This is a common condition that develops with the inflammation of the stomach after the damage such as an infection, drinking too much alcohol or an injury. It can also develop from an autoimmune disorder, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the backup of bile into the stomach. Individuals with gastritis recover quickly when treated or it can continue for years. This can develop quickly (acute) or can continue slowly over time (chronic) and increases the risk of stomach cancer in the future.
Causes
There are various conditions that can result in the inflammation of the stomach lining. It can develop when the stomach wall becomes weak allowing the digestive juice to inflame the stomach. It can also occur as the result of bacterial infection, excessive use of alcohol, regularly taking certain medications and a stressful event such as a major surgery. In addition, some of the risk factors include inflammatory bowel disease, cigarette smoking, herpes simplex virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Symptoms
Gastritis can cause symptoms such as feeling full after meals, vomiting, nausea, burning stomach pain and indigestion. When gastritis develops as the result of bacterial infection, the symptoms may not be evident. If the lining of the stomach is eroded and exposed to the stomach acid, additional symptoms can include pain, stomach ulcer and bleeding. It is important to get medical evaluation particularly when vomiting blood or with the presence of blood in the stools or if gastritis develops after taking certain medications prescribed for other conditions.
Diagnosis
When gastritis is suspected, various tests may be required to determine the cause. This can include an endoscopy that evaluates the esophagus, stomach and the small intestine for signs of inflammation or in some cases may remove a small tissue sample for laboratory examination. Additional tests may be required but that depends on the cause of gastritis such as a stool test to identify the presence of blood. A barium solution may also be given to swallow that clearly shows the digestive system on an X-rays. Breath tests can identify helicobacter pylori bacterial infection by drinking a solution that contains radioactive carbon and blowing into a bag.
Treatment
This focuses on lowering the amount of acid in the stomach, by reducing the inflammation and to treat the underlying cause. In order to ease the symptoms, over-the-counter medications such as antacids can provide relief. Gastritis caused by the H.pylori infection may be treated with antibiotics along with various medications that can block the production of acid, to promote the healing and to neutralize the stomach acid. Also, it is important to manage stress, limiting the alcohol intake and avoiding irritating acidic food.
References
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/gastritis/Pages/Introduction.aspx#treatment
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastritis/basics/treatment/con-20021032
