Gastritis is a general term for a group of conditions with one thing in common: Inflammation of the lining of the stomach. The inflammation of gastritis is most often the result of infection with the same bacterium that causes most stomach ulcers or the regular use of certain pain relievers.
Acid blockers — also called histamine (H-2) blockers — reduce the amount of acid released into your digestive tract, which relieves gastritis pain and encourages healing. Available by prescription or over the counter, acid blockers include famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and nizatidine (Axid AR).
Generally, acute gastritis lasts anywhere from 2-10 days and can be greatly improved with symptomatic treatment. People usually recover from acute gastritis without complications or need for further medical intervention.
Gastritis may occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or appear slowly over time (chronic gastritis). In some cases, gastritis can lead to ulcers and an increased risk of stomach cancer. For most people, however, gastritis isn't serious and improves quickly with treatment.
Most cases of gastritis will resolve naturally once the cause is no longer present, such as when you're done with your NSAIDs medication or after you've recovered from stomach surgery.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a term for two conditions (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) that are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Prolonged inflammation results in damage to the GI tract.
Chronic gastritis is one of the most common chronic conditions and can last for years or even a lifetime if left untreated. A wide range of different conditions and factors are known to cause or contribute to the development of chronic gastritis.
A: Chronic gastritis is itself not dangerous, but can, like acute gastritis, lead to other problems developing, such as ulcers. Furthermore it can develop into a more serious stage.
Three types of chronic gastritis are recognized: diffuse antral gastritis which is usually due to Hp infection, environmental metaplastic atrophic gastritis (EMAG), and autoimmune metaplastic atrophic gastritis (AMAG;Fig. 52.2 and52.3).
Stress can cause a stomachache, and an even more serious condition called gastritis. If your bout of indigestion or inflammation lingers for a week or more – or if there is blood in your vomit or feces – you should see a physician to determine if you have gastritis.
Bacterial infection: H. pylori bacteria are the main cause of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease (stomach ulcers). The bacteria break down the stomach's protective lining and cause inflammation.
The first step in the development of stress-induced gastritis is decreased mucosa resistance from toxic radicals. The stress response of the body results in the decrease of gastric renewal, leading to atrophy of the gastric mucosa.
The most common symptom is bleeding, followed by persistent nausea with epigastric pain. Stress-induced gastritis can be treated primarily with proton pump inhibitors and the use of histamine blockers later.
Symptoms may include stomach pain, belching, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bleeding, feeling full, and blood in vomit or stool. In most cases you will be given antacids and other medicines to reduce your stomach acid. Avoid foods or drinks that irritate your stomach lining.
Doctors may use upper GI endoscopy to diagnose gastritis or gastropathy, determine the cause, and manage complications. Your doctor may order an upper GI endoscopy with biopsies to diagnose gastritis and gastropathy.
In Gastritis, feeling faint is accompanied with nausea, burning in stomach and tiredness.
Acute gastritis is usually caused by an irritant or infection, and can result in an acute upset stomach, but usually settles quickly with simple treatments when the cause is removed. Chronic gastritis is a condition in which the stomach lining is damaged long-term, often due to infection by H. pylori.
Gastritis can sometimes lead to pain, nausea and vomiting. But it often has no symptoms at all. If left untreated, though, some types of gastritis can lead to ulcers (sores in the stomach lining) or even stomach cancer.
Gastritis occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed or swollen. Gastritis can last for only a short time (acute gastritis). It may also linger for months to years (chronic gastritis).
Drink Little Water
Drinking large amounts of water controls the acid levels of gastric juices, which helps accelerate the healing of gastritis. You should avoid drinking too much water immediately before and after meals, as it can be counterproductive.