Gastritis is a word that encompasses many conditions. It can be caused by bacterial or fungal infection, parasites, injury, or even the excessive use of pain killers. Due to the wide variety of causes, gastritis has become a common medical condition. In fact, about ten percent of emergency room patients with abdominal pain are diagnosed with gastritis.
Gastritis is basically the inflammation of the lining of the stomach, called the gastric mucosa. Even though there are many causes of the illness, the symptoms are always the same. You will experience moderate to severe stomach pain, which may become worse when you eat, or cause vomiting, nausea, bloating, and a loss of appetite.
There are two types of gastritis. The first is called acute gastritis, which usually comes on suddenly and causes nausea and burning discomfort in the abdomen. The other type is called chronic gastritis, which develops over a period of time and may come and go. Many people do not experience a lot of symptoms with chronic gastritis, although they may have a dull pain in the stomach or feel full after just a few bites of food.
Occasionally gastritis can cause mild bleeding in the stomach. However, if you do experience vomiting blood or black tar like stools then you should contact your doctor immediately.
Causes
There is a mucus lined barrier that coats the inner walls of the stomach. This barrier protects the stomach walls from acids in the foods you eat and the acids that digest the food. Gastritis occurs when this barrier is damaged or destroyed, and acid reaches the walls of the stomach causing inflammation.
There are a number of things that can lead to gastritis. The most common cause is a bacterial infection, namely called the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. This bacterium is present in about half the world’s population. However, most people do not suffer from any signs of having it. It can, however, break down the mucus liner of the stomach, causing gastritis.
Other factors that can lead to gastritis include excessive drinking, excessive use of pain relievers, and stress. There is also something called auto immune gastritis, which is rare. This is when the cells of the body attack the lining of the stomach.
Getting Rid of Gastritis
There are several things you can do to get rid of gastritis. The most important thing to do is cut down on stomach acids. You can do this in a number of ways. First, you can take antacids or acid blockers. You can also take pump inhibitors, which reduce the acid in your stomach by inhibiting the action of the tiny pumps that secrete acids into your stomach.
Another thing you can do to get rid of gastritis is exercise. Aerobics stimulates the activity of the intestines, moving waste more effectively through the body. Eating healthy and managing your weight is also important. You should also minimize how much alcohol you drink, and quit smoking. If your gastritis is caused by pain killers, you should change which ones you use and use less of them.
Related Video