Gastritis is the inflammation of the lining of the stomach.  This inflammation is frequently results to bacterial infection with the similar bacteria causing most of the stomach ulcers.  But other factors that may consider in developing gastritis are the habitual use of certain pain relievers, excessive drinking of alcohol and injury.  There is gastritis treatment available that can help to relieve the symptoms of gastritis.

Gastritis can be an acute gastritis or chronic gastritis.  Acute gastritis arises suddenly while chronic gastritis arises gradually over time.  There are cases that gastritis may develop to ulcers and enhanced the possibility of stomach cancer.  But for most people, gastritis is not that serious and get better speedily with the gastritis treatment.

 

What are the signs and symptoms of gastritis?

Signs and symptoms of gastritis are the following.

 

• Burning pain in the upper abdomen known as indigestion that may be either better or worse with taking food
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Sensation of completeness or fullness in the upper abdomen after taking food

 

Almost everyone has experienced an attack of stomach irritation and indigestion.  Most cases of it don’t have need of medical attention.  However, do not hesitate to consult your doctor if the signs and symptoms of gastritis constantly persist for more than a week.

 

What are the causes of gastritis?

Gastritis normally occur when the protective layer of the stomach happen to get weaker or damage.  A stomach has a mucus-lined barrier that used to protect the wall of it from the acids that help digest the food.  If the barrier weakens it let the digestive juices to harm and inflame the stomach lining.  A lot of illnesses and conditions can make the protective layer of the stomach susceptible to damage and enhance the possibility of having gastritis.

 

Gastritis can happen unexpectedly or may develop more than weeks and months.

 

• Inflammation of the stomach that develops rapidly and end for a short period of time is known as acute gastritis.
• Inflammation of the stomach that develops slowly and last for a long period of time is known as chronic gastritis.

 

What is the risk factors affecting gastritis?

Factors that may enhance the possibility of having gastritis may include the following.

 

• People with bacterial infection specifically the Helicobacter pylori can develop gastritis particularly the chronic gastritis.  Most of the people infected do not experience any problem caused by Helicobacter pylori.  But in some people infected with it may damage the stomach’s inner protective layer that may lead to ulcers and gastritis.  The reason why some people encounter problem and some are not is not yet clear.  But doctors do consider that the vulnerability to the bacteria can be hereditary and can also be caused by smoking and stress.
• Regular use of pain relievers like ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen can cause both acute and chronic gastritis.  Taking excessively of these drugs increased the risk of developing gastritis.
• Older adults have an increased possibility of developing gastritis than younger people since the lining of the stomach tends to lean with age.  Older adults are more prone to have Helicobacter pylori infection since the immunity also decreases.
• Excessive drinking of alcohol can also irritate the stomach lining that makes the stomach more susceptible to acute gastritis.
• Severe stress due to injury, burns, major surgery or serious illnesses can also cause acute gastritis.
• Bile reflux disease can also lead to gastritis.
• Autoimmune gastritis happens once the body attacks the cells that make up the stomach lining.  This reaction can wear out the stomach’s protective barrier.  Autoimmune gastritis is more frequent in people with Hashimoto’s disease and type 1 diabetes.   
• Gastritis can also be connected with other diseases like HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease and parasitic infections.

 

What is the gastritis treatment?

Gastritis treatment may differ on the particular cause.  Most of the gastritis treatment includes medications that used to treat stomach acid to lessen the signs and symptoms of gastritis and promote the healing of the stomach.

 

Medications for gastritis are the following.

1.     Intake of antibiotic to eradicate Helicobacter pylori.

If your digestive tract has the presence of Helicobacter pylori, the doctor may prescribe a combination of antibiotics to eradicate the bacteria.  Antibiotic treatments are different all over the world.  In the United States, the mostly prescribed as gastritis treatment caused by Helicobacter pylori are amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole and tetracycyline.  Taking antibiotics may possibly require for two weeks depending on the quantity and type.

 

 

 

2.     Intake of proton pump inhibitor medications.

Proton pump inhibitor medications tend to lessen the acid by blocking the action of the cells producing acid.  These drugs are available in prescription and over-the-counter such as the omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole and dexlansoprazole.  Extensive use of proton pump inhibitors especially at high doses may increase the possibility of wrist, hip and spine fractures.  Make sure to ask your doctor if taking calcium supplement can help to decrease the risk.

 

 

 

3.     Intake of acid blockers.

Acid blockers or also known as histamine or H2 blockers used to lessen the amount of acid being released in the digestive tract.  This action can alleviate the pain and can promote healing.  Acid blockers are both available in over-the-counter and prescription medication like ranitidine, cimetidine, famotidine and nizatidine.

 

 

 

 

4.     Intake of antacids.

Antacids used to neutralize the stomach acid and can give quick pain relief.  Side effects of this medication are diarrhea or constipation depending on the major ingredients of the particular medicine.

 

 

 

 

Avoidance of foods that can irritate your stomach can be the very best preventive gastritis treatment.  Consult your doctor of gastritis treatment that can be effective to your present condition.