Gastritis

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• QHow do medications treat gastritis?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Different medications may be used depending on the cause of gastritis. Most, like H2 agonists, proton pump inhibitors, and antacids aim to reduce or neutralize the acidity in the stomach. When a blocked stomach outlet is caused by a type of gastritis called eosinophilic gastritis, corticosteroids may be prescribed. Antibiotics may be used if a bacterial infection is the cause. If parasites are the cause (which is rare), an antiparasitic medication will likely be prescribed. Sucralfate may be recommended to treat or prevent ulcers.

• QHow is gastritis diagnosed?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Gastritis may be diagnosed based on your symptoms and medical history. A certain diagnosis would require testing, mainly an endoscopy to view the lining of the stomach and possibly take a tissue sample. Your doctor may order blood and stool tests to look for causes of the gastritis. (Blood in the stool may be a sign of stomach bleeding, for instance, as would be anemia.) Other tests are used to help determine the cause of gastritis. A breath test may be used to confirm the presence of H. pylori infection. In some situations, your doctor may perform an X-ray--possibly including a barium swallow to help make problems like ulcers visible.

• QHow does gastritis affect the body?

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  A Parkland Medical Center answered

  Wearing down of the stomach lining associated with gastritis can lead to ulcers. Frequent nausea and vomiting may also result, as well as fatigue. Bleeding in the stomach may occur. In severe cases, complications may increase the risk of stomach cancer.

• QHow is gastritis treated?

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  A Parkland Medical Center answered

  Treatment for gastritis usually involves taking drugs to reduce stomach acid, which relieves the symptoms, and promotes healing. Avoidance of certain foods, beverages, or medicines may also be recommended.

  If your gastritis is caused by an infection, that problem may be treated as well. For example, the doctor might prescribe antibiotics to clear up H. Pylori infection. Once the underlying problem disappears, the gastritis usually does too. Talk to your doctor before stopping any medicine or starting any gastritis treatment on your own.

  This answer is based on source information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

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• QWhat is atrophic gastritis?

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  A RealAge answered

  Atrophic gastritis is the breakdown of the stomach lining (mucosa) and glands that produce pepsin and stomach acids needed to digest food. Chronic gastritis (inflammation or swelling of the stomach lining) often progresses to atrophic gastritis.
  
  Atrophic gastritis is often caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a type of bacteria that is also known to cause peptic ulcers and stomach cancer. It can also be caused by an autoimmune problem, when the immune system malfunctions. Some people with atrophic gastritis go on to develop pernicious anemia (too few healthy red blood cells), because the intestines cannot absorb vitamin B12 from foods. People with atrophic gastritis are also at risk for developing stomach cancer. Pain in the upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting can be symptoms of atrophic gastritis.
• QWhat is gastritis?

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  A Parkland Medical Center answered

  Gastritis occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed, resulting in stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. There are several types of gastritis, including erosive gastritis, acute stress gastritis, radiation gastritis, postgastrectomy gastritis, atrophic gastritis, eosinophilic gastritis, Menetrier's disease, and lymphocytic gastritis. Gastritis can be mild or serious, but for most people symptoms improve with treatment.

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• QWhat foods help fight gastritis?

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  A Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answered

  Although a bland diet is not necessarily required, you may find relief by avoiding large or heavy meals, and fried, spicy, or very acidic foods. Avoiding alcohol may help. Foods that are high in fiber and/or contain flavanoids have been shown to help, including:

  • Colorful fruits and vegetables, including apples, spinach, kale, and cranberries
  • Celery, onions, garlic, almonds and beans
  • Lean meat, salmon and olive oil
  • Tea and cranberry juice
• QWhat are the symptoms of gastritis?

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  A Parkland Medical Center answered

  Individuals with gastritis typically do not experience symptoms. Those who do experience feelings of indigestion such as pain in the upper part of the stomach, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, bloating, hiccuping, losing weight, and upper stomach fullness following a meal. More serious forms of gastritis, such as erosive gastritis, may lead to ulcers, anemia, vomiting blood or a coffee-ground like substance, or blood in the stool.
• QHow do I manage my gastritis?

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  A Parkland Medical Center answered

  The first step to managing your gastritis is to follow your doctor's instructions. Gastritis can have many different causes that require different approaches; for example, you may need to alter your diet, stop drinking alcohol, begin taking medication like H2 agonists, or stop taking medication like certain painkillers. In addition, leading a healthy lifestyle such as eating properly, maintaining an appropriate weight, exercising, and managing your stress are essential to staying healthy.
• QWhat increases my risk of developing gastritis?

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  A Parkland Medical Center answered

  There are several factors that increase your risk of developing gastritis. Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can lead to gastritis. Using certain medications, such as aspirin and non-steroid inflammatory medications, a variety of injuries or illnesses, radiation treatments, partial gastrectomy, autoimmune disorders where the body attacks itself, age, and chronic illnesses such as Crohn's disease may contribute to the development of gastritis.