Chronic gastritis in seniors is a condition where the stomach’s inner lining becomes inflamed over a long period, often leading to discomfort and various digestive issues. Recognizing the signs early is important because symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for normal aging or other illnesses.
One of the most common signs is **persistent upper abdominal pain or discomfort**, often described as a dull or burning sensation just below the ribs. This pain may worsen after eating or when the stomach is empty. Seniors might also experience **bloating and a feeling of fullness** even after eating small amounts of food, which can affect appetite and nutrition.
**Nausea and occasional vomiting** are frequent symptoms. Sometimes, vomiting may contain blood or look like coffee grounds, which indicates bleeding in the stomach lining and requires immediate medical attention. Another sign is **loss of appetite**, which can lead to unintended weight loss and weakness.
**Indigestion or heartburn** is common, where seniors feel a burning sensation rising from the stomach or lower chest up toward the throat. This can be accompanied by **excessive burping or flatulence**. Some may notice **hiccups or a sour taste in the mouth**, which are less obvious but still related to gastritis.
In more advanced cases, chronic gastritis can cause **anemia** due to bleeding or poor absorption of vitamin B12, leading to symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, and dizziness. Seniors might also experience **black, tarry stools**, which indicate bleeding in the digestive tract.
Because seniors often take medications like NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for arthritis or other chronic conditions, these drugs can irritate the stomach lining and worsen gastritis symptoms. Alcohol consumption can also aggravate the condition, causing more severe inflammation and discomfort.
Sometimes, chronic gastritis is caused by an infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which can lead to similar symptoms but may also cause ulcers or increase the risk of stomach cancer if untreated.
Other subtle signs include **fatigue and general weakness**, which may be linked to poor digestion and nutrient absorption. Some seniors might feel **mild nausea without vomiting** or experience **frequent indigestion that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter antacids**.
Because symptoms can overlap with other conditions like gallstones, acid reflux, or even heart problems, it’s important for seniors experiencing persistent digestive discomfort to seek medical evaluation. A doctor may recommend tests such as endoscopy, blood tests, or stool tests to confirm chronic gastritis and rule out other causes.
In summary, the signs of chronic gastritis in seniors include:
– Persistent upper abdominal pain or burning sensation
– Bloating and early fullness after meals
– Nausea, sometimes with vomiting
– Loss of appetite and weight loss
– Indigestion and heartburn
– Excessive burping and flatulence
– Hiccups and sour taste in the mouth
– Fatigue and weakness due to anemia
– Black, tarry stools indicating bleeding
Recognizing these signs early helps manage the condition effectively and prevents complications such as ulcers or bleeding.