Gastritis/Duodenitis

Sometimes people with gastritis or duodenitis may not have any symptoms. However, those who do may experience the following symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Stomach pains
• Burning sensation in the stomach
• Feeling full quickly (early satiety)
• Bloody/black sticky stools

Who is at risk for Gastritis/Duodenitis in Singapore?

Gastritis and duodenitis are often preventable. However, if you have the following, you could be at a higher risk:

• Age: Like most diseases, the risk of getting gastritis or duodenitis increases with age.
• Bacterial infection: infection by the H.pylori bacteria is very common but it only causes gastritis or duodenitis in some, not all. 
• Long-term use of NSAIDs: Regular use of NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen and aspirin) may result in the removal of the protective lining of the stomach making you more vulnerable to gastritis.
• Alcoholism: Excessive consumption of alcohol can irritate the lining of the stomach resulting in gastritis.
• Smokers: Smoking can harm your digestive system in a number of ways including gastritis and duodenitis.
• External stress: Major surgery, trauma, or infections can cause gastritis.
• Cancer treatment: Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause gastritis.
• Autoimmune disorders: When your body starts attacking itself, it might start breaking down the cells that line your stomach resulting in autoimmune gastritis.
• Other medical conditions: Crohn’s disease, coeliac disease, HIV/AIDS, sarcoidosis, and infections by parasites increase your risk of gastritis or duodenitis.