It's Easy to Confuse Gastritis With Other Disorders

Many digestive orders have the same signs and symptoms as gastritis and may be confused with this disorder:

• Gastroenteritis.
  Gastroenteritis is the common viral stomach flu. Signs and symptoms are the same as gastritis, but also includes diarrhea. The stomach flu never lasts longer than 24-48 hours; whereas, gastritis lasts longer.
• Heartburn.
  Heartburn, or gastric esophageal reflux disorder (GERDs) occurs when contents from your stomach re-enter the esophagus (the tube which starts at the back of your throat and goes to your stomach). This causes a painful burning sensation in your breastbone, throat or back. It is sometimes confused with a heart attack. A sour taste, or feeling that partially digested food is being swallowed again are also common signs of heartburn.
• Stomach ulcers.
  Stomach ulcers are the end result of the bacteria h. pyloria causing a chronic inflammation of your inner stomach lining. The constant irritation may eventually erode through the lining, causing an open, bleeding sore inside your stomach. Symptoms are pain, which is worse when your stomach has been empty for a while. Black tarry stools, or vomiting blood may also occur
• Nonulcer dyspepsia.
  This disorder is the most similar to gastritis, and sometimes the terms are used interchangeably. In this disorder, more stomach acid is present than usual. It may be caused by stress, or types of food which are eaten.