Fact Checked
Gastritis is a group of conditions that causes inflammation of the lining of the stomach. The inflammation from gastritis is caused by the same bacterium that causes stomach ulcers. Frequent use of pain relievers and excessive drinking of alcohol can cause gastritis
Gastritis happens suddenly or develops in a gradual manner. Gastritis can result to ulcer and puts an individual at high risk for developing stomach cancer.
Causes of gastritis
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Stress
- Chronic vomiting
- Medications such as aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications
- Infection from helicobacter pylori that can result to the formation of ulcers and even stomach cancer in uncommon cases.
- Pernicious anemia develops when the stomach lacks a natural substance needed to absorb and digest vitamin B12
- A backflow of bile into the stomach from the bile tract or bile reflux
- Infections caused by bacteria and viruses
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Nausea or stomach upset
- Hiccups
- Burning or gnawing sensation felt in the stomach between meals at night
- Black and tarry stools
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting blood or ground-like coffee appearance
Treatment
- Eat several small meals instead of 3 heavy meals to minimize indigestion.
- Avoid consuming foods that causes irritation in the stomach especially acidic, spicy, fried and fatty.
- Avoid alcohol to prevent irritation in the lining of the stomach.
- Take the prescribed pain medications such as acetaminophen to lessen the pain and minimize irritation on the stomach.
- Avoid being stressed by performing some relaxation techniques and calming activities such as yoga, meditation and Tai Chi.
- Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can lessen the inflammation, heal infection and lessen symptoms such as gas, indigestion, stomach pain, nausea and bloating. In a cup of boiling water, add a teaspoon of freshly chopped ginger root. Cover and wait for at least 10 minutes and strain the mixture and add a few drops of honey. Drink the mixture for 2-3 times every day for a week.
Tips
- Avoid eating red meats, red peppers, pickles, tea, coffee and sour foods.
- Avoid carbonated drinks to prevent irritation on the stomach lining.
- Avoid dairy products until the condition is totally healed.
- Drink green tea regularly to prevent chronic gastritis.
- Eat dinner at least 2 hours before going to sleep.
- Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to facilitate proper digestion.
- Eat small meals at regular intervals to minimize excessive accumulation of acid in the stomach.
- Avoid drinking water with meals since it can cause a delay in the digestion of foods.
- Drink plenty of water.