In this article we shall be looking out for the causes and prevention of gastritis.
What is Gastritis and Causes?
It involves swelling or redness of the stomach lining. Excessive alcohol or spicy foods are major causes of gastritis. Smoking and other health conditions can also cause gastritis. Gastritis can also be caused by chronic vomiting, irritation, anti-inflammatory drugs or stress.
What are the Symptoms of Gastritis?
- Gastritis symptoms vary from different individuals. Severe gastritis may last for two to ten days. It is important to contact your doctor, if you experience of any symptoms below;
- Frequent stomach upset- One of the primary symptoms of gastritis is regular stomach upset. It makes you uncomfortable either to vomit or having an uncomfortable feeling within your stomach
- Abdominal bloating and severe pain- Another symptom that is very common among individuals is severe pain at the abdominal region.
- Loss of appetite- once you have stop up, you may lose appetite. Once you observe this for some days, its eminent you see a doctor.
- Stooling- Stooling is another symptom of gastritis
- Chronic vomiting of blood or coffee ground-like substance
- Hiccups and Indigestion
According to Dr. Samrat Jankar, a well-known gastroenterologist in Pune, “chronic gastritis can worsen the condition, causing atrophic gastritis. It can happen if gastritis is caused by the H. pylori bacteria or by an autoimmune disorder. Atrophic gastritis destroys the stomach lining cells that make your digestive juices. This raises your risk for getting stomach cancer.” Thus timely treatment is very crutial.
Best Way to Treat Gastritis
The most frequent way to treat gastritis is through proper medications and diet. Also, the kind of treatment to be administer can be determine by the nature of gastritis. For instance, if a patient has a chronic gastritis type A, the doctor will properly treat issues related to nutrients, whereas, if a patient is having type B, the specialist may likely utilize antimicrobial agents or acid destroying treatments to block and dissolve H. pylori bacteria. In the case of type C, your doctor may advise you to quit alcohol in order to avoid further damage.
Dr. Samrat Jankar is also a GI laparoscopic surgeon in Pune practicing at Symbiosys Medical Research Institute, he further adds, “Gastritis should be treated as soon as possible in order to avoid any further complications. If required I also suggest my patients for an EGD, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, it is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure using an endoscopic camera to view the interior lining of the stomach. The endoscope is placed down the patient’s mouth, through the throat and esophagus, and then into the stomach and duodenum. This procedure is done to identify the cause of the gastritis so that it can be treated properly.”
Various Medications to Prevent Gastritis
Below are some medications to deduced gastritis or stomach acid;
- proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec or omeprazole can do justice to stomach pains.
- Aspirin reduction – this is another solid solution to gastritis. The elimination of aspirin consumption can stop stomach irritation. The symptoms can easily ago away, within few hours when the right medication is administered.
- Changes in your diet- You may have to avoid high-salt diet, high-fat diet, alcohol and red meats. You should eat more of fruits like avocados, apples, vegetables and more. Food high in protein like kefir, yogurt would be the ideal food for you. You can also include plant-based proteins like beans or whole grain, pasta, breads and rice.
Alternative Gastritis Treatment
Other treatment for gastritis includes;
- Garlic which consist of antimicrobial properties that are very effective for the treatment of bacteria.
- Ginger is another alternative option for the treatment of bacteria, it helps to block the growth of bacteria in the body
- Turmeric is a cure for ulcers and block bacteria. Cranberries on the other hand, may destroy bacteria and ensure your stomach interacts well.
How Best Can One Prevent Gastritis?
If you are wondering how best you can prevent stomach irritation is a concern to you, stress no more. You can prevent gastritis by making sure your diet is not salty and sugar free. Also, manage your stress level, by getting more rest and having quality sleep. Avoid excessive intake of alcohol. Contact a doctor and seek immediate medical attention.