Gastritis and acid reflux: the burning problem many people ignore

By Dr Tariq Jagnarine,
Fam Med, Global Health

Why this matters now
Many people regularly complain of a “hot stomach”, burning in the chest, bloating, sour burping, or discomfort after eating. These symptoms are often brushed aside as something minor, blamed only on pepper sauce, stress, or “bad food”, and treated with quick-relief tablets.
However, repeated digestive symptoms may be a sign of gastritis or acid reflux, two very common conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. In Guyana, changing eating habits, late-night meals, stress, alcohol use, and frequent self-medication may all contribute to these problems.
While symptoms may begin mildly, ignoring them can lead to poor sleep, reduced appetite, ulcers, bleeding, and long-term complications. The important message is this: persistent burning is not normal.

What is gastritis?
Gastritis means inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining. The stomach normally produces acid to help digest food, but it also has a protective lining to prevent that acid from damaging the stomach wall.
When this lining becomes inflamed, weakened, or damaged, symptoms develop. Gastritis may occur suddenly for a short time (acute gastritis) or continue for longer periods (chronic gastritis).
Common symptoms include:
•Burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen
•Nausea
•Feeling full quickly
•Bloating
•Loss of appetite
•Indigestion after meals
Some people have mild symptoms, while others experience daily discomfort that interferes with eating and normal life.

What Is acid reflux?
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid moves upward into the oesophagus (food pipe). Normally, a muscular valve at the lower end of the oesophagus keeps acid in the stomach. When this valve weakens or relaxes too often, acid can rise upward and irritate the lining.
This commonly causes heartburn, which feels like a burning sensation in the chest or throat.
Other symptoms may include:
•Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
•Frequent burping
•Chest discomfort after meals
•Symptoms worse when lying down
•Night-time coughing
•Hoarseness or throat irritation
When reflux happens often, it may be diagnosed as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Common causes in everyday life
Several common habits increase the risk of gastritis and reflux. Many of these are part of everyday life and can be improved with awareness.

Diet and eating habits
Large meals, fried foods, oily foods, spicy dishes, processed foods, and eating too quickly can trigger symptoms. Some people are especially sensitive to pepper, tomato-based foods, coffee, chocolate, or carbonated drinks.

Late-night eating
Eating heavy meals shortly before bed is a major cause of reflux. When lying flat soon after eating, stomach acid more easily moves upward into the chest.

Stress
Stress may not directly cause all digestive diseases, but it can worsen symptoms significantly. Stress can increase stomach sensitivity, lead to poor eating habits, and worsen bloating and discomfort.

Alcohol and smoking
Alcohol irritates the stomach lining and may increase acid production. Smoking weakens the protective valve that prevents reflux and also delays healing.

Painkillers
Frequent use of medications such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, aspirin, and similar anti-inflammatory drugs can damage the stomach lining and increase the risk of gastritis or ulcers.

The role of Helicobacter pylori
One important cause of gastritis is infection with Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that can live in the stomach lining for years.
Many people may have this infection without knowing it. Over time, it can cause chronic inflammation, peptic ulcers, and in some individuals increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Testing is available, and treatment with antibiotics can often cure the infection. This is why repeated symptoms should not be endlessly self-treated.
Symptoms you should never ignore
Occasional indigestion can happen to anyone. However, certain symptoms require medical evaluation as soon as possible.
Seek medical care if you have:
•Frequent or worsening burning pain
•Difficulty swallowing
•Vomiting repeatedly
•Vomiting blood
•Black or tarry stools
•Unexplained weight loss
•Ongoing symptoms despite treatment
•Chest pain that could be confused with heart disease
These warning signs may indicate ulcers, bleeding, severe inflammation, or another serious condition.

Treatment and relief
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Doctors may recommend:
•Medications that reduce stomach acid
•Antibiotics if Helicobacter pylori is present.
•Temporary protective medications for the stomach lining
•Lifestyle and dietary changes
•Weight reduction if excess weight is contributing.
•Stopping smoking and reducing alcohol intake
Some people may require further testing, such as endoscopy, if symptoms are severe, persistent, or associated with warning signs.
It is important not to rely on over-the-counter medication for months without medical review.

Simple lifestyle changes that help
Many people experience major improvement with practical daily changes:
Eat smaller meals instead of very large meals
Avoid lying down for at least 2–3 hours after eating
Reduce spicy, greasy, or trigger foods
Maintain a healthy body weight
Limit alcohol
Stop smoking
Manage stress
Drink water regularly
Avoid frequent unnecessary painkillers
These steps often reduce symptoms significantly and improve quality of life.

What families should know
Digestive symptoms often affect the whole household. Shared meal habits, late eating, frequent fast food, and stress can affect everyone in the family.
Parents should also pay attention when children or teenagers complain of repeated stomach pain, vomiting, or burning symptoms. These should not always be dismissed.
Healthy family meal routines can make a difference.
That burning feeling is not something to normalise or ignore.
Your body may be signalling that your stomach or oesophagus is irritated and needs attention. Temporary relief may help for a moment, but it does not always solve the problem.
Do not ignore repeated symptoms. Do not depend only on self-medication.
Treat the cause. Ease the burn. Protect your health.