooner rather than later. If you’d like to speak with a qualified gastroenterologist, please contact us today to request an appointment.