Stress significantly impacts gastritis, worsening symptoms and potentially contributing to its development. The body's stress response leads to several detrimental changes in the stomach.
The Mechanism of Stress-Induced Gastritis
The stress response reduces the stomach's ability to renew its lining, causing gastric mucosal atrophy. This means the stomach's protective layer thins, becoming more vulnerable. Reduced blood flow to the stomach further compromises its defenses, increasing the risk of acid-pepsin ulceration and hyperacid secretion (excessive stomach acid production). [^1] Anxiety triggers hormonal changes that boost the secretion of gastric juices, leading to inflammation. [^2, ^3] Strong emotions, such as anxiety, stress, and nervousness are key triggers for stress-induced gastritis. [^2, ^3] This excess acid, over time, erodes the stomach lining, causing inflammation characteristic of gastritis. [^5] Severe stress from major events like surgery, injury, burns, or infections can also cause acute gastritis. [^6] While stress and spicy foods don't directly cause gastritis and ulcers, they exacerbate symptoms. [^7]
Types of Gastritis Affected by Stress
Stress plays a role in several forms of gastritis:
- Stress-induced gastritis: This is a direct result of the physiological changes caused by stress.
- Acute gastritis: Severe stress can trigger acute gastritis, which typically resolves once the stressful event passes. [^6]
- Stress-related erosive syndrome: This is another name for stress-induced gastritis, highlighting the erosion of the stomach lining. [^4]
Treatment Considerations
Stress-induced gastritis treatment involves managing stress, making dietary changes, and potentially using medication. [^8] Focusing on stress reduction techniques, such as relaxation exercises and lifestyle modifications, is crucial in mitigating the impact of stress on gastritis.
[^1]: The stress response of the body results in the decrease of gastric renewal, leading to atrophy of the gastric mucosa. Blood flow to the stomach decreases and makes the stomach more prone to acid-pepsin ulceration and hyperacid secretion.
[^2]: UniCamillus: Stress-induced gastritis: when stress affects the stomach
[^3]: Tuasaude: Stress-Induced Gastritis: Symptoms, Causes & 5 Treatment Options
[^4]: eMedicine: Stress-Induced Gastritis: Practice Essentials, Background
[^5]: Northeast Digestive: Can Stress And Anxiety Cause Gastritis?
[^6]: Mayo Clinic: Gastritis - Symptoms and causes
[^7]: NIH News in Health: Gut Feelings About Gastritis
[^8]: Triborough GI: Stress and Gastritis: How are They Related?
