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وَإِذَا مَرِضْتُ فَهُوَ يَشْفِينِ ┃ "And when I am ill, it is He who cures me..." Asy- Syua'ra : 80 ┃ The Leading Ibadah-Friendly Hospital - 30 Years of Trusted Care.
وَإِذَا مَرِضْتُ فَهُوَ يَشْفِينِ ┃ "And when I am ill, it is He who cures me..." Asy- Syua'ra : 80 ┃ The Leading Ibadah-Friendly Hospital - 30 Years of Trusted Care.
That burning feeling in your upper stomach is not always “just gastrik.” Learn what gastritis is, why it happens and when a medical assessment matters.
Gastritis means inflammation of the stomach lining, and some people have no symptoms at all.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and certain painkillers are important causes.
Treatment depends on the cause. Vomiting blood, black tarry stools or sudden severe pain require emergency attention.
In Malaysia, people often use the word gastrik to describe upper abdominal discomfort. But indigestion, acid reflux, peptic ulcers and gastritis are not the same condition. Understanding the cause of your symptoms can help you get the right treatment.
Gastritis is inflammation of the protective lining inside your stomach. It may be acute, appearing suddenly, or chronic, developing gradually or persisting over time. Inflammation can sometimes damage the lining and increase the risk of ulcers or bleeding.
Not every episode of stomach discomfort is gastritis. Acid reflux (GERD), functional indigestion and peptic ulcers may produce similar sensations but require different approaches. A clinician can help determine what is actually causing the symptoms.
Many people with gastritis have no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
H. pylori is a bacterium that can live in the stomach lining. It is a common cause of chronic gastritis and may also contribute to peptic ulcers. Long-standing untreated infection can increase the risk of stomach cancer in some people.
Regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin and diclofenac can irritate and injure the stomach lining. Do not stop prescribed medicines without speaking to your doctor.
Heavy alcohol use, smoking and bile reflux can irritate the stomach lining and contribute to inflammation.
In autoimmune gastritis, the immune system attacks cells in the stomach lining. Other causes include some infections, Crohn’s disease and severe physical stress on the body.
Everyday emotional stress can make stomach discomfort feel worse, but it should not automatically be assumed to be the cause of inflammation. “Stress gastritis” is also a medical term used for stomach injury associated with severe physical illness, such as critical illness or major trauma.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, medicines and possible risk factors. Depending on the findings, investigations may include:
Vomiting blood, black tarry stools or sudden severe pain require emergency attention.
Persistent or recurring discomfort should be assessed rather than repeatedly self-treated as “gastrik.”
No. A doctor may start with a history, examination and non-invasive tests. Gastroscopy is considered when symptoms, warning signs or other risk factors justify a closer examination.
Al-Islam Specialist Hospital in Kuala Lumpur provides gastroenterology consultations and gastroscopy services. A clinical assessment can help identify the cause of your discomfort and guide an appropriate treatment plan.
Explore Gastroenterology ServicesFor appointment enquiries: upp@al-islamhospital.com.my | WhatsApp +60 19-310 7889