Gastritis

Gastritis Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach, and has many possible causes. The main acute causes are excessive alcohol consumption or prolonged use of drugs such as aspirin. Sometimes gastritis develops after major surgery, traumatic injury, burns, or severe infections. Chronic causes are infection with bacteria, primarily Helicobacter pylori, chronic bile reflux, stress and certain autoimmune disorders can cause gastritis as well.

Gastritis Symptom: abdominal upset or pain indigestion, abdominal bloating, nausea, and vomiting feeling of fullness or burning in the upper abdomen.

Gastritis Diagnosis: Tests for Helicobacter pylori. Helicobacter pylori may be detected in a blood test, a stool test. Endoscopy During endoscopy, the doctor passes a hollow tube equipped with a lens (endoscope) down throat and into the esophagus, stomach and small intestine. Using the endoscope, looks for signs of inflammation. If a suspicious area is found, it may remove small tissue samples (biopsy) for laboratory examination. A biopsy can also identify the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach lining. X-ray Sometimes called a barium swallow or upper gastrointestinal series, this series of X-rays creates images of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine to look for abnormalities.

Gastritis Treatment: Acute gastritis caused by drugs or alcohol may be relieved by stopping use of those substances. Chronic gastritis caused by H. pylori infection is treated by eradicating the bacteria. Most gastritis treatment plans also incorporate medications that treat stomach acid in order to reduce signs and symptoms and promote healing of the stomach. Antibiotic medications to kill H. pylori. If H. pylori is found in the digestive tract, antibiotics will use to kill the bacterium. These drugs include amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole. Medications to reduce acid production. Acid blockers reduce the amount of acid released into the digestive tract, which relieves gastritis pain and encourages healing. Antacids that neutralize stomach acid. Antacids neutralize existing stomach acid and can provide rapid pain relief.

Gastritis Prevention: Avoid long-term use of irritants (such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or alcohol). Preventing H. pylori infection It's not clear just how H. pylori spreads, but there's some evidence that it could be transmitted from person to person or through food and water. You can take steps to protect yourself from infections, such as H. pylori, by frequently washing your hands with soap and water and by eating foods that have been cooked completely.