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GASTRITIS 

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GASTRITIS 

GASTRITIS occurs when the lining of the stomach (gastric mucosa) is irritated, eroded or inflamed. Gastritis is very common.

  • It is usually termed acute (happens all of a sudden) or chronic (happens over time).
  • Acute gastritis may last about 2-10 days.
  • Chronic gastritis may last from weeks to years if untreated and may lead to anemia or stomach ulcer.
  • Gastritis is known to affect about half of the people worldwide.
  • Statistics show that about 90 million cases of gastritis were reported in 2013.
  • A typical example of acute gastritis is a stomach upset that may accompany the intake of alcohol or certain medications such as aspirin.
  • An example of chronic gastritis includes a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori that infects the stomach.
  • Acute gastritis is rarely accompanied by complications.
  • Chronic gastritis may have complications such as bleeding ulcers, bowel obstruction and even sometimes death.

CAUSES

To aid digestion of food and kill germs, the stomach usually produces acid. Due to the corrosive nature of the acid, some cells on the internal lining of the stomach produces a mucous barrier which protects the lining of the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. There is usually a balance between the amount of acid and the mucous barrier produced. An alteration in this balance may lead to the damage of the lining of the stomach which then results in the development of gastritis.

  • The following may lead to alteration in the balance of acid and mucous barrier produced:
  • Infection caused by Helicobacter pylori bacterium is the most common cause of gastritis
  • An autoimmune disease that may result from a self-induced attack on the cells lining the stomach. This may also contribute to gastritis
  • Excessive consumption of alcohol and other various drugs
  • Use and overuse of anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen. The intake of such medicines results in about 2 in 10 stomach ulcers.
  • Cancer chemotherapy medications
  • Swallowing chemicals or objects such as paper clips, pins, lye or acid
  • Radiation treatment for cancer
  • A surgical operation to remove a part of the stomach
  • Stress
  • Smoking
  • Tuberculosis
  • Syphilis
  • Yeast infection
  • Food poisoning

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of gastritis vary among people, and in many individuals, there is no presence of symptoms.

However, when gastritis occurs, both acute and chronic gastritis may have symptoms of:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Belching
  • Upper abdominal pain
  • Burping
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Black, tarry stool
  • Indigestion
  • Vomiting which may be blood-streaked or completely bloody depending on the severity of the stomach infection
  • Recurrent upset stomach or nausea
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Feelings of fullness

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor may diagnose gastritis by reviewing your personal and family medical history, performing a thorough physical evaluation and may recommend any of the following tests:

  • Helicobacter pylori tests. This test may be recommended to check if you have Helicobacter pylori bacterium. The bacterium may be discovered in a blood test, breath test or a stool test. The stool test checks for the presence of blood in your stool which is a possible sign of gastritis.
  • Upper Endoscopy: During an endoscopy, your doctor passes a thin tube equipped with a tiny camera (endoscope) down your throat into your stomach to check the lining of the stomach for any sign of inflammation. If an area is suspected, a biopsy is performed. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small tissue sample is removed and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The biopsy can also indicate the presence of Helicobacter pylori in your stomach lining.
  • Abdominal X-ray: This x-ray creates visuals of your digestive system to look for abnormalities. The digestive system includes the esophagus, the stomach, and small intestine.
TREATMENT
  • The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause of gastritis.
  • If the cause of gastritis is the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, necessary combination of antibiotics  such as Biaxin and Flagyl should be effective to provide immediate relief
  • If gastritis is due to the use or overuse of certain drugs such as anti-depressant drug, stopping the drug should be effectual.
  • Taking an antacid and other drugs such as Histamine blockers to reduce stomach acid and provide immediate relief
  • Avoiding hot and spicy foods that aggravate gastritis
  • Coating agents such as sucralfate (Carafate) that coats and protect the stomach lining
    Some foods that help manage and lessen symptoms may include:
  • High fiber foods such as apples, carrots, beans
  • Low-fat food such as fish, chicken
  • Drinks without caffeine
  • Vegetables
    Some foods that may worsen inflammation in the stomach lining:
  • Alcohol, coffee, fried foods, fruit juice, carbonated drinks, fatty foods.