Gastritis
Gastritis Treatment
Gastritis, characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining, can lead to symptoms like nausea and indigestion.
Understanding Gastritis
Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach’s protective lining. Acute gastritis involves sudden and severe inflammation, whereas chronic gastritis entails prolonged inflammation that can persist for years without treatment. A less common type, erosive gastritis, causes minimal inflammation but can result in bleeding and ulcers in the stomach lining.
Symptoms of Gastritis
Gastritis does not always cause noticeable symptoms. Common symptoms include:
Nausea
Vomiting
A feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen, particularly after eating
Indigestion
Erosive gastritis may present additional symptoms such as:
Black, tarry stools
Medications for Gastritis
If it is caused by NSAIDs or other medications, avoiding these drugs can help alleviate symptoms. For gastritis triggered by H. pylori, antibiotics are typically prescribed.
Other medications used to treat Gastritis include:
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): These reduce stomach acid production (e.g., omeprazole, lansoprazole, esomeprazole). Long-term use may increase the risk of fractures, kidney issues, dementia, and nutrient deficiencies. Always consult a doctor before using these medications.
Acid-Reducing Medications: Famotidine (Pepcid) lowers stomach acid production, easing gastritis pain and promoting healing of the stomach lining.
Antacids: These neutralize stomach acid for quick pain relief but can cause diarrhea or constipation. Consult a doctor if side effects occur.
Probiotics: Although probiotics can help restore digestive flora and aid in healing gastric ulcers, they do not impact acid secretion. Current guidelines do not support their use in managing ulcers.
Causes of Gastritis
Gastritis occurs when the stomach lining weakens, allowing digestive juices to damage and inflame it. Factors that increase this risk include bacterial infections like H. pylori, which is commonly spread through person-to-person contact or contaminated food and water.
Risk factors for gastritis include:
Heavy alcohol consumption
Regular use of NSAIDs
Cocaine use
Age (thinning of the stomach lining over time)
Tobacco use
Stress
Autoimmune disorders
Digestive conditions such as Crohn’s disease
Viral infections
Diagnosing Gastritis
Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, symptom review, and family history. Tests for H. pylori may include breath, blood, or stool tests. Other diagnostic procedures include:
Upper GI Endoscopy: To inspect the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for inflammation and potentially take a biopsy.
Upper GI Series: X-rays of the digestive tract following ingestion of a barium solution to highlight abnormalities.
Blood Tests: To identify other causes or complications.
Stool Sample: To detect H. pylori infection or blood indicating stomach bleeding.
Urea Breath Test: To diagnose H. pylori infection.
Complications from Gastritis
Untreated Gastritis can lead to serious complications, such as an increased risk of stomach cancer, anemia, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, stomach bleeding, ulcers, chronic atrophic gastritis, gastric metaplasia, dysplasia, achlorhydria, and various cancers (adenocarcinoma, MALT lymphoma, neuroendocrine tumors). It’s essential to consult a doctor for persistent symptoms.
Preventing Gastritis
Preventive measures include practicing good hygiene (e.g., handwashing to prevent H. pylori), managing stress, eating smaller and regular meals, avoiding fried, salty, sugary, and spicy foods, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption.
Takeaway
The prognosis for gastritis varies based on its cause. Acute gastritis often resolves quickly with appropriate treatment, and H. pylori infections can be treated with antibiotics. However, treatment may sometimes fail, leading to chronic gastritis. Collaborate with a doctor to develop an effective treatment plan.
FAQ?
Causes include infection with H. pylori bacteria, long-term use of NSAIDs, excessive alcohol consumption, stress, and certain autoimmune conditions.
Diagnosis is typically made through medical history, physical examination, and tests such as endoscopy, blood tests, and stool tests.
Treatments include antacids, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, antibiotics for H. pylori infection, and lifestyle changes like avoiding irritants and eating smaller, more frequent meals.