Gastritis is a condition where the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed or irritated. It can be caused by excessive alcohol use, chronic vomiting, stress, or infection with bacteria like H. pylori. Gastritis affects the main organs of the digestive system including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
Esophagus
The esophagus connects the throat to the stomach. When a person has gastritis, they may experience discomfort or burning in the chest behind the sternum. This is called heartburn and results from stomach acid traveling back up into the esophagus. The esophagus does not have the same protective lining as the stomach so the acid causes irritation and inflammation of the esophageal tissue. This is known as esophagitis.
Chronic gastritis can lead to peptic strictures or narrowing of the esophagus from scar tissue formation. This makes swallowing difficult. Gastritis may also prompt the development of abnormal pouches in the esophagus wall called diverticula. Food and liquid can get trapped in these pouches leading to infection.
Stomach
The main organ affected in gastritis is the stomach itself. Several important functions of the stomach are impaired when inflammation is present.
The stomach lining contains glands that secrete mucus, hydrochloric acid, and enzymes like pepsin. In acute gastritis, the stomach lining swells and these glands may stop working properly. Insufficient mucus exposes the tissue to damage from stomach acid. Impaired enzyme secretion also interferes with digestion.
The stomach muscles may contract weakly or frequently creating sensations of fullness, nausea, and vomiting. Cell damage in the stomach lining may also cause bleeding in the stomach. Chronic gastritis can lead to atrophy or thinning of the stomach lining which increases the risk of stomach ulcers and stomach cancer over time.
Gastritis Symptoms Related to the Stomach
- Abdominal pain or burning sensation
- Feeling overly full during meals
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hematemesis – vomiting blood
- Coffee ground appearing vomit
- Black, tarry stools
Duodenum
The duodenum is the first section of the small intestine that connects to the stomach. Inflammation from gastritis can spread past the pyloric sphincter into the duodenum, especially in cases caused by H. pylori infection. This is known as duodenitis.
When the duodenum is inflamed, digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver may not be able to enter the small intestine properly. Nutrient absorption will also be impaired. Symptoms specific to duodenitis include:
- Right upper abdominal pain 1-3 hours after eating
- Nausea
- Vomiting bile
Other Organs Potentially Affected
While the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum bear the brunt of damage in gastritis, inflammation can spread further through the digestive tract.
Pancreas
Gastritis increases the risk of developing pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas aids digestion by producing enzymes like lipase, amylase, and trypsin. When inflamed, these enzymes start digesting the pancreatic tissue itself causing pain and impairment of endocrine and digestive functions.
Gallbladder
The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile produced by the liver. Gastritis can prompt gallbladder dysmotility where the gallbladder does not contract and release bile properly. Bile becomes sludgy and stone formation is more likely. Symptoms include pain in the upper right abdomen and intolerance to fatty foods.
Liver
Some cases of acute gastritis are caused by liver failure allowing toxic substances to damage the stomach lining. Gastritis can also impair liver function and increase the risk of portal hypertension where blood pressure in the portal vein system increases.
Conclusion
In summary, gastritis primarily affects the mucosal lining of the stomach but can have consequences throughout the digestive system. The esophagus is vulnerable to erosion from stomach acid. The duodenum may become inflamed as well. Dysfunction of nearby organs like the pancreas, gallbladder, and liver may occur. Symptoms arise based on which area of the digestive tract is impaired. Prompt treatment of gastritis is important to prevent permanent damage to digestive organs.