Gastritis

Gastritis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach. It can occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or gradually (chronic gastritis). Gastritis is a common condition that can be caused by various factors, including infections, excessive alcohol consumption, long-term use of certain medications, and autoimmune disorders.

Gastritis erosiva

Signs and symptoms

Gastritis symptoms can vary from person to person and may be mild or severe. Some common signs and symptoms include:

• Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Loss of appetite
• Indigestion
• Feeling full after eating only a small amount

In some cases, gastritis may be asymptomatic, meaning that an individual does not experience any noticeable symptoms.

Gastritis helicobacter - high mag

Causes

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of gastritis, including:

• Infection: The most common cause of gastritis is infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. This bacterium weakens the protective mucus lining of the stomach, making it more susceptible to irritation and inflammation.
• Medications: Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can cause gastritis by irritating the stomach lining.
• Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the stomach lining, leading to gastritis.
• Autoimmune disorders: In autoimmune gastritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells of the stomach lining, leading to inflammation and damage.
• Stress: Severe stress, such as that caused by major surgery, severe burns, or critical illness, can lead to a specific type of gastritis known as stress gastritis.

Diagnosis

Gastritis is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Some common diagnostic tests for gastritis include:

• Upper endoscopy: A procedure in which a flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach, allowing the doctor to visualize the stomach lining.
• Biopsy: During an upper endoscopy, a small tissue sample may be taken from the stomach lining for further examination under a microscope.
• Blood tests: Blood tests can help detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori or assess the levels of certain substances, such as gastrin, that may indicate autoimmune gastritis.
• Stool tests: These tests can help detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the feces.

Treatment

Treatment for gastritis depends on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms. Some common treatment options include:

• Medications to reduce stomach acid: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, and antacids can help relieve gastritis symptoms by reducing the production of stomach acid.
• Antibiotics: If Helicobacter pylori infection is the cause of gastritis, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed to eradicate the bacteria.
• Discontinuing NSAIDs: If long-term use of NSAIDs is the cause of gastritis, stopping or reducing the use of these medications can help alleviate symptoms.
• Lifestyle changes: Modifications such as avoiding spicy foods, limiting alcohol consumption, and managing stress can help prevent and
• manage gastritis symptoms.

Prevention

To prevent or reduce the risk of developing gastritis, individuals can take the following measures:

• Practice good hygiene: Washing hands frequently and maintaining proper food handling practices can help prevent Helicobacter pylori infection.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol in moderation or abstaining from alcohol can help protect the stomach lining.
• Use pain relievers cautiously: If possible, avoid long-term use of NSAIDs, and opt for alternative pain relievers when appropriate. If NSAIDs are necessary, talk to your healthcare provider about taking them with a PPI or H2 blocker to protect your stomach.
• Manage stress: Implementing stress reduction techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or exercise, can help lower the risk of stress-related gastritis.

See also

• Peptic ulcer disease
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Stomach cancer
• Helicobacter pylori

References

• Suerbaum, S., & Michetti, P. (2002). Helicobacter pylori infection. New England Journal of Medicine, 347(15), 1175-1186.
• Leontiadis, G. I., Sharma, V. K., & Howden, C. W. (2007). Systematic review and meta-analysis: enhanced efficacy of proton-pump inhibitor therapy for peptic ulcer bleeding in Asia - a post hoc analysis from the Cochrane Collaboration. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 25(5), 551-556.
• Stanghellini, V. (2008). Three-month prevalence rates of gastrointestinal symptoms and the influence of demographic factors: results from the Domestic/International Gastroenterology Surveillance Study (DIGEST). Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology, 34(sup221), 20-28.

External links

• Mayo Clinic - Gastritis
• WebMD - Gastritis

Gastritis Resources
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