What causes gastritis?

Gastritis is caused primarily by Helicobacter pylori bacteria that infect the stomach lining and break down the protective mucus layer. Other causes include long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic stress, and autoimmune disorders where the immune system attacks stomach cells. H. pylori infection accounts for the majority of chronic gastritis cases and is highly treatable with antibiotics once detected.

What is the best test for gastritis?

The H. Pylori Antigen Stool test is the most important test for gastritis because it detects active Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection, which causes the majority of gastritis cases. This non-invasive test identifies H. pylori antigens in your stool, confirming whether bacteria are present and actively causing stomach inflammation. A positive result allows your doctor to prescribe targeted antibiotic therapy combined with acid-reducing medications to eliminate the infection and heal the stomach lining. This test is essential because H. pylori gastritis responds extremely well to treatment when diagnosed early.

When should I get tested for gastritis?

You should get tested if you experience persistent stomach pain or burning in your upper abdomen, frequent nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, bloating after meals, or black tarry stools that might indicate bleeding. Testing is especially important if you have a family history of stomach ulcers or H. pylori infection, or if over-the-counter antacids are not relieving your symptoms. Early detection prevents progression to more serious complications like peptic ulcers or stomach bleeding.

What are the symptoms of gastritis?

Gastritis symptoms include burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen that may improve or worsen with eating, nausea and vomiting, feeling full quickly during meals, bloating, loss of appetite, and indigestion. Some people experience hiccups, dark or black stools indicating bleeding, or vomiting blood in severe cases. Many people with chronic gastritis have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, which is why testing is important if you have persistent digestive discomfort.

Who is at risk for gastritis?

People at higher risk for gastritis include those with H. pylori infection, regular users of pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin, heavy alcohol drinkers, people under chronic stress, older adults with naturally thinning stomach lining, and individuals with autoimmune diseases. You are also at increased risk if you have other infections, undergo radiation treatment, or have bile reflux from the small intestine back into the stomach.

What happens if gastritis is left untreated?

Untreated gastritis can progress to painful stomach ulcers that may bleed or perforate, requiring emergency medical treatment. Chronic H. pylori gastritis significantly increases the risk of developing stomach cancer over time. You may develop anemia from chronic bleeding, experience severe nutritional deficiencies from poor absorption, or develop atrophic gastritis where the stomach lining becomes severely damaged. Early testing and treatment prevent these serious complications and resolve symptoms quickly.

Can gastritis be diagnosed with a blood test?

While blood tests can detect antibodies to H. pylori showing past or current infection, the stool antigen test is more accurate for diagnosing active gastritis-causing infection. Blood tests may also check for anemia from gastric bleeding or vitamin B12 deficiency from chronic gastritis. The H. Pylori Antigen Stool test is preferred because it confirms active bacterial presence, while blood antibodies can remain positive even after the infection is successfully treated, making it harder to determine current infection status.

How is gastritis treated?

Gastritis treatment depends on the cause. H. pylori gastritis is treated with a combination of two antibiotics plus a proton pump inhibitor to reduce stomach acid, typically taken for 10-14 days. Medication-related gastritis improves by stopping the offending drug and taking acid-blocking medications. Your doctor may prescribe antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid and allow healing. Treating the underlying cause usually resolves gastritis within a few weeks.

How can I prevent gastritis?

You can prevent gastritis by practicing good hygiene to avoid H. pylori infection through contaminated food or water, limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption, taking pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin with food and only when necessary, managing stress through relaxation techniques, and eating smaller, more frequent meals. Avoid foods that irritate your stomach such as spicy, acidic, or fried foods. If you need long-term pain medication, talk to your doctor about protective medications to prevent stomach damage.

What can I do at home for gastritis?

At home, eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce stomach acid production, avoid irritating foods like spicy dishes, citrus, tomatoes, caffeine, and alcohol, and choose bland foods like rice, bananas, and toast during flare-ups. Over-the-counter antacids can provide temporary relief. Apply stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise. Stay hydrated and avoid eating within 2-3 hours of bedtime. However, home remedies do not eliminate H. pylori infection, so medical testing and treatment are essential for bacterial gastritis.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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Gastritis Blood Test | Private MD Labs

Gastritis Blood Test

What is Gastritis?

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining that causes pain, nausea, and digestive discomfort. It is caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria that colonize the stomach and disrupt the protective mucus layer. The H. Pylori Antigen Stool test is the most important test for diagnosing bacterial gastritis.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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