Gastritis, which is the inflammation of the stomach lining, is primarily known for causing upper abdominal discomfort. While dizziness or lightheadedness is not a primary, expected symptom, it frequently arises as a secondary effect. The link between gastritis and dizziness involves both direct neurological responses and indirect systemic consequences of the condition.
Understanding Gastritis
Gastritis is defined as inflammation of the gastric mucosa, the protective layer lining the stomach. This inflammation can be acute, occurring suddenly, or chronic, developing slowly over time. Common causes include infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and heavy alcohol consumption.
The most typical symptoms are a gnawing or burning ache in the upper abdomen that may worsen or improve after eating. Patients also frequently experience nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of uncomfortable fullness in the upper belly.
The Direct Physiological Link
Severe inflammation or pain in the stomach can directly trigger neurological pathways leading to dizziness or lightheadedness. This connection is primarily mediated by the vagus nerve, which heavily innervates the stomach and plays a large role in the parasympathetic nervous system. When the stomach lining is highly irritated, it can overstimulate the vagus nerve, causing a vasovagal response.
This overreaction leads to a sudden, temporary drop in both heart rate and blood pressure. The resulting reduction in blood flow to the brain causes transient symptoms like lightheadedness, a spinning sensation, or even fainting, which is medically termed vasovagal syncope.
Indirect Factors Triggered by Gastritis
Dizziness is often a result of systemic issues that develop due to the ongoing effects of gastritis on the body. One common indirect cause is dehydration, resulting from persistent nausea and vomiting. When a patient struggles to keep fluids down or reduces their intake because of severe nausea, the reduction in overall blood volume can lead to low blood pressure and subsequent lightheadedness.
Chronic gastritis, particularly the atrophic form, can impair the absorption of essential nutrients, leading to specific deficiencies that cause dizziness. The inflammation can destroy the parietal cells in the stomach lining, which secrete intrinsic factor. A lack of intrinsic factor prevents the proper absorption of vitamin B12, leading to B12 deficiency anemia, which commonly causes fatigue and lightheadedness. Similarly, reduced stomach acid can impair iron absorption, resulting in iron deficiency anemia, where dizziness and weakness are prominent symptoms.
In more serious cases, erosive gastritis can cause occult gastrointestinal bleeding—slow, internal blood loss that is not immediately visible. This chronic blood loss over time causes anemia, reducing the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen throughout the body. Insufficient oxygen delivery to the brain manifests as fatigue, weakness, and lightheadedness.
Medications That May Cause Dizziness
While gastritis causes dizziness indirectly, the medications used to treat the condition are also a recognized source of this side effect. Histamine-2 (H2) blockers, a class of drugs used to reduce stomach acid, list dizziness as a common side effect for some individuals. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), commonly prescribed to block acid production, also report dizziness or vertigo as a possible side effect, particularly with long-term use.
Long-term use of PPIs, such as lansoprazole, has been linked to decreased absorption of magnesium, which can lead to low blood magnesium levels. Low magnesium can cause symptoms like confusion, shakiness, and dizziness. If H. pylori infection is the cause of the gastritis, a course of antibiotics is often prescribed. Certain types, including macrolides, are known to sometimes cause dizziness or vertigo due to their effect on the central nervous system or inner ear.
When Dizziness Requires Immediate Medical Attention
Although mild, transient lightheadedness can be a common side effect of gastritis, certain accompanying symptoms signal a potentially dangerous complication requiring urgent medical care. Dizziness that results in fainting or loss of consciousness should be evaluated immediately. The combination of dizziness with severe, persistent chest pain or a rapid, abnormal heart rate indicates a need for emergency attention. Any sign of significant gastrointestinal bleeding must also be treated urgently. Immediate medical consultation is necessary if dizziness is accompanied by:
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Severe, persistent chest pain or a rapid, abnormal heart rate
- Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- Black, tarry stools (melena) or bloody stools
- A high fever, stiff neck, or visual changes
- Signs of severe dehydration, such as an inability to keep fluids down