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What is Gastritis?

Gastritis, though not a single disease, is the name given to any inflammation of the mucous membrane layer of the stomach known as the Gastric mucosa. This layer of the stomach contains the glands and gastric pits and is generally 1 mm thick in the stomach of a healthy male. In its normal state, it is a pinkish color at the pyloric side and a reddish color over the rest.

Causes of Gastritis

Gastritis’ causes range from Bacterial Infection to Stress and can cause severe upper abdominal pain and appetite loss. Depending on the cause, Gastritis may be acute or chronic and be linked with more severe conditions such as atrophy of the stomach or ulcers.

Gastritis isn’t so much a particular disease as it is a whole range of problems resulting in the inflammation of the stomach lining. A medical professional should be contacted to determine the accurate cause of the Gastritis so that treatment options can be determined. For most people, treatment of what is causing Gastritis will reduce symptoms quickly and there should be no complications. Left untreated, however, Gastritis may cause complications such as stomach bleeding and even stomach cancer.

Acute & Chronic Gastritis

Gastritis can be caused by a number of different factors. Bacterial infection, commonly from Helicobacter pylori bacteria or related strains, is one of the more common causes of Gastritis. Other causes include fungal infection, parasitic infection, viral infection, bile reflux, over the counter pain relievers such as aspirin or ibprofen, cigerette smoke, autoimmune disorders, excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, types of radiation, stomach injury or even stress.

  • Bacterial Infection - Helicobacter pylori is a common bacteria found in the majority of the world’s population. It is said that 1 in 5 individuals under the age of 40 carry H. Pylori and nearly half over the age of 40. However most people with H. Pylori will never get Gastritis. This Gram-negative bacterium is one of very few organisms that are known to survive in the extremely acidic environment of the stomach. Infection with the virus can lead to widespread inflammation in the stomach.
  • Alcohol – Alcohol can break down the lining of your stomach with excessive use. This can leave the tissue vulnerable to the acids of the stomach and eventually lead to inflammation and Gastritis.
  • Use of Pain Relievers – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduces the amount of prostaglandin in the stomach, which protects the stomach lining. This can lead to a break down in the stomach lining which can lead to Gastritis.
  • Autoimmune Disorder – If the immune system attacks the cells of the stomach lining it cause a reaction that breaks down the stomach lining and destroy acid producing glands. This may result in pernicious anemia, which is serious if not treated.
  • Acid Reflux Disease – Acid and bile build up in your stomach can thin and destroy the stomach lining which can lead to inflammation and Gastritis.
  • Crohn’s Disease – Though not always linked with Gastritis. Certain sufferers of Crohn’s disease can develop inflammation of the stomach lining in addition to the intestinal track.
  • Surgery – Gastritis can sometimes develop after a major surgery.

Symptoms of Gastritis

Symptoms vary widely from person to person and depend much on the cause and environmental factors. Some common symptoms include abdominal bloating, belching, vomiting, nausea or vomiting. A person with Gastritis may also feel full despite not having eaten. Blood in the persons vomit or black stools could be a sign of bleeding in the stomach and would indicate a more serious condition resulted from Gastritis. Gastritis sufferers may also have a general feeling of lethargy and could even carry a fever during most hours of the day. In more severe cases of Gastritis hemorrhaging can occur. Many of these symptoms are fairly common and are no cause for alarm. However, a combination of these symptoms occurring over a week or more could be an indication of Gastritis.

Gastritis Symptoms Include:

  • Weight Loss
  • Vomiting
  • Burning Pain in the Upper Abdomen
  • Bloating and Nausea
  • Fullness After just a Few Bites of Food

Chronic Gastritis

Persons with untreated Gastritis that persists may result in eradication of the stomach lining (atrophic gatritis). If Gastritis eats away the stomach lining peptic ulcers and other stomach and small intestinal sores may develop. However, in most cases this does not occur and depending on if the condition is chronic or merely acute, the Gastritis may cease without treatment. This is especially true if the Gastritis developed due to environmental factors such as smoking or alcohol consumption. Gastritis and H. Pylori have been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer. Stomach bleeding, which can be identified by a bloody or black stool, should be considered a warning sign that your condition is very serious. If stomach bleeding does occur, contact your doctor or healthcare professional immediately.

