All You Need to Know about Gastritis
Table of Contents
Gastritis is often used as a general term for stomach-related illnesses. However, the common symptom among all these disorders is the inflammation of the stomach lining. The bacterium that is responsible for most of the stomach ulcers, is also responsible for the infection that leads to stomach inflammation.
Usually, acute gastritis may happen because of poor eating habits and lifestyle. However, if it develops gradually, it can become chronic and in extreme cases may also lead to ulcers. Consumption of painkillers and alcohol is also linked with gastritis.
However, in most of the cases, gastritis heals itself quickly with treatment.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of gastritis may be a burning sensation, gnawing, or pain due to indigestion. Usually, it is limited to the upper abdomen. Eating food may decrease or increase the pain. In some cases, the patient may also feel nausea and vomiting. You may also feel fullness in the upper abdomen just after having food.
Causes
There is a mucus-lined barrier just in front of your stomach wall, which is meant to protect it. If it gets injured or weak, it will impact the buildup of digestive juices and may lead to inflammation of your stomach lining.
The other medical conditions that can increase the risk of gastritis include sarcoidosis and Crohn's disease, which encourage the growth of inflammatory cells in the body.
Risk factors
The following factors may increase the risk of gastritis:
- Bacterial infection
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Regular use of painkillers
- Stress
- Old age
- Parasitic infections
- HIV AIDS
Complications
In case of no treatment or delayed treatment, you likely to get stomach ulcers often with bleeding. If your signs and symptoms are not improving even after getting proper treatment, you should immediately consult a doctor. In some rare kinds of chronic gastritis mixed with other symptoms, the risk of stomach cancer also increases.
Prevention
In some cases, contaminated food in water and person to person contact is responsible for H pylori infection. The best way to keep such infections away is to take care of personal hygiene. Wash your hands with antibacterial liquid soap frequently and especially before eating food. Make sure your food is fresh and completely cooked.
Diagnosis
Although a qualified gastroenterologist in Delhi can diagnose gastritis based on your medical history, symptoms, and examination of your stomach, he may also conduct the following tests:
- H pylori tests
- Endoscopy
- X-ray of your upper digestive system
Treatment
Usually, the treatment of gastritis is based on its cause. However, your doctor may also prescribe some medications such as antibiotic drugs to kill H pylori bacteria. He may also prescribe some medications that will block and reduce acid production such as antacids and ranitidine. You can also buy it from an online medicine store.
Tips for self-treatment:
The following tips will also help you to treat gastritis.
- Eat less but more frequently
- Avoid fried and spicy foods.
- Stay away from alcohol
- Switch your pain killers
When to see a doctor?
In most of the cases, indigestion and stomach irritation happens temporarily and you may not need to visit a Gastroenterologist. But if it persists for more than 7 days, then you should consult a doctor.
You should also tell your doctor if your problem persists even after taking painkillers or over the counter drugs. If you observe stools that are black in colour or if there's blood in your stool, you should immediately see the best gastroenterologist.
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