What are the symptoms of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease?

Gastritis and peptic ulcer disease are conditions that affect the digestive system. While they share similar symptoms, they have different underlying causes.

Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach, which can be acute or chronic. It can be caused by various factors such as infection, alcohol, stress, or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The symptoms of gastritis include:

Abdominal pain and discomfort: The pain can range from mild to severe and may be located in the upper part of the abdomen.

Nausea and vomiting: Patients may feel sick to their stomach and may vomit.

Loss of appetite: Patients may lose their appetite or feel full after eating a small amount of food.

Bloating and gas: Patients may feel bloated and gassy.

Indigestion: Patients may experience indigestion, including heartburn, belching, and acid reflux.

Black stools: In severe cases, patients may have black, tarry stools, which is a sign of bleeding in the stomach.

On the other hand, peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is a condition in which open sores develop in the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. The main cause of PUD is a bacterial infection called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) or the use of NSAIDs. The symptoms of PUD include:

Abdominal pain: The pain is usually located in the upper part of the abdomen and can be severe.

Nausea and vomiting: Patients may feel sick to their stomach and may vomit.

Loss of appetite: Patients may lose their appetite or feel full after eating a small amount of food.

Bloating and gas: Patients may feel bloated and gassy.

Indigestion: Patients may experience indigestion, including heartburn, belching, and acid reflux.

Black stools: In severe cases, patients may have black, tarry stools, which is a sign of bleeding in the stomach.

Weakness and fatigue: Patients may feel weak and tired due to the loss of blood caused by the ulcer.

It is important to note that some patients with gastritis or PUD may not have any symptoms at all, while others may experience only a few of the symptoms listed above. If you suspect that you have gastritis or PUD, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.