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Dr Kasim Ahmed has delved intoa health issue that feels almost like 'sunburn in your stomach' and exactly what to do if it's affecting you. The NHS doctor and previous contestant on The Traitors shared his views in a segment of BBC Morning Live earlier this week.

"Gastritis is basically inflammation of the stomach," the health professional said. "It’s slightly different to the more commonly used term of gastroenteritis. I’m sure people have heard about lots of stomach bugs that are going around and causing gastroenteritis, which is where you get the diarrhoea and the vomiting and all that stuff. Gastritis itself is actually chronic inflammation of the stomach."

He continued: "So, it’s essentially like having sunburn, If you think about sunburn where your skin’s exposed to the sun and then as a result of it, it breaks down and burns. It’s essentially exactly the same thing, but inside your stomach.

"So, not a nice condition at all. It can be really, really [irritating]. And the stomach’s something that we are constantly irritating because it’s constantly being used for food."

While many of us feel bloated or experience indigestion after a big meal, Dr Ahmed explained that you should visit your GP if symptoms are frequent. Stomach pain, nausea and excessive burping and farting may also signal that something is irritating the stomach wall.

Dr Ahmed further advised that eating certain foods can play a significant role in this irritation as well. Unfortunately, this includes spicy dishes, fizzy drinks, high-fat fried foods, acidic juices and alcohol.

Nonetheless, he continued: "But beyond the food, there is something that we worry about, which is a bacterial infection called helicobacter pylori, which is not something that we need to say every 10 seconds.

"But it’s a chronic infection that can affect people, it’s actually surprisingly common, often doesn’t cause any symptoms but as that mucus of the lining of the stomach breaks down, it can cause really bad gastritis."

In cases where gastritis is caused by bacteria, you may be prescribed antibiotics or other medications to help reduce the inflammation. Beyond this, Dr Ahmed said that eating foods like bananas, yoghurt, oats and high-fibre snacks may help alleviate symptoms.

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However, it's important to remember that each person is 'slightly individual', so what works for one might not suit another. Other NHS-based tips on gastritis include the following:

• Reduce the amount of drinks you have that contain caffeine, such as tea, coffee, cola and energy drinks

• Lie on an extra pillow in bed so your head and shoulders are higher, to help stop stomach acid rising up your throat while you sleep

• Lose weight if you're overweight

• Talk to your doctor if you regularly take anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as ibuprofen) or aspirin

The NHS website also adds: "If it's not treated, gastritis may get worse and cause a stomach ulcer. If gastritis is not getting better, or it's causing severe symptoms, a GP might refer you to a specialist stomach doctor (gastroenterologist). They might do a test to look inside your stomach, called a gastroscopy."

For more information, head to the NHS website.