Gastritis Information

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Gastritis can be an irritation, inflammation, or infection in the stomach lining. The stomach is full of acids (pepsin, a digestive hormone, and hydrochloric acid) that are usually needed for digestion. However, when the stomach lining is irritated or worse, infected, the stomach acids cause pain on the inflamed stomach lining. In general, gastritis is a quite common ailment that can be cured relatively easy and fast, especially with the right diet. However, if bacteria (usually helicobacter pylori) are involved a treatment may become more complicated.

This ailment can be caused by either a non-bacterial or a bacterial (h. pylori) infection.

Many people confuse this ailment with stomach ulcers. Although gastritis, like stomach ulcers, can also be caused by helicobacter pylori bacteria and has some of the symptoms in common, there is no sore or ulcer present in the stomach lining when suffering from this ailment. However, when it is caused by helicobacter pylori bacteria or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), it can develop into a stomach ulcer if not treated early.

Gastritis Symptoms

The symptoms are

· Abdominal cramping and pain
· Diarrhea and bloating
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· Loss of appetite
· Fever
· General Weakness

What are the causes?

The most common causes are

· Bacterial infection (helicobacter pylori)
· Viral infection (contagious!)
· Excess stomach acids (due to poor diet, smoking or alcohol)
· Excess use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Ibuprofen (Advil) etc.
· Excess Use of Aspirin
· Use of cortisone
· Stress

What to do in case of an acute attack

When suffering from an acute attack, use antacids to reduce aggressive stomach acids so they do not further irritate the inflamed stomach lining. Also do not eat solid foods. Only drink and try to stick to water or unsweetened fruit tea.

After a day you can slowly start eating a bland diet, like cooked oatmeal, bananas, dry bread or rice. Absolutely avoid spicy or greasy food.

You can use pain relievers if the pain is too strong, but be sure they are not non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Aspirin can also cause an infection. There are over 300 medications available that contain aspirin in some form, so be very careful when you choose a medication. As alternative drug, try coated aspirin. Coated aspirin dissolves not in the stomach. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is also a safe medication for your stomach.

In general, when the symptoms occur and you do not feel better after following these guidelines for an acute attack, you have to see a doctor after some days. Through endoscopy he can determine if you need a simple medication or antibiotics.

Click here to learn more about a safe, gastritis treatment that can be used for a non-bacterial as well as for a bacterial (helicobacter pylori) infection

Gastritis Prevention

· Eat smaller servings and regularly
· Quit smoking
· Avoid alcohol and caffeine (coffee, carbonated drinks)
· Avoid NSAIDs
· Avoid a diet that further irritate the inflamed stomach lining

What is the best diet?

In order to relieve the pain, try to make some diet changes