Diagnosing gastritis

Your GP may recommend one or more of the following tests:

• a stool test to check for infection or bleeding from the stomach
• a breath test forHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection this involves drinking aglass of clear, tasteless liquid that contains radioactive carbon and blowing into a bag
• an endoscopy aflexible tube (endoscope) is passed down your throat and into your oesophagus and stomach to look for signs of inflammation
• abarium swallow you're given some barium solution, which shows up clearly on X-rays as itpasses through your digestive system

pylori bacterial infection see below

excessive use of cocaine or alcohol

regularly taking aspirin, ibuprofen or other painkillers classed as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

astressful event such as a bad injury or critical illness, or major surgery

less commonly, an autoimmune reaction when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells and tissues (in this case, the stomach lining)

H. pylori gastritis

Many people become infected with H. pylori bacteria and don't realise it. These stomach infections are common and don'tusually cause symptoms.

However, an H. pylori infection can sometimes cause recurring bouts of indigestion, as the bacteria can cause inflammation of the stomach lining.

This sort of gastritis is more common in older age groups and is usually the cause of chronic (persistent) non-erosive cases.

An H. pylori stomach infection is usually lifelong, unless it's treated with eradication therapy (see below).