Gastritis Symptoms

Gastritis is a condition in which the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed. Many sufferers may not realize that this stomach pain is anything more than a "belly ache." Therefore, it is important to recognize the symptoms and know when to see a doctor, as there are medical treatments available that will help alleviate the pain and cure the condition.

Types

• There are two types of Gastritis: Acute and Chronic. Acute Gastritis occurs very suddenly and can be cured within a relatively short period of time. Chronic Gastritis is an ever-increasing, gradual damaging of the stomach lining.

Risk Factors

• You may be a candidate for Gastritis if you are exposed to congested, unclean conditions. This can lead to an infection of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium known to cause inflammation of parts of the stomach, which can lead to ulcers or even stomach cancer. Other risk factors for Gastritis include alcoholism or smoking. The elderly, pregnant and those with genetic disorders also have an elevated risk of contracting Gastritis.

Symptoms

• Some symptoms to look out for include frequent indigestion and heartburn, unusual pain in the abdominal region, a sudden loss of appetite, vomiting blood, nausea or unusually dark fecal matter. If you notice any of these symptoms over any period of time, consult with a medical professional as soon as possible.

Diagnosis

• Gastritis can generally be diagnosed based on the description of the symptoms by the patient. However, if the patient cannot articulate the pain he feels very well, the doctor can use other methods to form a diagnosis. Blood tests will reveal the presence of Helicobacter pylori, any low cell counts, or pregnancy. Further, an endoscopy (a camera probed into the stomach to check for inflammation) may also be performed.

Treatment

• The good news is that Gastritis is 100 percent treatable. Given the nature of the disease, though, each treatment will be slightly different based on the cause of the condition. Gastritis can be caused by an infection, some autoimmune conditions, bile reflux or a blood disorder known as pernicious anemia (a deficiency of vitamin B-12 in the blood).

  In many cases, the treatment will consist of several lifestyle changes. The doctor may recommend that the patient cease consuming any alcohol or tobacco products. In some cases, the patient may not be allowed to drink coffee or soda for a while. The doctor will always prescribe a very specific, fiber-rich diet.

  In most cases, though, medication is required. If the Gastritis is caused by a Helicobacter pylori infection, a "triple therapy" is common used. The doctor will prescribe three separate medications, usually a proton pump inhibitor to reduce stomach acid production, as well as two antibiotics. Other medications that may be prescribed include antacids to relieve heartburn and indigestion, H2 blockers to inhibit the secretion of gastric acid, or a Sucralfate to create a cover over the ulcer, thus preventing additional damage.