If you're wondering what gastritis is, it is an inflammation of the stomach lining. It gets confused with acid reflux because acid reflux is similar, but it is instead the inflammation of the esophagus. The two conditions also share some common symptoms.
While both involve inflammation, the key difference between gastritis vs. GERD is where that inflammation occurs in your GI tract. Gastritis has to do with inflammation in the stomach while GERD pertains to inflammation in your esophagus.
Gnawing or burning ache or pain (indigestion) in your upper abdomen that may become either worse or better with eating. Nausea. Vomiting. A feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a more serious form of acid reflux. In GERD, the backflow of stomach acid occurs chronically and causes damage to the body over time. Specifically, stomach acid irritates the lining of the esophagus, which can lead to serious complications.
Gastritis is inflammation (irritation) of the stomach lining. This may be caused by many factors including infection, alcohol, particular medications and some allergic and immune conditions. Gastritis can be either acute (with severe attacks lasting a day or two) or chronic (with long-term appetite loss or nausea).
Whole grains such as oatmeal, couscous and brown rice. Root vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and beets. Green vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli and green beans.
Drinks such as ginger tea, certain fruit and vegetable juices, and plant-based milks may benefit people experiencing acid reflux and heartburn. Avoiding citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and alcohol can also help to reduce symptom frequency and severity.
Gastritis Treatment Medications
These contain containing aluminum and magnesium and can help relieve neutralize gastric acid. These are inexpensive and relatively safe. Examples include: Alka-Seltzer, Milk of Magnesia, Gaviscon, Pepto-Bismol and Tums.
Gastritis can lead to ulcers over time. Symptoms of ulcers include pain between the belly button and breastbone that: starts between meals or during the night. briefly stops if you eat or take antacids.
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.
Differential Diagnoses
Many other health conditions can cause symptoms similar to those found with gastritis, including: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Peptic ulcer disease (which may also be a complication of gastritis) Gastroparesis.
One person with gastritis may have no noticeable symptoms, while another may have severe symptoms. Typically, people report a sharp, stabbing, or burning pain in the upper-center or upper-left abdomen. The pain often radiates to the back. Other common symptoms include bloating and nausea.
Water. In general, drinking water can help balance the pH of a particularly acidic meal, which may help to lower the risk of acid reflux. Studies show that drinking mineral water with a high hydrogen carbonate content can help to alleviate the frequency and severity of acid reflux.
Bananas for stomach acid are considered safe because they have alkaline (alkaline) properties. In addition, this fruit is also considered to help balance the acid in the stomach so that symptoms of acid reflux or GERD can be prevented.
Is yogurt a good choice? Yogurt that is not too sour is also excellent for acid reflux, because of the probiotics that help normalize bowel function. Yogurt also provides protein, and soothes stomach discomfort, often providing a cooling sensation.
Include whole grains, like bread, brown rice, and pasta. These are ideal foods because they are bland and have fiber, which is important for gastrointestinal health. Oats, barley, and quinoa are other nutritious options.
Is Yogurt Good for GERD? Yogurt that is low in fat is generally safe to eat for those who have GERD. You should avoid eating yogurt that contains whole fat rather than low amounts of fat. Whole fat yogurt can be harder for you to digest and might trigger GERD symptoms.
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.
Lingering gastritis
If you experience persistent symptoms of gastritis that don't go away despite the absence of NSAIDs, alcohol, stress, and radiation, then you most likely have a serious infection in your stomach or a severely damaged gastric mucosa.
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.