About Gastritis

Gastritis is a painful condition that occurs when the stomach lining becomes inflamed. The term gastritis doesn't refer to a single illness. Rather, it's a broad term that includes several different conditions that cause inflammation. If left untreated, gastritis can intensify and lead to serious digestive disorders. Thus, it's important to identify the symptoms of stomach inflammation, and take steps to stop gastritis.

Types

• There are two types of gastritis: acute and chronic. Acute gastritis is sudden inflammation of the stomach lining. Episodes are typically brief; however, sufferers may experience intense symptoms. On the other hand, chronic gastritis progresses slowly over time. Chronic gastritis can occur on a daily or weekly basis, in which sufferers deal with mild and severe symptoms. Often times, chronic gastritis causes no symptoms.

Identification

• The symptoms of gastritis vary. Symptoms associated with acute and chronic gastritis include burning or pain in the upper abdomen, vomiting, nausea, abdominal fullness, weight loss and belching. Because gastritis can mimic other gastrointestinal disorders, doctors request a variety of medical examinations to confirm a diagnosis. Blood test and a stool sample are necessary to identify anemia, which can indicate blood loss or stomach bleeding. Additionally, patients have to undergo an upper GI endoscopy, which X-ray's the gastrointestinal tract and looks for abnormalities.

Effects

• Although gastritis isn't a life-threatening condition, it can lead to serious gastrointestinal problems. If left untreated, bleeding and ulcers can develop in the stomach. And in the case of chronic gastritis, ongoing inflammation can affect the cells of the stomach lining and cause the stomach lining to thin, which increases the risk of stomach cancer.

Causes

• Damage to the stomach lining is the main cause of gastritis. Several factors contribute to gastritis. These include bacterial infection, overuse of pain relievers (these medications can cause stomach bleeding), alcohol abuse (erodes the stomach lining), bodily stress from injury or surgery, or being diagnosed with an autoimmune or connective tissue disorder, which attack the cells of the stomach lining.

Considerations

• Medications are available to treat gastritis. However, sufferers can make lifestyle changes and treat the condition naturally. Certain food can trigger gastritis symptoms. These include spicy foods, acidic foods and carbonated beverages. Identifying trouble foods and eliminating these from your diet can improve symptoms. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising three times a week for 30 minutes and learning stress management techniques can improve digestive health and help ease gastritis symptoms.