Can stress cause gastritis? - #12348
I am really worried about my stomach lately! For the past few months, I’ve been feeling this constant burning sensation, especially after meals. I thought it might just be something I ate but then I started to notice that whenever my work gets super hectic or when I'm dealing with family stuff, the pain gets way worse. Like, does stress really play into this? I’ve been trying to figure out if my anxiety is somehow the cause of this gastritis because every time I read about it, they mention things like stress could be a factor. I went to a doctor last week and they suggested it might be gastritis, but then again, I keep asking myself, can stress cause gastritis? And if that’s true, how do I deal with both? I keep hearing that stress can mess up your stomach, but is it enough to cause actual inflammation? My appetite is gone too, and I’m kinda freaking out about it. I don’t want this to mess up my life more than it already has. Could they be connected or am I just overthinking things here? Anyone else deal with this where stress caused gastritis for you? Would love to hear if anyone has been there.
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Stress can indeed play a role in exacerbating gastritis symptoms. While stress alone is not typically a direct cause of the inflammation that leads to gastritis, it’s well-established that stress can aggravate the stomach lining, making existing conditions worse. There are other factors more directly linked to the onset of gastritis, such as infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged use of NSAIDs, and even certain autoimmune conditions that can independently inflame the stomach lining. However, stress has been shown to increase stomach acid production, which, in turn, may exacerbate inflammation or discomfort in the stomach, especially if there’s already an underlying issue. Managing both gastritis and stress in your daily life involves a multifaceted approach. Firstly, identify whether there are stressors that you could reduce or restructure. Activities such as regular exercise, meditation, or yoga can help mitigate stress effects. Dietary moderation is equally important; spicy, acidic or fatty foods can worsen symptoms, so consider dietary adjustments that align with a bland diet, focusing on gentle, nourishing foods. If a bacterial infection like H. pylori is diagnosed, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics or acid-reducing medications. It’s vital to have a clear treatment strategy—sometimes incorporating medications like proton pump inhibitors or antacids to manage stomach acidity and protect the stomach lining. Ensure clear communication with your healthcare provider to tailor a plan that addresses your specific triggers and lifestyle. If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s crucial to follow up with the healthcare provider to evaluate the need for further testing, like an upper endoscopy, to rule out more serious conditions.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.