1.9K Reviews    |    4.7 Star Rating    |    20+ years of experience    |    72k+ Patients Treated

Lymphocytic Gastritis

Lymphocytic gastritis is a rare stomach inflammation caused by excess lymphocytes in the stomach lining. At GastroDoxs in Houston, Dr. Bharat Pothuri offers diagnosis and personalized treatment plans-including lifestyle changes, medications, and minimally invasive procedures-to relieve symptoms and promote healing.

Call Us 832-632-4070 Schedule Now Click Here Text Us 832-632-4070 Learn More Click Here
Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
American College of Gastroenterology
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Memorial hermann
Houston Methodist leading Medicine
HCA Houston Healthcare
Bharat Pothuri

About the Expert

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a board-certified gastroenterologist and the founder of GastroDoxs. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

What Is Lymphocytic Gastritis?

Lymphocytic gastritis is a rare form of stomach inflammation marked by an excessive buildup of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) in the stomach lining. This cellular overgrowth can lead to irritation, pain, and various digestive disturbances.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Autoimmune disorders targeting the stomach lining
  • Celiac disease triggered by gluten exposure
  • Infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria
  • Regular use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
  • Age (more common in older adults) and female sex

Signs and Symptoms

  • Burning or aching pain in the upper abdomen
  • Nausea, with or without vomiting
  • Feeling full quickly after small meals
  • Loss of appetite and unintended weight loss
  • General digestive discomfort and bloating

Expert Treatment for Lymphocytic Gastritis by Dr. Bharat Pothuri

Dr. Pothuri uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Physical Exam

He reviews your symptoms-especially epigastric pain, nausea, early satiety-along with medical history, medication use (NSAIDs), autoimmune risk factors, and dietary triggers such as gluten.

Blood Tests

  • Complete blood count to detect anemia or signs of chronic inflammation.
  • Serologic screening for celiac disease (tTG-IgA).
  • H. pylori testing via urea breath, stool antigen, or antibody assays.

Upper Endoscopy

An endoscopic examination allows direct visualization of the stomach lining to identify erythema, nodularity, or other mucosal changes associated with gastritis.

Biopsy and Histological Analysis

Multiple gastric mucosal samples are taken during endoscopy to quantify intraepithelial lymphocytes and confirm the diagnosis of lymphocytic gastritis.

Additional Testing (if needed)

If autoimmune gastritis or other less common causes are suspected, Dr. Pothuri may order antibody panels or advanced imaging studies to complete the evaluation.

Dr. Bharat Pothuri
Treatment

Our Team offers comprehensive care for lymphocytic gastritis.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications

  • Eat small, frequent meals to reduce stomach irritation
  • Avoid spicy, fried, or highly acidic foods that can worsen symptoms
  • Limit caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco to promote healing
  • Incorporate stress-management techniques such as yoga or meditation

2. Medications

  • Proton pump inhibitors to lower gastric acid and soothe the lining
  • H2 blockers to protect the stomach wall from further damage
  • Antibiotic regimens for Helicobacter pylori eradication when indicated
  • Iron or vitamin B12 supplementation if blood work shows deficiencies

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

  • Diagnostic endoscopy with targeted biopsy to confirm healing progress
  • Endoscopic therapy for any ulcers or bleeding detected during evaluation
  • Regular follow-up scopes at GastroDoxs' modern endoscopy suite to monitor recovery
1.5K

Patients Treated

Dr. Pothuri has treated more than 1.5K patients, helping individuals improve their digestive health and overall well-being through expert, personalized care.

20Y

Years of Experience

With over 20 years of experience, GastroDoxs has been a trusted provider of gastroenterology care, focusing on delivering the best outcomes for patients

Bharat Pothuri

About the Author

Dr. Bharat Pothuri is a Board-Certified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist. With extensive experience in digestive health, he specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures, chronic GI disorder management, and preventive care. Dr. Pothuri is dedicated to providing expert, patient-focused insights to help improve gut health and overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes lymphocytic gastritis different?

Unlike other forms of gastritis, lymphocytic gastritis is characterized by an abnormally high number of lymphocytes (white blood cells) in the stomach lining, confirmed via biopsy during endoscopy.

Can diet alone fix lymphocytic gastritis?

While dietary adjustments-such as avoiding spicy, acidic, and fried foods-can help relieve symptoms, they do not cure the condition. A full treatment plan often includes medications and addressing underlying causes.

Is lymphocytic gastritis dangerous?

If left untreated, it may lead to complications like ulcers or bleeding. However, most patients respond well to targeted therapies and heal without major issues.

How long does treatment typically take?

Many patients notice symptom relief within 4-8 weeks. Complete healing of the stomach lining can require several months and depends on cause and adherence to treatment.

Will I need follow-up appointments?

Yes. Periodic follow-ups-including endoscopic checks and lab tests-ensure the stomach lining is healing properly and help prevent recurrence.

Can children develop lymphocytic gastritis?

Although rare, children-especially those with celiac disease or autoimmune disorders-can develop lymphocytic gastritis. Diagnosis and management follow similar protocols as in adults.

Are support groups available?

Yes. Local celiac and autoimmune disease support groups in Houston can provide education, resources, and community for patients and families.

Related Blogs
Abdominal Pain

How an Upper Endoscopy Can Identify Your Digestive Discomfort

Read More
Abdominal Pain

Trouble Swallowing? It Could Be Dysphagia

Read More
Abdominal Pain

Understanding Gastrointestinal Intolerance

Read More