Gastritis has become common nowadays affecting millions of people worldwide causing many stomach related disorders. In this article will will study about gastritis, it symptoms causes and how to get quick relief from the...
Gastritis is a general term used to classify the inflammation of the lining of the stomach which may be caused by the bacterium that causes ulcers or may be due to bad lifestyle including bad eating habits, certain medications, or by drinking too much alcohol can also lead to this condition.
Gastritis can be classified in two types on the basis of their occurrence these are:-
- Acute Gastritis- This type of gastritis appears suddenly which may be due to bacterial infection(Hylobacter pylori), over consumption of alcohol or stress due to lifestyle changes.
- Chronic Gastritis- It increases gradually over time due to long term infection or overuse of drugs like Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs(NSAID) if left untreated may also lead to ulcers or increase risk of cancer.
What are the symptoms and causes associated with Gastritis?
- Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen (often described as a burning sensation).
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Loss of appetite( less hungry).
- Bloating (feeling full after a small meal).
- Indigestion (dyspepsia).
- Stress and anxiety
- vomiting blood or black stools (In severe cases)
When to find a doctor?
These symptoms usually go on their own and don't require any medical care, but in case of long term stomach pain, feeling nausea or lightheadedness, immediately seek your doctor to find the cause. Tell your doctor about your clinical history and other relevant information wherever required.
Causes
Gastritis occurs only when the mucosal lining of your stomach that protect your stomach wall get affected due to weakness, injury or infection leading to the breakdown of mucosal barrier results in inflammation and damage to the stomach or by the action of digestive juices like
HCL which may irritate the stomach lining causing severe infection, diseases like Crohn;s disease can also increase the risk of gastritis.
What Are the Risk Factors Associated With Gastritis?
There are some of the risk factors associated with these condition it these are
- Excessive alcohol consumption – Irritates and inflames the stomach lining.
- Medications – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen.
- Stress – Physical stress from injury, surgery, or illness.
- Autoimmune disorders – The body's immune system attacks the stomach lining.
- Bile reflux – Backflow of bile from the small intestine into the stomach.
- Spicy or oily foods – Can irritate the stomach in some people due to acidity.
- Smoking – Increases stomach acid and irritates the stomach lining.
- Older Age- People with older age have an increased risk of gastritis due to the thinning of the stomach lining.
Diagnosis and Tests
Your doctor will first ask you about your clinical or medical history and associated symptoms or through physical examination or They might refer you the imaging test like X ray for upper GI tract to check for any kind of erosion or ulcer in your stomach
Apart from this your doctor may go for the microscopic examination which requires a tissue sample from your GI tract to confirm it. They can take a sample (biopsy) during an endoscopy exam. In which a tiny camera on the end of a long catheter (endoscope) inside your upper GI tract.
Biopsy can also be done by the help of endoscopy which can confirm gastritis early.
There are some other tests that can be done to check for the gastritis
- Blood test like H pylori test, Gastrin hormone test, Complete blood cell (CBC) test, Iron profile test
- Stool test- Examines for colour and blood in the stool
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining that can cause symptoms like pain, discomfort, and indigestion. One of the common symptoms of gastritis is acidity or increased stomach acid, which can cause a burning sensation in the stomach or chest (heartburn).
Management and Treatment
Gastritis may lead to acidity that requires immediate attention usually the acidity goes on its own without the need of the medical attention, but you can go for certain measures that will help you owe the acidity this includes
How to Get Quick Relief from Acidity?
Medications:
Here are some of the medications that can help you to get quick relief from the acidity this includes:
- Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids (like Tums, Maalox) can neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief.
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Drugs like omeprazole, lansoprazole, or esomeprazole reduce stomach acid production and help with healing.
- H2-receptor antagonists: Medications like ranitidine (Zantac) or famotidine reduce acid production.
- Antibiotics: If the gastritis is caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, antibiotics (such as amoxicillin or clarithromycin) will be prescribed to clear the infection.
- Antiemetics: Medications like ondansetron can help if nausea or vomiting is present.
Note- ( All this medicines should be taken only after the clinical advice and prescription from the doctor)
Change in dietary Habits
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals: This can help reduce stomach acid and prevent overproduction.
- Avoid spicy, and oily foods: These foods can irritate the stomach lining and worsen acidity.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages: These can stimulate acid production.
- Include alkaline foods: Foods like bananas, melons, oatmeal, and leafy greens can help neutralize acid and improve digestion.
- Keep yourself Hydrated: Water can dilute stomach acid and help with digestion.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Avoid lying down immediately after eating: This can cause acid reflux, leading to heartburn and discomfort.
- Stop smoking: Smoking increases stomach acid and weakens the digestion and affects the stomach lining, which can worsen acidity and gastritis.
- Manage stress: Doing regular exercise practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation may help.
Home Remedies:
You can also go for some home remedies that will help you to control but be sure to be clinically advised before going for this this includes:
- Ginger: Fresh ginger tea or chewing ginger may help soothe the stomach and reduce acidity.
- Apple cider vinegar: Some people find relief from acidity by mixing a small amount of apple cider vinegar with water.
- Aloe vera juice: It may help reduce stomach inflammation.
- Avoid Triggers: Keep track of specific foods or habits that trigger acidity or gastritis symptoms, and try to avoid them.
A Key takeaway
- Gastritis is a very common condition nowadays and usually goes on its own but If you experience severe symptoms like vomiting blood or black stools (indicating bleeding), Immediately consult with your healthcare provider immediately and get proper treatment within time as this will help you to get early recovery and improve the quality of your life.
FAQ
What causes gastritis?
Gastritis can be caused by various factors, including infection with Helicobacter pylori, excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged use of NSAIDs, stress, or autoimmune conditions that attack the stomach lining.
