Final answer:
Gastritis is characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining, leading to nausea, loss of appetite, bloating, burping, and weight loss. Severe cases may cause bleeding ulcers and stomach perforation. Symptoms such as indigestion and heartburn can also be indicative of gastritis, though they may be symptoms of other gastrointestinal conditions as well.
Step-by-step explanation:
Signs and Symptoms of Gastritis
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining that can lead to several symptoms. Common signs and symptoms of gastritis include nausea, lack of appetite, bloating, burping, and weight loss. More severe cases may result in bleeding ulcers, leading to dark stools. Without treatment, these ulcers may deepen, involve more tissues, and possibly lead to stomach perforation, a very serious condition where digestive enzymes and acid leak into the body.
Other symptoms associated with gastritis may include stomach cramps or pain, increased gas, fatigue, and in the case of acute cases, severe dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea. It is important to note that while symptoms like indigestion, heartburn, and belching can arise from gastritis, they might also originate from other conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or peptic ulcers.
Immediate medical attention may be required if there is excessive vomiting (emesis), severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration, as these could indicate a more serious underlying condition.