What is gastritis, and how to cure it?

What is Gastritis?

Gastritis is the inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach. As a result, gastritis may reflect nausea, upset stomach, abdominal bloating and pain, burning or gnawing in the stomach, indigestion, loss of appetite, and hiccups. In some serious cases, patients may also suffer from vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material and black and tarry stools, both of them identified as bleeding of your stomach lining which is dangerous.

Gastritis not only hurts your stomach lining, but it can also lead to serious problems in your digestive tract including Peptic ulcer disease – sores in the digestive tract, Gastric polyps – small masses of cells in the stomach, and stomach tumors. Also, massive bleeding caused by gastritis can be life-threatening if not handled properly.

What causes Gastritis?

The most common cause of acute gastritis is the infection of the bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) which leads to a direct inflammation of the stomach lining. Another major cause is the irritation of the stomach lining by some medications like NSAIDs and alcohol. Stress is also contributed to gastritis as it makes your stomach more sensitive to irritation and more vulnerable to inflammation. Minor causes of acute gastritis are including surgeries and traumatic injuries  

Meanwhile, chronic gastritis mostly results from an autoimmune disorder that makes your immune system attack the stomach lining, chronic bile reflux making bile irritate the stomach lining, or Pernicious anemia which occurs when the stomach can not digest vitamin B12.

How to deal with Gastritis?

The first process in the medical diagnosis of gastritis is finding the trace of inflammation by H.pylori through the breath test, blood test, and stool sample. If bacteria are not being found, Doctors would recommend an examination of the stomach or whole digestive tract using endoscopy or x-ray in combination with a barium swallow.  Sometimes doctors need a biopsy of your stomach lining to determine the condition of your stomach and the sequence of treatment thereafter.

Early stages of acute gastritis can be dealt with over-the-counter medicines, using a medicine that neutralizes stomach acid like antacids and alginates, and medicine that reduces stomach acid like proton pump inhibitors (PPI). For gastritis caused by H.pylori, antibiotics will be used in treatment to reduce the number of H.pylori and stop the inflammation. Reducing the use of medicine or alcohol is required for gastritis caused by irritation of the stomach lining. While treatment for the disease that leads to gastritis is needed for the treatment of chronic gastritis which includes surgery in some severe cases.

However, gastritis is a disease that is easily preventable by avoiding irritants such as alcoholic drinks, drinks that are acidic, drinks that contain caffeine, acidic, fatty or spicy food, and some medicines. Eating habits can also lead to gastritis, including eating before bed. Stress management also greatly helps reduce the risk of gastritis

Gastritis treatment at Phyathai 1 International

Gastrointestinal Clinic of Phyathai 1 International knows how to properly deal with gastritis, both acute and chronic gastritis. With our advanced equipment and laboratory to help our experienced physicians accurately diagnose the root cause of your gastritis, leading to effective treatment of your case that will end your pain and discomfort.

If you suffer from gastritis for many days or your condition becomes worse, we recommend consulting with our specialist at the Gastrointestinal and Liver Center of Phyathai 1 International, which opens daily from 8 am to 8 pm. To ensure the fastest procedure time, We recommend taking a reservation by phone at number (+66)2-201-4600 ext.2378 or by E-mail at [email protected].