Gastritis is a condition that affects the stomach lining and can cause a variety of symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they may come and go over time. In this blog post, we will discuss the 10 most common symptoms of gastritis, as well as some available treatments. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away
10 Symptoms and Treatments of Gastritis
If you are experiencing stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting, you may have gastritis. Gastritis is a condition that affects the lining of the stomach and can cause a wide variety of symptoms.
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have gastritis:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Belching and hiccups
- Bloating
- Burning sensation or pain in the upper abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion
- Weight loss may also occur
- Gnawing sensation in the stomach
- Blood in vomit or stool (this may indicate a more serious condition)
While these are the most common symptoms, keep in mind that everyone experiences gastritis differently. If you think you might have gastritis, it’s important to see your doctor for a diagnosis.
Diagnosis Of Gastritis
Diagnosis is usually made based on a person’s symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may also do a physical exam and order one or more tests, such as:
Blood Tests
A sample of your blood may be sent to a laboratory to check for an H. pylori infection or other problems.
Upper Endoscopy
A long, flexible tube with a light and camera (endoscope) is inserted down your throat and into your stomach by your doctor.
During the procedure, a biopsy sample may be taken for laboratory testing.
Stool Tests
These tests check for blood in your stool, which can be a sign of gastritis.
Imaging Tests
X-rays of your upper digestive system may be taken. In some cases, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be used.
Treatment Of Gastritis
Treatment for gastritis depends on the underlying cause. If your gastritis is caused by an infection, such as H. pylori, treatment may include:
- Antibiotics to destroy the bacteria
- Proton pump inhibitors or other medications to reduce stomach acid production
- Bismuth subsalicylate to help relieve symptoms
If your gastritis is caused by a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), your doctor may recommend switching to another NSAID or a different type of pain reliever.
If you have more severe gastritis, you may need to be hospitalized. Treatment in the hospital may include:
- Intravenous fluids and nutrients if you’re unable to eat or drink
- Pain relief medication
- Medications to reduce stomach acid production
- Antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection
- Surgery to remove part of your stomach (gastrectomy) in severe cases that don’t respond to other treatment
If you have an underlying condition, such as autoimmune gastritis, treatment will focus on the underlying condition.
In some cases, no specific treatment is necessary. For example, if gastritis is caused by stress or anxiety, it may go away on its own once the stress is relieved.
Lifestyle That Helps
If you have mild gastritis, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications to reduce stomach acid production and help relieve symptoms. These include:
- Eating smaller meals more frequently
- Avoiding trigger foods and beverages, such as spicy or fatty foods, coffee, tea, alcohol, and soda
- Avoiding tobacco use
- Practicing stress-relieving techniques, such as yoga or meditation
Prevention Of Gastritis
You may be able to help prevent gastritis by:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Limiting your alcohol intake
- Avoiding tobacco use
- Managing stress
Take steps to prevent H. pylori infections, such as washing your hands often and avoiding contaminated food and water sources.
If you have H. pylori, it’s important to finish the entire course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor to eradicate the infection. Otherwise, it may come back and cause gastritis again.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that gastritis can recur. If you experience recurrent symptoms, talk to your doctor about long-term treatment options.
With proper treatment, most people with gastritis improve and have no lasting problems. In some cases, however, gastritis can lead to ulcers or other serious problems.
Left untreated, gastritis can increase your risk of developing stomach cancer. If you have any concerns about your symptoms or treatment, be sure to talk to your doctor.
If you think you may have gastritis, see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. Prompt treatment can help relieve your symptoms and prevent serious complications.