What is Gastritis?

Gastritis is inflammation at the lining of the stomach. This can occur immediately (acute) or gradually (chronic).

Types of gastritis:

· Erosive (reactive): causes inflammation and the wearing away of the lining of the stomach

· Non-erosive: inflammation of the lining of the stomach without compromising the lining of the stomach

What causes it?

An excessive consumption of alcohol, regular use of pain relievers (aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs), chronic vomiting or stress can cause gastritis. Crohn’s disease can also cause gastritis. These also cause gastritis:

· h pylori (bacteria that lives in the lining of the            stomach), can lead to ulcers if not treated properly

· bile reflux (backflow of bile into stomach from the tract           that connects the liver to the gallbladder

· bacteria and viruses that cause infections

Is it gastritis?

Your gastroenterologist will ask what you are experiencing and history that is necessary and perform physical exams like the following:

·      blood test

·      upper endoscopy

·      upper GI exam

·      stool test

Symptoms

Below are few symptoms one would have if they have gastritis:

·      burning aches or pain (indigestion) in the upper abdomen that will either get better or get worse with eating

·      nausea

·      vomiting

·      fullness in the upper abdomen after eating

Be aware though, indigestion symptoms are similar to the ones of gastritis. Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is when you have pain and uncomfortable in the stomach associated with problems digesting food. You may feel burning between your lower ribs.

When to visit your Gastro

It is important to visit your gastro if you are vomiting and food can’t be digested properly, you feel lightheaded and have unbearable pain in your belly. Also let them know if your belly feels uncomfortable pain after taking over the counter or prescription pills (aspirin or other pain relievers)

You can also get the following if gastritis is not properly treated:

· anemia (red blood count low)

· pernicious anemia (not a lot of B12 vitamin to make healthy blood cells)

· peritonitis (ulcers break through the belly can cause contents in the abdomen

· stomach cancer (autoimmune diseases and H pylori can cause growths in the belly

What are the risk factors?

· Regular use of pain relievers

· Bacterial infection

· Over the top amount of alcohol use

· Own body attacking cells in the belly

· Older age

How can I prevent gastritis?

By following these helpful tips, you can prevent gastritis:

· avoiding foods that contain acid

· stress-free

· cutting back on your caffeine

· not lying down 2 or 3 hours after meal

· lowering your alcohol consumption

How common is gastritis?

Acute gastritis affects 8 out of 1,000 people. Chronic effects 2 out of 10,000 people. Chronic gastritis is less common than acute.

Who can get it?

The older you get, your chances of gastritis goes up. It occurs because older adults have thinner belly linings, metabolism lets up, circulation begins lowering and mucosal repair. They probably are taking anti-inflammatory pills which cause gastritis.

How is it treated?

Gastritis can be treated in the following ways:

· antibiotics-treats bacterial infection

· h2 blockers-lower the production of belly acid

· antacids-reduce belly acid from being revealed, heartburn, and relieve inflammation

· proton pump inhibitors-lessen amount of acid your belly produces, treats GERD and belly ulcers

If you have gastritis occurring and this is becoming bothersome, you are not the only one. Our professionally trained gastroenterologist Miami experts are here to consult with you. Call our office nearest you or book an appointment online.