Gastritis is characterised by inflammation of the stomach wall or the stomach’s mucosa. It further progresses into gastric ulcers if left untreated.
Types of Gastritis
Acute Gastritis: The inflammation of the stomach lasts for a shorter duration and typically resolves within 1 to 2 weeks.
Chronic Gastritis: Non-atrophic gastritis is mainly caused by H pylori infection, and if left untreated, it can progress to atrophic gastritis.
Atrophic gastritis can occur due to autoimmune conditions, but the exact cause remains unknown.
Reactive gastritis: This type of gastritis is mainly caused by medications like NSAIDS, Alcohol consumption, and prolonged radiation exposure.
Causes and Risk Factors of Gastritis
- Genetic predisposition and family history
- Infection
- Alcohol, radiation, and chemical exposure
- Gastritis due to other diseases like IBS, Inflammatory bowel diseases, etc
- Certain medications like NSAIDS
- Allergies
- Environmental factors: Water pollution and air pollution
Symptoms of Gastritis
- Upper abdominal pain and discomfort
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating or Fullness of the abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion
- In severe cases,
- Vomiting of blood
- Black, tarry stools
- Severe abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Dizziness or weakness
- Fatigue
Complications of Gastritis
- Stomach cancer
- Anemia
- Perforation and internal bleeding
Diagnosis of Gastritis
- Symptoms, history and physical examination by a Doctor
- Sonography
- MRI
- Blood investigations
- Endoscopy
Treatment of Gastritis
- Oral medications
- Intravenous medications
- In severe cases, intensive care
- Diet management
Diet and Lifestyle Tips for Gastritis
- Eat fibre-rich food like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and eat a balanced diet.
- Avoid spicy, oily, or sugary fruits
- Do not consume alcohol
- Eat smaller meals frequently
- Exercise regularly
- Stay hydrated
- Stress management
Early treatment leads to the complete resolution of symptoms in both acute and chronic cases. Consult a doctor promptly to receive proper treatment and prevent further complications. Digital platforms enable us to connect with a Doctor within minutes through teleconsultation.