GASTRITIS

 Basic information

description

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. Inflammation causes pain, swelling, redness, and heat. Gastritis may start as a sudden (acute) attack, or develop slowly (chronic) over a period of time.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Stomach pain and cramps.
• Black stool or bloody vomit due to stomach bleeding.
• Appetite loss.
• Fever.
• Weakness.
• Swollen stomach.
• Sharp, dull, or annoying pain in the chest.
• Acid taste in the mouth.
• Mild nausea and diarrhea (rare).
• Belching or gas.
• Hiccups.

causes

The inflammation is a reaction to injury, infection, or irritation of the stomach lining. It can be brought on by a number of different factors. Sometimes the cause is unknown.

risk increases with

• Excess alcohol use.
• Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
• Bacteria infection (e.g., Helicobacter pylori).
• Illness that has weakened the body.
• Surgery and being in the hospital for other problems.
• Serious injury or severe burns.
• Smoking.
• Pernicious anemia, immune problems, and chronic bile reflux.
• Emotional or physical stress.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Eat and drink moderately.
• Don't skip meals or eat irregularly.
• Avoid foods you find hard to digest.
• Don't smoke.
• Avoid drugs that irritate your stomach, if possible.

expected outcomes

Usually can be cured in several days with treatment, and if the cause is taken away.

possible complications

• Bleeding is an uncommon but dangerous complication, especially in the elderly.
• Increased risk of stomach cancer in some cases.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. Diagnosis is made by examining the stomach through a tube passed down the throat to the stomach. A small amount of tissue may be taken for a test. Blood and stool tests may be done.
• Goals of treatment are to relieve the symptoms and get rid of the gastric irritant or other cause.
• Smoking and alcohol drinking should be stopped. Your health care provider can help you find the plan that will work for you.
• A hospital stay may be necessary if extreme bleeding occurs.

medications

• Drugs are usually prescribed to reduce stomach acid. Acid irritates the stomach lining.
• Take acetaminophen for minor pain. Don't use aspirin.
• Other drugs, such as antibiotics for infection, may be prescribed.
• A drug you take may be causing the problem. Your health care provider may stop the drug, change the dose, or prescribe a new drug.

activity

Resume normal activities as soon as symptoms improve.

diet

Don't eat solid food on the first day of the attack. Drink liquids often, preferably milk or water. Resume a normal diet slowly. Avoid hot and spicy foods, alcohol, coffee, and acidic foods until symptoms are gone.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of gastritis.
• You vomit blood.
• Bowel movements become black or tarry.
• Pain becomes severe.
• Signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, wrinkled skin, excess thirst, or decreased urination, develop.

Special Notes: