Hi Lim Yan,
Gastritis is a histological (through tissue biopsy) or endoscopical (through endoscopy) diagnosis of inflammation of the stomach lining. However, this term has been used quite commonly in clinical settings based on the presenting symptoms.
Although gastritis is one of the most common condition, the symptoms of "gastrtis" can be due to many different conditions including stomach erosion and ulcers, indigestion, acid reflux, gall stone disease and sometime pancreatic problems. It is often challenging to differentiate the above conditions without further investigations.
If you have not experienced red flag signs such as weight loss, vomiting, black stools, nocturnal; pain or yellow discoloration of the eye (jaundice) and your symptoms are acute in nature, a trial of treatment may be given by your doctor and he or she will monitor the treatment response. For people with persistent or worsening symptoms, further investigations including blood tests, endoscopy or scans may be required to clinch the actual diagnosis.
- Dr Quan
