Understanding Gastritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Management
Gastritis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It can be acute, occurring suddenly and lasting for a short time, or chronic, persisting over a longer period. Gastritis can range from mild irritation to severe inflammation, and it may be triggered by various factors.
Symptoms of Gastritis
The symptoms of gastritis can vary among individuals, but common signs may include:
- Abdominal Pain: Burning or gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, often worse on an empty stomach.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling of queasiness or discomfort, sometimes accompanied by vomiting.
- Indigestion: Feeling full or bloated after eating, along with belching or gas.
- Loss of Appetite: Decreased desire to eat, particularly if symptoms worsen after meals.
- Bloating: Feeling of fullness or discomfort in the abdomen due to gas buildup.
- Blood in the Stool or Vomit: In severe cases, gastritis may cause bleeding, leading to the presence of blood in the stool or vomit.
Causes and Risk Factors
Gastritis can be caused by various factors, including:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Infection: A bacterial infection that can inflame the stomach lining.
- Regular Use of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, which can irritate the stomach lining.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can irritate and damage the stomach lining, leading to gastritis.
- Stress: Prolonged stress or anxiety can increase stomach acid production and worsen gastritis symptoms.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions where the body's immune system attacks the stomach lining, such as autoimmune gastritis.
- Bile Reflux: Backflow of bile into the stomach, often associated with conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or bile duct disorders.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
At Adithya Gastro and Liver Care Clinic in Manikonda, Hyderabad, Dr. G Harsha Vardhan Reddy employs a comprehensive approach to diagnose gastritis:
- Medical History and Symptom Assessment: Detailed discussion of symptoms, dietary habits, medication use, and lifestyle factors.
- Physical Examination: Including abdominal palpation to check for tenderness or masses.
- Endoscopy: A procedure to visualize the inside of the stomach and obtain biopsies if needed to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate for H. pylori infection or other abnormalities.
- Blood Tests: To check for signs of infection, inflammation, or anemia, which may indicate gastritis or underlying conditions.
- Stool Tests: To detect the presence of H. pylori bacteria or blood in the stool.
Treatment Options
Treatment for gastritis aims to relieve symptoms, reduce inflammation, and address underlying causes:
Medications
- Antacids or Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): To reduce stomach acid production and relieve symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.
- Antibiotics: If H. pylori infection is present, a combination of antibiotics is used to eradicate the bacteria.
- Histamine H2-receptor antagonists: To reduce stomach acid production and promote healing of the stomach lining.
Dietary Changes
- Avoidance of Irritants: Such as spicy foods, acidic foods, caffeine, alcohol, and NSAIDs.
- Dietary Modifications: Consuming smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding eating close to bedtime.
- Stress Reduction Techniques: Such as relaxation exercises, mindfulness, yoga, or counseling to manage stress and anxiety.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce the risk of gastritis recurrence.
Why Choose Adithya Gastro and Liver Care Clinic?
Dr. G Harsha Vardhan Reddy and his team at Adithya Gastro and Liver Care Clinic offer compassionate care and personalized treatment plans for individuals with gastritis. With a focus on addressing the underlying causes and relieving symptoms effectively, we strive to improve the quality of life for our patients.
