Can gastritis cause severe stomach pain?
Joseph Russell
Updated on June 05, 2026
Patients suffering from gastritis can experience a range of symptoms, from mild nausea or a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating, to more severe symptoms like severe pain, a burning sensation, and vomiting. The root of these symptoms is an inflammation of the mucus lining of the stomach.
What does severe gastritis feel like?
In severe cases of gastritis, patients may also complain of chest pains, shortness of breath, weakness, or inability to tolerate any foods or liquids by the mouth along with high grade fever. Severe gastritis requires immediate medical attention. Gastritis causes abdominal pain, nausea and other symptoms.How do you get rid of severe gastritis pain?
Acid blockers — also called histamine (H-2) blockers — reduce the amount of acid released into your digestive tract, which relieves gastritis pain and encourages healing. Available by prescription or over the counter, acid blockers include famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and nizatidine (Axid AR).Where is the pain located with gastritis?
Dr. Lee says gastritis pain usually occurs in the mid-upper stomach region, just below the breastbone and above the belly button. People describe gastritis pain in different ways, but these descriptions are common: Nagging discomfort.How long does gastritis stomach pain last?
Acute gastritis usually lasts for a short period of time. In most cases, it resolves spontaneously within a few days or weeks once the inflammation has settled. In other cases, however, acute gastritis can lead to recurrent or long-term inflammation of the gastric mucosa, otherwise known as chronic gastritis.Acute Gastritis (Stomach Inflammation) | Causes, Signs & Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
What does the hospital do for gastritis?
Depending on the suspected cause of someone's gastritis, doctors will prescribe the necessary medications to reverse the condition. Doctors will also suggest and prescribe acid-reducing medications such as Zantac or Pepcid.Can gastritis cause sharp pain?
One person with gastritis may have no noticeable symptoms, while another may have severe symptoms. Typically, people report a sharp, stabbing, or burning pain in the upper-center or upper-left abdomen. The pain often radiates to the back. Other common symptoms include bloating and nausea.How do I know if my stomach pain is serious?
You should seek immediate medical attention or go to the ER if you have:
- Constant or severe abdominal pain.
- Pain associated with a high fever.
- Changes in pain intensity or location, such as going from a dull ache to a sharp stab or starting in one area and radiating to another.