Gastritis Symptoms

Medically reviewed by:

Dr Dan Bunstone -

Updated: Aug 18, 2021

Next review: Aug 18, 2022

The symptoms of gastritis may last for a long period of time or they may come on suddenly.

You may not experience any symptoms at all (particularly if it is caused by a bacterial infection like the H. pylori infection). However, if it is caused by something else, your symptoms may include:

Indigestion or heartburn (this is the most common symptom)
Vomiting, nausea or a recurrent upset tummy
Burning or gnawing tummy pain between meals or at night
Feeling full after eating
Bloating
Loss of appetite

If the stomach lining has worn away, it is called erosive gastritis. This has some different symptoms because your stomach will be exposed to stomach acid. You may experience:

Pain
A stomach ulcer

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention straight away:

Vomiting content that looks like coffee grounds
Tarry, black stools
Red blood in the vomit or stool

The symptoms of gastritis are similar to other conditions, such as a stomach ulcer or IBS, so it may not be gastritis that you are suffering from. A GP will usually be able to make a diagnosis based on your symptoms and medical history or refer you for tests if they need more information before being able to make a diagnosis.

NHS, Gastritis: Symptoms causes of gastritis, 23/06/2016.
nhs.uk/conditions/gastritis/#symptoms-of-gastritis
Dr Colin Tidy, Patient Info, Gastritis, 09/03/2018.
patient.info/health/dyspepsia-indigestion/gastritis
Carmella Wint, Winnie Yu & Dr Daniel Murrell. Healthline, Gastritis, 20/06/2017.
healthline.com/health/gastritis#symptoms

Dr Dan Bunstone -

Gastritis symptoms

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