Posted 8/30/2011 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
anglfrmhvn,
Yes I do believe stress and anxiety can cause gastritis.
I had gastritis two years ago. It hurt more when my stomach was empty.
You should see a doctor and the doctor should recommend an EGD scope. My gastritis was repeatedly missed by my primary care physician and the pulmonologist (who put me on the prednisone that started the problem). On my second visit to the ER I had a doctor who had me drink a lidocaine cocktail. It numbed my stomach and took the pain away, thus giving the preliminary diagnosis of gastritis.
After I was diagnosed I changed my diet and I was pain free for a few days, but then the pain returned and just wouldn't be subdued again for 3 months. I took Aciphex, Zantac, Carafate and Tums. Carafate (liquid) coats your stomach so it can heal and it can help a lot. You just have to time it between meals so it can stick to your stomach long enough to work.
I eventually turned the corner and got better at relaxing family weekend. Being super careful about what I ate and when I dosed my medications seemed like the right thing to do, but finding some way to relax and release stress would have been just as helpful in the healing. I wish anxiety were easy to control!
Good luck.