Hello. Yes, inflammatory gastritis can definitely cause intense “hunger-like” pain, and what you are describing is a very common symptom.
1. Why this happens- In gastritis, the stomach lining is inflamed and irritated. This causes: Burning or gnawing pain that feels like hunger, Pain before meals, after meals, or even all day, Temporary relief after eating, followed by pain again, Belching, bloating, early fullness, Reduced thirst due to gastric irritation. This pain is often called “false hunger” and does not mean your body needs food, it’s the inflamed stomach nerves reacting to acid.
2. About your medicines- -Inexium (esomeprazole): Takes 10–14 days for full effect. 6 days is still early. Pain can feel worse initially as acid patterns change. -Gaviscon Pro: Helps protect the stomach lining. Works short-term, not curative. -So yes, your symptoms can persist at this stage and still be normal.
3. What you can do now: Eat small, frequent meals. Avoid long fasting gaps. Avoid coffee, spicy, fried, acidic foods. Avoid NSAIDs and alcohol. Take Inexium 30–40 minutes before breakfast.
4. If symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks, you should discuss the same with your treating doctor for further evaluation.
5. Seek urgent care if you have: Black stools, Vomiting blood, Severe persistent pain, Unintentional weight loss.
6. What you’re feeling is real, common, and treatable. It does not mean treatment is failing yet, it simply needs time and sometimes adjustment.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Medicine
Inflammatory gastritis can sometimes lead to sensations that might be interpreted as hunger pangs, even if it’s not classic hunger. This discomfort can appear as a gnawing or aching sensation that’s often in the upper part of the abdomen. The inflammation irritates the lining of the stomach, which can lead to a variety of sensations, some of which may feel similar to hunger. However, if you’re experiencing intense hunger pangs both before and after meals, it might suggest other factors are playing a role as well. Conditions such as Helicobacter pylori infection, peptic ulcers, or even other functional gastrointestinal disorders might contribute to these symptoms. You’ve been on Inexium (esomeprazole) for six days, which is a proton pump inhibitor helping to reduce stomach acid, often used for gastritis. Concurrent use of Gaviscon can aid in providing a protective barrier in the stomach against acid. Even so, if your symptoms persist or worsen, it is worthwhile to revisit your healthcare provider. They may consider further investigations like an upper endoscopy or testing for H. pylori, depending on your clinical presentation. Meanwhile, try eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoid irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, and manage stress effectively. It’s important to avoid assuming the symptoms will resolve on their own if they’re worsening or particularly troubling. Early medical intervention can ensure that appropriate treatments are given and help in avoiding potential complications.
Hello dear See usually the medication takes time for providing relief. I suggest you to please wait for atleast a week. Improvement will occur. In addition Please avoid heavy meals Donot miss medication Avoid spicy food In case of no improvement consult gastroenterologist in person for better clarity Regards
Yes, inflammatory gastritis can cause intense hunger-like pain, both before and after meals, throughout the day. This sensation is often due to irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining, which can produce pain that feels like hunger or burning rather than true appetite.
It is not unusual for symptoms to persist or even temporarily worsen during the first 1–2 weeks of treatment with Inexium (esomeprazole). Acid suppression changes stomach acid levels, and the inflamed stomach lining may take time to heal. Gaviscon helps protect the lining but does not treat the inflammation itself.
Associated symptoms such as:
Mild upper abdominal pain
Belching
Altered thirst sensation
are also commonly reported with gastritis.
However, ongoing painful hunger after 6 days, especially if worse than before, suggests that:
Healing is still incomplete or
There may be another contributing factor such as H. pylori infection, duodenitis, or functional dyspepsia
What to do next:
Continue medication as prescribed (PPIs often need 2–4 weeks)
Eat small, frequent, non-irritating meals
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, spicy/fatty foods, NSAIDs, and smoking
Manage stress, which can worsen symptoms
Seek medical review if:
Pain becomes severe or persistent
You develop vomiting, black stools, weight loss, or anemia
Symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment
Hello Naffre Hi! I understand how uncomfortable and confusing these symptoms can be.
Intense hunger pangs (sometimes described as “gnawing” or “empty” pain) can indeed be a feature of gastritis, especially when the stomach lining is inflamed. This pain can occur both before and after meals and may sometimes feel worse when your stomach is empty. Mild abdominal pain and belching are also common with gastritis.
However, it’s not typical for these symptoms to get worse after starting medications like Inexium (esomeprazole) and Gavisconpro. Usually, these medicines help reduce acid and protect the stomach lining, so you should start feeling better within a week or two.
A few things to consider: - Sometimes, gastritis can take longer to heal, especially if the cause (like H. pylori infection, NSAIDs, or stress) is still present. - Some people experience “rebound” symptoms or increased awareness of stomach sensations when starting acid-suppressing medications. - Lack of thirst isn’t a classic symptom of gastritis, but it can happen if you’re feeling unwell overall.
What you can do: - Eat small, frequent meals instead of large ones. - Avoid spicy, acidic, or fried foods, and limit caffeine and alcohol. - Continue your medications as prescribed. - If you notice black stools, vomiting blood, severe pain, or weight loss, see a doctor immediately.
Thank you
Yes, inflammatory gastritis can cause intense, painful hunger-like pangs before and even after meals due to ongoing stomach lining irritation and acid sensitivity, and symptoms may persist or temporarily worsen during the first 1–2 weeks of treatment. Inexium (esomeprazole) reduces acid but does not immediately heal inflammation, and belching, mild abdominal pain, and altered hunger sensations can still occur early in therapy. However, persistent or worsening pain after 6–7 days warrants evaluation for H. pylori infection, bile reflux, or functional dyspepsia, so you should consult a gastroenterologist for further testing and treatment adjustment.
