This article tells you what is Gastritis, treatment, symptoms, diet, risk factors, complications.
Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It is a common gastro condition arising due to several reasons.
There are two types of gastritis:
Acute Gastritis, in which the inflammation is sudden and severe; and Chronic Gastritis, which involves prolonged inflammation that can last for years if left untreated.
Gastritis can be classified as erosive gastritis (destroys the stomach lining) and non-erosive gastritis (replaces the stomach lining).
What causes gastritis?
Weakness or injury to the mucus-lined barrier in the stomach causes damage and inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity.
Other common reasons include:
- H. Pylori – Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that grows in the mucous lining of the stomach. If left untreated, it can lead to ulcers and, in rare cases, may even lead to colon cancer.
- Bile reflux – A reverse flow of bile into the stomach can cause irritation and gastritis
- Infections caused by bacteria and viruses
What Are the Risk Factors?
Certain diseases and medical conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, can increase your risk of gastritis. Other risk factors for gastritis are:
- Regular use of painkillers
- Older age
- Severe stress due to major surgery, injury or burns
- Excessive alcohol consumption
What are its symptoms?
Pain is one of the most commonly experienced symptoms and is often felt in the upper left or upper-middle part of the abdomen. Other common symptoms include:
- Getting nausea
- Indigestion
- Hiccup
- Burning sensation in the stomach
- Vomiting
- Bloating of the stomach
- Loss of appetite
Vomiting of blood, shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, bloody stools indicate a more severe form of gastritis and the patient should seek immediate medical attention if he experiences any such symptoms.
Know the possible complications
If left untreated, gastritis can lead to bleeding in the stomach and ulcers. Some forms of gastritis can increase the risk of colon cancer in people with a thin stomach lining.
Get the Right Diagnosis for Gastritis
After reviewing the patient’s personal and family history, the doctor will perform a thorough physical examination and may recommend the following tests:
- Upper Endoscopy
- Blood Tests to check your red blood count and screen for H. pylori infection
- Stool Test to check for the presence of blood in bowel movements
Which foods can relieve gastritis symptoms?
The right types of foods can help the body manage gastritis symptoms and also get rid of H. pylori bacteria. Although dietary choices alone are unlikely to cure gastritis, they are an important part of treating gastritis.
Foods to Eat:
- Apples
- Broccoli
- Honey
- Olive Oil
- Probiotic Yoghurt
- Berries
Foods to Avoid:
- Coffee
- Spicy Food
- Milk Products
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Green and Black Teas
- Chocolate
- Orange Juice
Diet Tips for Gastritis:
- Drink a lot of water
- eat 5-6 small meals per day
- Include Omega-3 supplements in the diet
What are the treatment options?
Gastritis Treatment depends on various factors such as the underlying cause of the condition and whether it is acute or chronic.
Some treatment options include
- Antacids
- Anti Nausea Medications
- Antibiotic Medications
- Proton Pump Inhibitors
The success of treatment depends on whether the cause is correctly identified. For example, antibiotics will be of no use unless the underlying cause of gastritis is bacteria. The best way to treat gastritis is a combination of the right medications and dietary changes.
