Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach mucosa. Most often, it is manifested by abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, hiccupping, and headache. However, some patients are asymptomatic. They manifest no initial clinical manifestations until the inflammation becomes severe. Gastritis should be seen as a serious matter because a superficial erosion of the stomach mucosa can lead to hemorrhage if not treated accordingly.
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Understanding Gastritis
Gastritis may be either classified as acute or chronic. Acute gastritis is most often caused by eating too much or too rapidly. This may also due to eating highly seasoned foods or contaminated foods that contain disease-causing micro-organisms. These substances irritate the stomach lining and cause erosion, inflammation, and edema. Acute gastritis is aggravated by alcohol, bile reflux, and some medications such as aspirin and NSAIDs. Rarely, acute gastritis is caused by consumption of poisons from strong acids and alkali that may not only scar the mucosa, but immediately cause gangrene and perforation, thus, obstruction. Acute gastritis may also serve as a warning sign of an acute systemic infection. Acute gastritis occurs for one to three days, and the patient often recovers fully if manage correctly because the gastric mucosa is capable of repairing itself. Chronic gastritis is a prolonged inflammation of the gastric mucosa that may be caused by stomach ulcers, and/or Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). It is also associated with eating of hot drinks, spices, use of drugs and alcohol, smoking, and intestinal reflux, all of which are gastric irritants.
Managing Gastritis
If you often have abdominal discomfort, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, then you may be experiencing an acute or chronic gastritis.
- Diet modification. Change of diet to a nonirritating one is the best method of managing gastritis. Nonirritating diet means avoiding spicy and sour foods, frequent intake of hot drinks, and avoiding alcohol.
- Fluid replacement. If vomiting and diarrhea occurs, replacement of the lost fluid is important to prevent dehydration. Fluid replacement should be given with strict aspiration precaution, especially with vomiting. If food and water intake is not tolerated, it is best to bring the patient to a nearest health facility for assessment and hydration.
- Neutralize acids/alkali. If the gastritis is due to ingestion of strong acid, an antacid such as aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide is usually taken to neutralize the acid. If it is caused by a strong alkali, lemon juice or diluted vinegar is used to counteract the alkali.
- Stress Reduction. Stress promotes hydrochloric acid secretion that could further erode the gastric mucosa. Thus, minimizing stress, as well as cigarette smoking can help in managing gastritis.
- Medications. Antacids can help neutralize acid. Antibiotics and bismuth salts can treat H. pylori infection. Other gastric medications such as H2 antagonists and proton pump inhibitors such as ranitidine and omeprazole can also help decrease acid secretion. However, these medications must be taken only upon the prescription of a physician.
Surgical intervention may be needed for severe gastritis.
Reference: WebMD. What is Gastritis? Retrieved on July 5, 2014 from http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-gastritis