Burn Injury Resource Center

Gastritis refers to inflammation of the lining (mucosa) of the stomach which may progress to form an ulcer.

Risk factors:

1. Patients on mechanical ventilators or who are intubated for more than 24 hours.
2. Smoke inhalation.
3. Severe burns such as third degree burns.
4. Trauma.
5. Severe illness.
6. Shock such as septic shock, hemorrhagic shock, etc.
7. Patients with multiple organ failure.

The risk of developing stress ulcer in severe burns has decreased with the improvements of critical care and the use of medications.

Signs and symptoms:

1. Can be a symptomatic in early stages.
2. Burning pain.
3. Blood mixed with vomitus that will have the color of coffee.
4. Melena which is the passage of blood in stool.
5. Hematemesis in severe cases which is the vomiting of pure blood.

Preventive measures in burned patients are the use of medications such as antacids and other medications which decrease the effect of gastric acid on the mucosa. Adequate fluid replacement after a burn injury will decrease the risk of developing stress gastritis as decreased blood supply to the stomach (ischemia) that results from fluid loss in burned patients plays a role in the development of the disease. Early feeding is also one of the important preventive measures.

If a stress ulcer develops, the treating physician will determine the type of treatment needed. In certain conditions surgical intervention may be needed.

This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice; it should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.