Hello,
Are you living a healthy life?
In this session, we will learn about gastritis.
Gastritis is one of the common diseases in modern people, so let’s know and overcome it.
So, what is gastritis?
Gastritis is a medical term that refers to the inflammation of the stomach lining. The stomach lining contains glands that produce stomach acid and enzymes needed for digestion. When the stomach lining becomes inflamed, it can lead to various symptoms and discomfort.
Symptoms of gastritis
- Abdominal Pain: Dull, burning, or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, often occurring after eating or on an empty stomach.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling nauseous and occasionally vomiting, especially in acute cases.
- Indigestion: Discomfort or a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating. This might be accompanied by burping and gas. We’ve already looked into indigestion. please refer to the link next to it. [Link : Indigestion]
- Loss of Appetite: A reduced desire to eat due to the discomfort.
- Bloating: A sensation of fullness or pressure in the abdomen.
- Belching: Frequent burping or excessive air release from the stomach.
- Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest or throat, often occurring after meals.
- Black Stool: In severe cases of gastritis with bleeding, there might be the presence of black, tarry stools (melena).
- Fatigue: Chronic gastritis can sometimes lead to anemia due to internal bleeding, resulting in fatigue and weakness.
- Unintended Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without changes in diet or physical activity.
Then, what are causes of gastritis?
- Helicobacter pylori Infection: This bacterium is a primary cause of gastritis and is responsible for a majority of cases. It can lead to both acute and chronic forms of gastritis. [Link : More information about it]
Helicobacter pylori – www.hopkinsmedicine.org - Medications: Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, as well as corticosteroids, can irritate the stomach lining and cause gastritis.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Regular and heavy alcohol consumption can irritate and inflame the stomach lining, leading to gastritis.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Certain autoimmune conditions, such as autoimmune gastritis, can cause the immune system to attack the cells of the stomach lining, resulting in chronic inflammation.
- Bile Reflux: When bile from the small intestine flows back into the stomach, it can irritate the stomach lining and cause gastritis.
- Stress: Severe stress or traumatic events can increase the production of stomach acid and lead to inflammation.
- Smoking: Smoking can weaken the stomach’s protective lining and increase the risk of gastritis.
- Infections: Besides H. pylori, other bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause gastritis in certain cases.
- Cocaine Use: Cocaine abuse can damage the stomach lining and lead to inflammation.
- Age: As people age, the risk of gastritis increases due to the cumulative effects of factors like H. pylori infection and medication use.
- Other Conditions: Conditions like Crohn’s disease, sarcoidosis, and radiation therapy to the abdomen can also contribute to gastritis.
It’s important to note that the causes of gastritis can vary, and some individuals might have a combination of factors contributing to their condition.
Some treatment
The treatment of gastritis depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Here are some common approaches that healthcare professionals may recommend:
- H. pylori Eradication: If the gastritis is caused by an H. pylori infection, a combination of antibiotics (usually two or three different types) and acid-suppressing medications (proton pump inhibitors or PPIs) may be prescribed to eliminate the bacteria and reduce stomach acid production.
- Discontinuing Irritating Medications: If gastritis is caused by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other medications, the healthcare provider may recommend discontinuing or reducing the use of these drugs, if possible.
- Acid-Suppressing Medications: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 receptor blockers may be prescribed to reduce stomach acid production and provide relief from symptoms. These medications can help the stomach lining heal.
- Avoiding Irritants: If alcohol consumption or smoking is contributing to gastritis, avoiding or reducing these irritants is important for the healing process.
- Dietary Changes: Eating a diet that is easy on the stomach, including avoiding spicy, acidic, and fatty foods, can help reduce irritation. Consuming smaller, more frequent meals may also be beneficial.
- Stress Management: Stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation exercises, can help manage stress-related gastritis.
- Managing Underlying Conditions: Treating underlying medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or other illnesses contributing to gastritis, can help alleviate symptoms.
- Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids can help neutralize stomach acid and provide temporary relief from discomfort.
- Avoiding Food Allergens: If certain foods trigger gastritis symptoms, avoiding those foods can help prevent irritation.
- Maintaining Good Hygiene: Practicing good oral hygiene and dental care can prevent bacteria from entering the digestive system and causing irritation.
- Hydration: Staying well-hydrated by drinking water can help maintain the health of the stomach lining.
Now, we’ve looked into gastritis, and it’s a common disease, but let’s be careful not to get worse.
For our healthy life.