Dr. M.J. Bazos, MD
Patient Handout
GASTRITIS
About Your
Diagnosis
Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of
the stomach. Numerous factors cause this illness. Many are caused by lifestyle
excesses: excess smoking, excess alcohol, excess caffeine, and excess eating.
Gastritis is also a side effect of many medications. Aspirin and nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs are well-known causes. Bacterial and viral infections
are also a cause, as is stress from surgery, severe burns, and trauma. These
factors tend to produce gastritis by causing an increased acid production in the
stomach. One known cause of gastritis that is not caused by increased acid
production is atrophic gastritis, in which the stomach lining becomes wasted and
acid is not produced. Gastritis is a common condition. It affects virtually
everyone at some point in their life. The diagnosis of gastritis is made by the
history. Occasionally an upper gastrointestinal x-ray study or upper endoscopy
(viewing the stomach through a lighted flexible tube) is done. Most cases of
gastritis are short-term and have no lasting
effects.Living With Your
DiagnosisThe main symptoms of
gastritis are upper abdominal pain and cramps. The pain is many times made worse
by eating. Many individuals will have decrease in appetite. The pain may
radiate to the chest causing the patient to think it is related to the heart.
Many will have a burning acid taste in the mouth. Nausea and vomiting
occasionally occur. Occasionally bleeding may
occur.TreatmentTreatment
of gastritis focuses on the symptoms and elimination of the cause. Mild symptoms
are controlled with antacids. The liquid form of antacids is better than the
tablet form in providing relief. Over-the-counter histamine-2
(H2)
blockers are available. These meds relieve the symptoms by causing a decrease in
acid production. Other medications that protect the stomach lining are available
from your health care provider. If the cause of the gastritis is associated with
the bacterial infection from Helicobacter pylori, antibiotics may be
prescribed. If the gastritis is severe and bleeding is present, hospitalization
may be needed. Intravenous fluids and medications are given to control the
symptoms, decrease stomach acid production, and protect the stomach
lining.The
DOs• Eat regularly and in
moderation.• Use antacids and
over-the-counter H2
blockers for mild
symptoms.The
DON’Ts• Stop
smoking.• Avoid
alcohol.• Avoid foods that are hard
to digest.• Avoid medications that
can irritate your stomach, such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs.When to Call Your
Doctor• If the abdominal pain
becomes severe.• If symptoms do not
improve after 3–5 days of
treatment.• If chest pain is severe,
radiates to the neck, jaw, or arm, and is associated with sweating or shortness
of breath.• If there is blood with
bowel movements or dark tarry
stools.• If you vomit
blood.Websites:National
Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghousewww.niddk.nih.govnddic@aerie.com