Gastritis Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Gastritis is inflammation (irritation) of the lining of the stomach. It can be short term (acute) or long term (chronic), and may be caused by infection, alcohol, certain medications, and some allergic or immune conditions.

In Grand Rapids, MI, gastritis is commonly diagnosed and treated by local healthcare providers such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health, as well as many primary care and gastroenterology clinics across Kent County.

Cold Michigan winters, seasonal illnesses, and common medication use (like pain relievers for arthritis or sports injuries) can all play a role in triggering or worsening gastritis symptoms.

What Is Gastritis?

Gastritis occurs when the protective lining of your stomach becomes inflamed. Normally, the stomach lining (epithelium) is coated with a thick layer of mucus (gastric mucosa) that protects it from strong stomach acid and digestive enzymes, including hydrochloric acid. When this lining is damaged or irritated, inflammation develops and can lead to discomfort, bleeding, or ulcers.

Gastritis can be:

  • Acute gastritis – sudden onset, often with more intense symptoms lasting a few days.
  • Chronic gastritis – develops slowly and can last for months or years, sometimes with mild or no symptoms.

Gastritis Symptoms

Many People Have No Symptoms

In many cases, especially with mild or chronic gastritis, there may be no noticeable symptoms. This is called asymptomatic gastritis and is often found by chance during tests like an endoscopy done for another reason.

Common Symptoms of Gastritis

When symptoms do occur, they may include:

  • Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen (just under the ribs)
  • Burning or gnawing stomach pain
  • Nausea or feeling “queasy”
  • Indigestion or bloating after meals
  • Loss of appetite
  • Hiccups
  • Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
  • Blood in the stool or black, tar-like stools (called melaena), which can indicate bleeding in the stomach
  • Unintentional weight loss

If you notice blood in your vomit or black stools, seek urgent medical care at a Grand Rapids emergency department (such as Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids) or call 911.

The Stomach and Its Lining

The stomach is a key organ in your digestive system. Food you swallow travels down the esophagus into the stomach, where it is mixed with:

  • Gastric juices containing digestive enzymes
  • Hydrochloric acid, which helps break down food and kill bacteria

The inner surface of the stomach is lined with folded tissue (epithelium) covered by a protective mucus layer. Special glands in the stomach secrete this mucus and other substances.

Where Inflammation Occurs

Inflammation from gastritis happens in this stomach lining. When the protective mucus layer is weakened or damaged, acid and digestive juices can irritate the tissue, causing pain and sometimes bleeding or ulcers.

Causes of Gastritis

Gastritis can be caused by many factors. Common causes seen in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan include:

  • Medications

    • Aspirin
    • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen
      These are commonly used for joint pain, sports injuries, and chronic conditions, especially in colder months when pain can flare.

  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection

    • A common bacterial infection and the leading cause of many stomach and duodenal ulcers
    • The bacteria live in the stomach lining and their chemicals cause irritation and inflammation

  • Alcohol use

    • Regular or heavy drinking can irritate and erode the stomach lining

  • Prolonged vomiting

    • From severe infections, pregnancy-related nausea, or other conditions

  • Stress-related overproduction of stomach acid

    • Severe physical stress (such as major illness, surgery, or injury) can increase acid production in some people

  • Bile reflux

    • Backflow of bile from the small intestine (duodenum) into the stomach

  • Allergic and immune conditions

    • For example, pernicious anemia, an autoimmune condition that affects vitamin B12 absorption and can damage the stomach lining

  • Radiation exposure

    • Radiation therapy to the chest or abdomen can irritate the stomach lining

Some forms of chronic gastritis, such as chronic atrophic gastritis, have been associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer. Regular follow-up with a gastroenterologist in Grand Rapids is important if you have long-term gastritis.

Peptic Ulcers and Gastritis

A peptic ulcer is a sore or hole in the lining of the:

  • Stomach
  • Duodenum (first part of the small intestine)
  • Esophagus

Gastritis, especially when caused by H. pylori infection or long-term NSAID use, can lead to peptic ulcers if not treated. Ulcers can cause:

  • Burning stomach pain
  • Bleeding (vomiting blood or black stools)
  • Serious complications if left untreated

How Gastritis Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

If you see a Grand Rapids primary care provider or gastroenterologist for ongoing stomach pain, indigestion, or unexplained weight loss, they may recommend several tests.

1. Endoscopy

An upper endoscopy is one of the main tests for diagnosing gastritis:

  • A thin, flexible tube (endoscope) with a camera is gently passed down your esophagus into your stomach.
  • The doctor can directly see the stomach lining on a video screen.
  • If the gastric mucosa appears reddened, swollen, or eroded, this may indicate gastritis.

Endoscopies are commonly performed at local hospitals and outpatient centers, including Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and other specialty clinics.

2. Biopsy

During an endoscopy, the doctor may take small tissue samples (biopsies) from the stomach lining:

  • The samples are sent to a lab and examined by a pathologist.
  • The pathologist looks for:
    • Inflammatory cells
    • Damage to the epithelium
    • Signs of H. pylori infection
    • Changes that might increase cancer risk

A biopsy is the most accurate way to confirm gastritis and identify its cause.

3. Tests for H. pylori

To diagnose H. pylori infection, your provider may order:

  • Breath test – you drink a special solution, and your breath is tested for gases produced by the bacteria.
  • Stool test – checks for H. pylori in a stool sample.
  • Blood test – may detect antibodies, though breath and stool tests are often preferred.

These tests are widely available through Grand Rapids clinics and hospital labs.

Treatment for Gastritis in Grand Rapids, MI

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your gastritis. Your Grand Rapids healthcare provider will create a plan that may include:

1. Identifying and Removing the Cause

Once the cause is identified, steps can be taken to reduce irritation:

  • Alcohol
    • Reduce or avoid alcohol if it is triggering inflammation.
  • Medications (NSAIDs, aspirin)
    • Your doctor may:
      • Lower the dose
      • Switch to a different medication
      • Add protective medications to reduce stomach acid

Never stop prescription medications without talking to your provider.

2. Medications to Reduce Stomach Acid

Several types of medications can reduce the acid content in gastric juices, allowing the stomach lining to heal:

  • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) – reduce acid production
  • H2 blockers – lower acid levels
  • Antacids – neutralize existing stomach acid

You may need to take these medications for a few weeks or months, depending on your situation. Many are available at pharmacies throughout Grand Rapids, but should be used under medical guidance if symptoms persist.

3. Treatment for H. pylori Infection

If tests show H. pylori infection:

  • You will usually be prescribed a combination of antibiotics plus an acid-reducing medication.
  • Treatment typically lasts 1–2 weeks.
  • After treatment, a follow-up breath or stool test is done to make sure the bacteria are gone.

Treating H. pylori can significantly reduce the risk of ulcers and some types of stomach cancer.

4. Dietary and Lifestyle Changes

Your provider may recommend:

  • Limiting or avoiding:
    • Alcohol
    • Caffeine (coffee, energy drinks, some sodas)
    • Spicy or very fatty foods if they worsen symptoms
  • Eating smaller, more frequent meals
  • Avoiding lying down immediately after eating
  • Managing stress (especially during long Michigan winters when outdoor activity may be reduced)

5. When No Treatment Is Needed

Sometimes, mild gastritis is found by chance during an endoscopy and is not causing symptoms. In these cases:

  • Your doctor may simply monitor the condition.
  • You may be advised to avoid known irritants (like NSAIDs or heavy alcohol use) and return if symptoms develop.

Living With Gastritis in Grand Rapids

With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people with gastritis in Grand Rapids can manage symptoms well and prevent complications. Tips for local residents include:

  • Establish care with a primary care provider or gastroenterologist at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or another local clinic.
  • Be cautious with over-the-counter pain relievers, especially during winter months when joint pain and injuries may increase.
  • Seek medical advice if you experience ongoing indigestion, upper abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Contact a Grand Rapids emergency department or call 911 if you have:

  • Vomit that looks like coffee grounds or contains blood
  • Black, tar-like stools
  • Sudden, severe stomach pain
  • Dizziness, fainting, or signs of significant blood loss

Local Resources for Gastritis and Digestive Health

Residents of Grand Rapids and Kent County can access:

  • Primary Care and Gastroenterology Clinics
    Available through Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, and independent practices.
  • Kent County Health Department
    Offers community health information and resources.
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics
    Can provide guidance on digestive health, nutrition, and smoking or alcohol cessation programs.

If you have ongoing stomach symptoms, schedule an appointment with your local Grand Rapids healthcare provider to discuss evaluation and treatment options for gastritis.