Can Gastritis Be Contagious?

Gastritis itself is generally not considered a contagious condition. However, whether it can be transmitted depends on the specific type of gastritis present. In most cases, common forms of gastritis are not infectious and do not pose a risk to others. But when gastritis is associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, it becomes contagious.

H. pylori is a bacterium that can spread from person to person through certain transmission routes. The primary modes of transmission include fecal-oral or oral-oral pathways. For example, consuming contaminated water or food, having close contact with an infected individual, or frequently eating at unhygienic street vendors can increase the risk of H. pylori transmission.

This bacterial infection is now recognized as a major cause of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. Moreover, long-term H. pylori infection has been linked to an increased risk of developing gastric cancer. Therefore, early detection and treatment of H. pylori are crucial to prevent complications and reduce the chances of spreading the infection to others.

When treating H. pylori-related gastritis, healthcare professionals typically follow internationally recommended regimens such as triple or quadruple therapy. The choice between these treatments depends on the patient's medical history, antibiotic resistance patterns, and other individual factors. Treatment usually lasts up to 14 days.

Quadruple therapy often includes two antibiotics, a bismuth-based compound, and a proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole or rabeprazole, along with medications like amoxicillin and clarithromycin. After completing the course, patients are advised to stop medication for about a month before undergoing a breath test to confirm whether the infection has been successfully eradicated.

During the treatment period, it's essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Avoiding alcohol and refraining from consuming spicy or irritating foods is highly recommended to support healing and improve treatment outcomes. Eating light meals and maintaining good hygiene practices can also help prevent reinfection or further spread of the bacteria.