Gastritis
Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach’s lining which is often caused by an infection. Pain reliever intake, alcohol and injuries can also result in this. Acute gastritis occurs in the body quickly while chronic gastritis develops gradually over time. It can progress into ulcers and stomach cancer.
Common symptoms of gastritis are nausea, feeling bloated after meals, burning pain in the upper abdomen, belching, loss of appetite, weight loss and vomiting.
To verify and diagnose gastritis, urinalysis, x-rays, an endoscopy, blood tests, stool sample test, gastroscopy, ECGs and a stomach biopsy may be performed.
Most cases of stomach irritation and indigestion don’t require medical care but if the symptoms persist for over a week, if you vomit blood and if there is blood in your stool, see a doctor immediately.
Gastritis develops when the stomach’s lining, which protects it from acids, gets damaged. This will cause inflammation.
Gastritis has several risk factors. People who are infected with Helicobacter pylori, which breaks down the protective lining of the stomach, can experience gastritis. Using pain relievers and other anti-inflammatory drugs regularly, like naproxen, ibuprofen and aspirin can cause both chronic and acute gastritis. Old age, stress and alcohol consumption increases the risk of gastritis. Bile reflux disease and other conditions like parasitic infections, Crohn’s disease and HIV/AIDS can lead to gastritis.
Gastritis can lead to abdominal bleeding and stomach ulcers if left
untreated. This can increase the risk of stomach cancer, too.
To help relieve gastritis, eat proper small meals, drink less or no alcohol, avoid pain relievers that harm the stomach, manage stress and avoid foods that may irritate the stomach. This can include fried, fatty, acidic, refined and spicy foods and beverages. Calming and relaxing activities like tai chi, yoga and meditation can also help.
Treating gastritis will depend on its cause. Treatment of stomach acid is often included to alleviate the symptoms of gastritis.