Gastritis Symptoms

Diagnosis of Gastritis is normally very straight forward and several different tests or a combination of tests may be used to diagnose it. A biopsy may be taken from your esophagus to determine whether Gastritis is the accurate diagnosis. In cases of bacterial infection, a breath test may be performed to determine the presence of H. Pylori or related strains which would be a strong indicator for the Gastritis diagnosis. Several other tests may be performed when the H. Pylori bacteria is absent.

  • Stool Test – Will test for the presence of blood in the stool. Can also determine if infection of H. pylori is the cause.
  • Blood Test – A blood test can be taken to determine your red blood cell count. A low red blood cell count is an indication of stomach bleeding. A blood test can also determine the presence of H. pylori.
  • Breath Test – A breath test may also be used to determine the presence of H. pylori.
  • Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - Endoscopy of the stomach is a test where a thin tube that contains a light and camera is inserted down your throat and into your stomach. This will allow a medical professional to see directly into your stomach and, when needed, take a biopsy (or a sample) to determine the diagnosis of Gastritis.
  • Upper Gastrointestinal X-Ray – An X-ray may be taken to determine causes of digestive and gastrointestinal discomfort including, but not limited to Gastritis.

Gastritis Treatment

Treatment is largely dependent on the cause of the Gastritis. In cases of infection the doctor will most likely prescribe anti-microbial drugs. H. Pylori is often eradicated using a triple therapy protocol consisting of two antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor. Once the infection is eradicated, the Gastritis should cease over time. If environmental factors are to blame, they should be rectified and the Gastritis will gradually heal over time. Antacids and acid blockers can be helpful in reducing symptoms and speeding recovery.

Gastritis Diet

Lifestyle choices, such as smoking, alcohol and caffeine consumption and use of aspirin and other NSAIDs can significantly lower your risk of developing Gastritis. Avoiding these diet and environmental factors can also go a long way to ensuring that Gastritis does not cause more serious complications. Stress reduction is also a useful method in combating Gastritis. Try some yoga or meditation to help prevent Gastritis. Eating smaller meals more frequently can also be an effective way to combat Gastritis. Exercise and maintaining a healthy weight is key in preventing Gastritis. When eating foods that you know are irritating to your system, remember that moderation will better serve you later that night.

Natural Gastritis Cures

There are a number of treatment options available to those with minor Gastritis or those who wish to prevent it. Below are a few recommendations.

  • Iberogast – The clown's mustard formulation in Iberogast helps reduce pain and inflammation associated with Gastritis.
  • Gamma Oryzanol – Take 300mg of this supplement to help reduce symptoms of Gastritis.
  • Chamomile – May help reduce inflammation and provide comfort to those experiencing Gastritis symptoms.
  • Liddell Antacid Spray – Works within your stomach to help reduce acid and bile, which can relieve or even prevent Gastritis depending on the type.
  • KAL Peptic Defense – This helpful product helps to maintain and support the stomach lining. Inflammation of the stomach lining is the root cause of Gastritis.
  • Liddell Stomach Distress Spray – This spray is specially designed to help relieve symptoms associated with gastric distress.
  • Other Natural Gastritis Treatments – Additional remedies for gastritis are also available.

Gastritis is a fairly harmless problem that can be taken care of in most cases quite easily, and without anything incredibly invasive. This is not to say that you shouldn’t contact your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations or prescriptions. Gastritis, left untreated, can in rare cases lead to more serious complications such as ulcers and stomach cancer. These recommendations are not meant to replace the advice of your doctor. Please be sure and contact your doctor if you think you may have Gastritis. -Chase Johnson

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