About the Disease

Gastritis

 

Gastritis treatment in Lucknow | Charak Hospital 

 

What is Gastritis?

Gastritis refers to the inflammation of the stomach lining. It can occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or gradually over time (chronic gastritis).

 

Causes:

The causes of gastritis include:

 

1. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: This bacterium is a common cause of gastritis. It infects the stomach lining, leading to inflammation.

2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Frequent or prolonged use of NSAIDs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can irritate the stomach lining and trigger gastritis.

3. Excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol can irritate and damage the stomach lining, leading to gastritis.

4. Autoimmune diseases: In some cases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells of the stomach lining, causing autoimmune gastritis.

5. Bile reflux: When bile flows back into the stomach, it can cause irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining.

Signs and symptoms:

 

The signs and symptoms of gastritis may vary, but commonly include:

1. Abdominal pain or discomfort: A burning or gnawing pain, usually in the upper abdomen.

2. Nausea and vomiting: Feeling nauseous, accompanied by vomiting.

3. Loss of appetite: A reduced desire to eat or feeling full quickly while eating.

4. Indigestion: Bloating, burping, and a feeling of discomfort after meals.

5. Black or bloody stools: Gastritis can cause blood in the stool, resulting in dark or tarry stools.

6. Acid reflux: Experiencing heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth due to the backup of stomach acid into the esophagus.

Treatments:

 

Treatment approaches for gastritis focus on relieving symptoms, promoting healing, and addressing the underlying cause. The options include:

1. Medications: - Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These drugs reduce stomach acid production and promote healing of the stomach lining. - Antibiotics: If H. pylori infection is present, a combination of antibiotics is prescribed to eradicate the bacteria. - Antacids and H2 blockers: These medications can provide temporary relief from symptoms by neutralizing stomach acid or reducing its production.

2. Lifestyle changes: - Avoid trigger foods: Spicy, acidic, or fatty foods that can irritate the stomach should be avoided. - Limit alcohol and caffeine intake: These substances can worsen gastritis symptoms. - Healthy eating habits: Consuming smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding late-night eating can help alleviate symptoms. - Stress management: Engaging in stress-reducing activities, such as exercise, meditation, or therapy, can be beneficial.

3. Management of underlying conditions: - If gastritis is caused by an underlying condition, such as an autoimmune disorder or bile reflux, managing and treating that condition is essential.

Diagnostics:

To diagnose gastritis, healthcare professionals may perform the following diagnostic tests:

1. Endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to visually examine the stomach lining for inflammation and other abnormalities.

2. H. pylori testing: Breath, blood, or stool tests can detect the presence of H. pylori bacteria.

3. Blood tests: These can determine levels of certain substances in the blood that indicate inflammation or anemia.

4. Stool tests: Analysis of stool samples can help identify the presence of blood or H. pylori infection.

5. Biopsy: During an endoscopy, a small tissue sample may be taken to evaluate the extent of inflammation and rule out other conditions.