gastritis

Gastritis: An Overview

Gastritis refers to an inflammation of the stomach lining, which can cause a range of symptoms and discomforts. The stomach lining is a mucus-lined barrier that protects the stomach wall from acid and enzymes.

• Causes: Gastritis can be caused by various factors, including infection, anti-inflammatory medication, and excessive alcohol consumption [1].
• Symptoms: Common symptoms of gastritis include indigestion, a burning or gnawing feeling in the stomach that tends to happen between meals or at night [2]. Other symptoms may include pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite after eating [9][10].

Types of Gastritis

There are different types of gastritis, including:

• Acute erosive gastropathy: A form of stress gastritis that develops when serious health problems, such as severe injuries or burns, critical illness, or sepsis occur [7].
• Chronic gastritis: A long-term inflammation of the stomach lining that can be caused by various factors, including infection and excessive alcohol consumption.

Treatment

The treatment for gastritis depends on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. Treatment options may include antacids, acid reducers, and antibiotics to treat infections [5]. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary to manage severe symptoms or complications.

References:

[1] Context result 3 [2] Context result 2 [5] Context result 5 [7] Context result 7 [9] Context result 9 [10] Context result 10

Common Signs and Symptoms of Gastritis

Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Here are some common signs and symptoms to look out for:

• Stomach pain and discomfort: A gnawing or burning ache in the upper belly area is often one of the first symptoms of gastritis [1].
• Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick and vomiting can occur due to inflammation and irritation of the stomach lining [2-4].
• Loss of appetite: Gastritis can cause a decrease in hunger, making it difficult to eat or feel like eating [3-5].
• Bloating and feeling full soon after eating: The stomach may become inflamed, leading to bloating and a feeling of being too full too quickly [2, 4, 6].
• Abdominal pain or discomfort: Pain or cramps in the upper abdomen can be a symptom of gastritis [7-9].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can vary from person to person and may not always be present. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: [1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 2 [3] Context result 4 [4] Context result 5 [5] Context result 6 [6] Context result 7 [7] Context result 8 [8] Context result 9

Diagnostic Tests for Gastritis

Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, can be diagnosed through various tests. The following are some common diagnostic tests used to diagnose gastritis:

• Upper GI Endoscopy: This test involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end into the mouth to visualize the inside of the stomach and esophagus. Biopsies may also be taken during this procedure to examine tissue samples for signs of inflammation or infection [1].
• Blood Tests: Blood tests can help diagnose gastritis by checking for anemia (low red blood cell count) and other related conditions [2]. A complete blood cell (CBC) count is often performed to assess for anemia, as acute gastritis can cause gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Stool Tests: Stool tests may be used to check for the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacteria that can cause gastritis [3]. A stool test can detect H. pylori by looking for its antigens in the stool.
• Urea Breath Test: This test is highly specific and sensitive, detecting active H. pylori infection by measuring the amount of carbon dioxide produced when urea is broken down by the bacteria [4].
• Upper GI Series: This test involves swallowing a liquid containing barium sulfate, which coats the stomach and intestines, allowing them to be visualized on X-rays.
• Breath Test: A breath test can also be used to detect H. pylori infection by measuring the amount of carbon dioxide produced when urea is broken down by the bacteria [5].

These tests help doctors diagnose gastritis and identify its underlying causes, such as H. pylori infection or other conditions.

References: [1] Context 1 [2] Context 6 [3] Context 7 [4] Context 4 [5] Context 2

Medications Used to Treat Gastritis

Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, can be treated with various medications to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.

• Antacids: Over-the-counter (OTC) antacids such as Maalox, Mylanta, Tums, or generic forms can help neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief from heartburn and indigestion [3][8].
• H2 blockers: Medications like famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet), and nizatidine (Axid) can reduce the production of stomach acid, providing long-term relief from gastritis symptoms [9].
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs such as omeprazole can block the production of stomach acid, helping to heal the stomach lining and alleviate symptoms [1][4][7]. Examples of PPIs include lansoprazole (Prevacid) and esomeprazole (Nexium).
• Antibiotics: If gastritis is caused by a bacterial infection, such as H. pylori, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the underlying infection [5][6].
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These drugs help block stomach acid production and are often used in combination with other medications to treat gastritis [7].

Additional Treatment Options

In severe cases of gastritis, especially those caused by NSAIDs or alcohol use, stopping the use of these substances can provide relief. Additionally, surface coating agents may be prescribed to protect the stomach lining.

References:

[1] Feb 14, 2024 - Acute gastritis caused by NSAIDs or alcohol may be relieved by stopping use of those substances. [2] What types of gastritis medicines might I be prescribed? · H2 blockers · Proton pump inhibitors · Antacids · Helicobacter pylori treatment. [3] Feb 3, 2023 - Used for general prophylaxis. Antacids containing aluminum and magnesium can help relieve symptoms of gastritis by neutralizing gastric acids. [4] For patients with severe injuries or critical illness, doctors may prescribe medicines that reduce stomach acid such as PPIs, H2 blockers NIH external link, or ... [5] Nov 16, 2022 - Some of the commonly prescribed medications for gastritis include: Antibiotics: If the root cause of gastritis is H. pylori infection, your ... [6] You can treat your symptoms with over-the-counter (OTC) medications that soothe irritation and neutralize stomach acid, like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or ... [7] Apr 1, 2024 - Gastritis Treatment · Proton pump inhibitors. These drugs help block stomach acid production. · Surface coating agents. · Antibiotics. · Anti-nausea ... [8] Dec 6, 2023 - Use medications to decrease stomach acids. You may try over-the-counter antacids (such as Maalox, Mylanta, Tums or generic forms) or an H2 ... [9] Jan 30, 2023 - Treatment · Antacids · H2 antagonists: famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet), and nizatidine (Axid) · Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): omeprazole ...

Differential Diagnoses of Gastritis

Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, can be caused by various factors and has several differential diagnoses. Here are some of the possible causes:

• Autoimmune Atrophic Gastritis: This is a type of chronic gastritis characterized by autoimmune destruction of gastric glands, leading to atrophy and loss of glandular cells [5].
• Lymphocytic Gastritis: A rare form of gastritis characterized by infiltration of lymphocytes into the stomach lining, which can be associated with other conditions such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease [7].
• Infectious Gastritis: Bacterial infections like Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can cause gastritis, and in some cases, it may lead to more severe conditions like peptic ulcer disease [6].
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Although not a direct cause of gastritis, GERD can exacerbate symptoms of gastritis by causing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus and irritate the stomach lining [3].
• Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD): PUD can be a complication of chronic gastritis, especially if left untreated. It is characterized by ulcers in the stomach or duodenum [3].

References

[1] - Not applicable as this information was not present in the search results. [2] - Not applicable as this information was not present in the search results. [3] - Context 3, Jan 12, 2023 [5] - Context 5, by AD Polydorides · 2014 [6] - Context 6, Oct 1, 2008 [7] - Context 7, by H El-Zimaity · 2018