General Information About Pangastritis
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
The word 'Pan' means whole/entire. Pangastritis is a condition where stomach inflammation irritates and reddens not just the stomach outlet or upper part, but the entire inner surface of the stomach (fundus, corpus, and antrum).
By far the most common cause is a Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection settling in the stomach. Furthermore, long-term use of rheumatism/painkiller medications, chronic alcoholism, and the pooling of bile acid in the stomach (bile reflux) can burn the entire stomach.
Symptoms include a burning, gnawing, or scraping pain in the upper abdomen (stomach area), a severe feeling of bloating immediately after meals, nausea, retching, loss of appetite, and frequent burping.
Yes. Because pangastritis thins the entire stomach lining, if left untreated, it can create open sores (ulcers) on the stomach surface. Atrophic (thinning) pangastritis that persists for many years carries the potential to turn into stomach cancer.
It cannot be understood merely by listening to complaints or through an ultrasound. An Endoscopy procedure is strictly necessary to examine all chambers of the stomach with a camera, visualize the redness, and take tiny biopsies to check for the H. Pylori bacteria.
If there are bacteria (H. Pylori) in the stomach, combinations of antibiotics are used. Stomach Protectant (PPI) medications that neutralize stomach acid are prescribed for months to allow the stomach to heal itself. The patient is advised to avoid spicy and acidic foods, coffee, and smoking.
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