Gastritis and acid reflux are frequently mistaken for each other, yet they are distinct conditions. Familiarize yourself with the disparities between gastritis and acid reflux in terms of symptoms and causes to avoid mismanagement.
You've likely heard of gastritis and acid reflux as digestive system afflictions. But do you truly understand the actual distinctions between gastritis and acid reflux?
Despite their similar symptoms, such as abdominal pain and burning sensations, gastritis and acid reflux represent two separate conditions.
Misidentifying the ailment you're experiencing could lead to incorrect treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to delve deeper into the variations between acid reflux and gastritis.
Here's an explanation of the differences between gastritis and acid reflux that you need to be aware of.
Gastritis and acid reflux stem from different causes.
Gastritis and acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), are two kinds of digestive disorders caused by distinct factors.
According to Healthline, gastritis is a condition where ulcers form on the lining of the stomach or small intestine. These ulcers can be brought about by the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, which can be transmitted through saliva or contaminated feces.
Gastritis can also be induced by the prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.
On the other hand, acid reflux is a condition where stomach acid and digestive fluids flow back into the esophagus due to the malfunction of the esophageal valve. This can lead to nausea and the urge to vomit.
Acid reflux can be triggered by several factors, including specific foods (coffee, alcohol, fatty foods), smoking habits, pregnancy, obesity, or stress.
Gastritis and acid reflux exhibit different symptoms.
Gastritis and acid reflux do indeed both cause abdominal pain and burning sensations. Nevertheless, other symptoms can help distinguish these two ailments.
Gastritis Symptoms
As reported by Everyday Health, gastritis symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain that occurs 2-3 hours after eating and subsides with eating, drinking, or taking antacids.
- Blood in stools or vomit.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Abdominal bloating, frequent passing of gas, and burping.
Acid Reflux Symptoms
Symptoms of acid reflux include:
- Heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest that may radiate to the neck.
- Acidic or food taste in the back of the mouth.
- Dry cough.
- Sore throat.
- Feeling of something stuck in the throat.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Shortness of breath or asthma symptoms.
Acid reflux symptoms usually worsen when lying down or bending over. Additionally, specific foods like chocolate, oranges, tomatoes, garlic, or onions can trigger acid reflux symptoms.
These are the distinctions between gastritis and acid reflux that you should be aware of to avoid misidentifying the ailment you're experiencing. If you encounter the aforementioned symptoms, it's advisable to promptly consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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