Alcohol affects nearly every organ system in the body. Repeated alcohol consumption can lead to various physical and mental health issues, including complications in the digestive system. Alcoholic gastritis is one of the lesser-known complications of alcohol abuse. Although it is an uncommon condition, alcohol-related gastritis frequently occurs in people with alcohol use disorder, i.e., in those who drink heavily for long periods.

What is alcohol-induced gastritis?

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. It can occur due to various reasons, such as infection, regular use of certain pain medications, and drinking too much alcohol. 

There are several types of gastritis. Erosive gastritis is a condition in which the stomach lining is worn away, causing shallow erosions or ulcers. Reactive gastritis occurs when the lining of the stomach comes in contact with irritating substances over a prolonged period. Gastritis can be acute (sudden inflammation lasting for a short time) or chronic (slowly developing inflammation lasting for a long time).

Chronic alcohol abuse can irritate the stomach lining over time and cause reactive gastritis that is erosive. This is called alcoholic gastritis. 

Why does alcohol cause gastritis?

Alcoholic gastritis can develop in people who abuse alcohol for a long time. It occurs because long-term alcohol consumption can irritate and erode the stomach lining. When the stomach lining remains inflamed, it is more vulnerable to stomach acid and other inflammatory ingredients in food. 

Some studies have shown that chronic gastritis is present in 100% of people with a history of alcohol addiction and people who have been drinking for more than 10 years. A specific type of gastritis called atrophic gastritis has been detected in people with heavy alcohol use, where the stomach lining thins. 

How much alcohol can irritate the stomach lining?

It is difficult to predict how much alcohol can cause alcoholic gastritis. It depends on a person’s underlying health status and individual body chemistry. 

However, heavy drinking, binge-drinking, and drinking alcohol for long periods are more likely to cause alcoholic gastritis. 

Note that alcoholic gastritis can be a warning sign of alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder. In other words, when alcoholic gastritis causes symptoms, it could be a sign that a person needs addiction treatment.

It is also worth remembering that other factors can worsen alcoholic gastritis. For example, aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), spicy foods, cigarette smoking, certain illegal drugs, and chronic stress can trigger symptoms of alcoholic gastritis.

What are alcoholic gastritis symptoms? What does alcohol gastritis feel like?

Not everyone experiences symptoms of alcoholic gastritis. When present, symptoms can be non-specific and may be mistaken for something else. Common symptoms of alcoholic gastritis include:

• A gnawing or burning ache in the belly
• Stomach pain in the upper abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Indigestion
• Upset stomach
• Bloating
• Burping
• Hiccups
• Vomiting blood or coffee grounds vomit
• Blood in the stool or black, tarry stools
• Loss of appetite

Does alcoholic gastritis go away?

Alcoholic gastritis does not go away. It is important to treat gastritis to avoid serious complications like gastrointestinal tract bleeding, which can be a medical emergency. If you do not seek medical attention for alcohol gastritis symptoms and do not stop drinking alcohol, it can cause permanent damage to your stomach and digestive system.

What are other gastrointestinal risks of excessive alcohol consumption?

Besides causing stomach inflammation, chronic drinking and alcohol abuse can cause other severe complications in the digestive tract. 

Some of the digestive issues and health complications that can occur as a result of chronic alcohol use are listed below.

• Acute gastritis
• Chronic gastritis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux)
• Excessive vomiting
• Upper gastrointestinal bleeding
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Stomach ulcers
• Polyps and tumors in the stomach
• Increased risk of stomach cancer
• Damage to the liver
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Increased risk of mouth, pharynx, esophagus, liver, colon, and rectum cancers

What is the treatment for alcoholic gastritis?

Treating alcoholic gastritis consists of quitting alcohol and using medications to control gastric mucosal inflammation. 

Medications that may be prescribed for alcoholic gastritis treatment include antibiotics, antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors to heal and protect the lining of the stomach. 

Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes during treatment, such as eating smaller meals and avoiding spicy or acidic foods, coffee, and colas. If you smoke, you will be advised to cut down or quit smoking. Your doctor will also ask you to avoid certain over-the-counter pain medications that can cause stomach ulcers (painful sores in the stomach lining). 

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, it is important to seek professional treatment advice at an alcohol rehab facility. A professional treatment provider can help you overcome substance abuse and avoid the complications of alcohol addiction, such as alcoholic gastritis. 

References:

1. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastritis-gastropathy/definition-facts
2. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohols-effects-body
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12898897/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8728788/