The combination of erosion, irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining all sum up to the condition that is known as gastritis. There are two kinds of gastritis. The ones that occur abruptly are known as acute gastritis whereas the kinds that have a gradual development pattern are known as chronic gastritis.
Causes of gastritis.
Gastritis can be as a result of the lifestyle that an individual leads. Alcohol consumption in excessiveness causes irritation of the stomach lining. Other factors like stress, chronic vomiting and medications are also known to be causing inflammation that leads to gastritis.
There is a bacteria that lives in the stomach lining that has been identified as a cause of gastritis. The bacteria is known as Helicobacter pylori and can cause ulcers and in some cases stomach cancer. Unchecked gastritis that is caused by any given factor has the chances of causing bleeding and can lead to more complications like stomach cancer.
Symptoms of gastritis.
The symptoms of gastritis as a medical condition may vary depending on the individual. Other people may not even display any given kind of symptom. However, listed below are some of the common indicators of this condition;
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Burning sensation in the stomach.
- Vomiting
- Hiccups
- Black stools
- Loss of appetite
Diagnosis of gastritis.
To properly diagnose gastritis, the doctor will have to monitor the medical history of the individual including that of his family. This is then followed by an extensive physical examination of the patient. The known tests that will be included are blood tests, upper endoscopy and stool test. These tests seek to determine any irritation or inflammation to the stomach lining, check the count of red blood cells and finally to determine the status of the stool that the individual passes.
Treatment for gastritis.
To treat gastritis, one will have to do a number of things that ensure the well being of the stomach lining. These include;
- Avoid the intake of spicy food.
- Reduce stomach acids through the use of anti acids.
- Use of antibiotics to treat H. pylori infections
- Change of diet to eliminate foods that cause irritation to the stomach lining.
Gastritis is considered cured when the underlying causative issue is eliminated. They easily disappear soon after. Medication should not be administered by self and the doctor needs to be aware of any plans to take any particular medication for gastritis. Treatment of gastritis is an easy process. One should just ensure that they seek medical attention as soon as they detect the signs and symptoms. This way, the doctor will be able to diagnose the underlying conditions in time and get to initiate the treatment process before the situation gets complicated. This also eliminates the causes and gets the healing of the stomach lining going. Other forms of treatments are known to initiate the healing process even before the causing factors are fully eliminated. This condition is fully treatable and should not be left to be of any fatality.