Inflammation of the Stomach Lining
Acute gastritis happens abruptly, while chronic gastritis occurs gradually over a certain period of time. People who have chronic gastritis may also develop intolerance to fatty and spicy food. Gastritis can include a few other conditions, which all cause inflammation of the stomach lining. Causes of inflammation on stomach lining can be:
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Bacterial infection especially by H.
pylori bacteria, which when left untreated, can lead to more serious condition like peptic ulcers. Bacteria can also cause changes in the stomach lining by breaking down the inner coating. -
Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications including ibuprofen and aspirin.
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Excessive alcohol consumption, which is among the most common inflammation of the stomach lining.
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Major surgery
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Injury and / or burns
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Drug allergies
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Reflux diseases
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Percinicious anemia
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Autoimmune disorders such as autoimmune gastritis, which is a rare condition wherein, the immune system attacks cells of stomach lining.
Inflammation of the Stomach Lining Symptoms
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Gastritis or the inflammation of the stomach lining particularly acute is characterized by:
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Abdominal pain
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Abdominal bloating
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Belching
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Vomiting
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Nausea
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Burning sensation in the upper abdomen
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Stomach discomfort in the upper abdomen
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Cramping
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Loss of appetite
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Indigestion
Upset stomach
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Feeling of fullness
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Bleeding in the stomach may be indicated by black and tarry stools, red blood in stools and blood in vomit.
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Chronic gastritis may not have noticeable symptoms, however, they may experience vague symptoms like mild stomach discomfort and dull pain.
Inflammation of the Stomach Lining Treatment
Before any treatment is administered, gastritis must first be established by a physician. It is diagnosed by tests such as:
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Endoscopy with a biopsy of the stomach
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Before the endoscopy is performed, however, the patient is given a medicine to reduce the discomfort and anxiety.
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Then the doctor will insert the endoscope, which is a thin tube with built-in camera on its end, into the patient’s mouth or nose, reaching through the stomach.
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The endoscope shall examine the esophagus, stomach, and first portion of the small intestines.
Medications are prescribed to reduce the symptoms of gastritis. This includes
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Antacids like aspirin, citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, alumina and magnesia, and calcium carbonate
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Histamine 2 blockers like ranitidine and famotidine can decrease acid production.
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Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, dexlansoprazole
Depending on the causes of gastritis, the doctor may prescribe additional precautionary measures such as advising the patients to stop taking medicines such as NSAIDs as they may cause gastritis.