What Tests May Be Done
Your GP can usually make a diagnosis of gastritis by taking a history of your symptoms and an examination of your tummy . Mild gastritis does not usually need any tests.
If gastritis doesn’t get better quickly or causes severe pain then your GP will arrange tests. Your GP may arrange blood tests, including a test for anaemia, as gastritis occasionally causes some bleeding from your stomach lining.
Gastroscopy is the test that can confirm gastritis. In this test a doctor looks inside your stomach by passing a thin, flexible telescope down your gullet . They can see any inflammation or if there is any other abnormality, such as a stomach ulcer.
Small samples are usually taken of the stomach lining during endoscopy. These are sent to the laboratory to be looked at under the microscope. This also checks for cancer .
A test to detect the H. pylori germ may also be done. H. pylori can be detected in a sample of stools , or in a ‘breath test’, or from a blood test, or from a biopsy sample taken during an endoscopy. See the separate leaflet called Helicobacter Pylori for more details.
Having a barium swallow and X-ray is another way to look for changes in the stomach lining. It is not as accurate as an endoscopy.
Dont Let Gastritis Become Chronic
Chronic or untreated gastritis may lead to bleeding in the stomach, ulcers that can perforate and cause infection in the abdomen, and nausea and vomiting caused by obstructions. Also, chronic infection with H pylori increases the risk of developing stomach cancer. Some measures may be taken to heal the stomach lining once gastritis occurs. Eating smaller meals throughout the day, rather than three big meals, can minimize the production of stomach acid. A reduction in alcohol consumption will lessen irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining. Quitting smoking and reducing stress may also help reduce the damage to the stomach lining that causes gastritis. Eating vegetables in the cabbage family may help with H pylori because they contain sulforaphane, a substance known to have antibacterial effects. If you have questions about gastritis treatment or prevention, your local pharmacist can help.
Gut Feelings About Gastritis
Your stomach lining has an important job. It makes acid and enzymesA type of protein that does work around the cell. that help break down food so you can extract the nutrients you need. The lining also protects itself from acid damage by secreting mucus. But sometimes the lining gets inflamed and starts making less acid, enzymes and mucus. This type of inflammationSwelling and redness caused by the bodys protective response to injury or infection. is called gastritis, and it can cause long-term problems.
Some people think they have gastritis when they have pain or an uncomfortable feeling in their upper stomach. But many other conditions can cause these symptoms. Gastritis can sometimes lead to pain, nausea and vomiting. But it often has no symptoms at all. If left untreated, though, some types of gastritis can lead to ulcers or even stomach cancer.
People used to think gastritis and ulcers were caused by stress and spicy foods. But research studies show that bacteria called Helicobacter pylori are often to blame. Usually, these bacteria cause no symptoms. In the United States, 20% to 50% of the population may be infected with H. pylori.
Less common causes of gastritis include certain digestive disorders and autoimmune disorders, in which the bodys protective immune cells mistakenly attack healthy cells in the stomach lining.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Gastritis
Many people with gastritis don’t have any symptoms. However, gastritis can cause indigestion . See the separate leaflet called Indigestion .
Gastritis may start suddenly or may develop slowly and last for a long period of time .
Pain in your upper tummy just below the breastbone is the common symptom. It usually comes and goes. It may be eased if you take antacid tablets. Sometimes food makes the pain worse. The pain may also wake you from sleep.
Other symptoms which may occur include:
- Loss of appetite.
- You may feel particularly ‘full’ after a meal.
Symptoms Of Type A Autoimmune Chronic Gastritis
Pain may not be in the foreground in people with autoimmune chronic gastritis and most will not experience pain as strongly as those with chronic gastritis caused by H. pylori or NSAIDs.
Some people with autoimmune chronic gastritis may experience a full feeling in the upper abdomen after eating, feel nauseous or vomit.
The main resulting condition from autoimmune chronic gastritis is pernicious anemia, caused by a lack of vitamin B12, due to problems with vitamin B12 absorption due to the effects of the gastritis. It may also lead to iron deficiency anemia or other conditions, though.
Symptoms of pernicious anemia may include:
- Diarrhea
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Minimize Your Intake Of Processed Foods
You may have heard how consuming processed foods can be harmful to your health and there’s a really good reason why. “Highly processed ingredients disrupt the natural balance of your gut bacteria and can make you bloated and sluggish,” Youkilis says. Many processed ingredients increase inflammation in your digestive system and damage your healthy gut bacteria. According to Youkilis, one study researched a college student eating strictly fast food for 10 days. As a result, his gut bacteria was “devastated” and about 40 percent of it was lost.
Processed foods can also mess with your “hunger hormones” by affecting important processes like metabolism. When your hunger hormones are out of whack due to things like stress, you may have an increase in appetite. “An imbalance in these hormones also causes inflammation and digestive issues,” Youkilis says.
Treatment Of Acute Gastritis
The most important part of acute gastritis treatment obviously is to remove the irritant when found. Simple antacid medicines, more powerful “H2 antagonists” , or a “Proton pump inhibitor” are helpful for reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. Anti-nausea medications may be needed.
Consultation with a physician for further investigations and more sophisticated treatments will be necessary if symptoms do not settle quickly, or if any vomit contains blood. When H. pylori infection is diagnosed, treatment involves antibiotics, often in combination for up to two weeks. Most cases settle quickly unless the irritant or infection is not removed.
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Can Gastritis Go Away On Its Own
Acute gastritis typically resolves in a few days. If it is caused by a Helicobacter pylori infection, however, antibiotics are required to clear the infection. Untreated H. pylori gastritis could turn into chronic gastritis, a more serious medical condition. Some forms of gastritis such as eosinophilic or autoimmune gastritis are caused by lifelong conditions that can be managed, but not cured.
What Else Might It Be
Don’t assume that stomach pain is always a sign of gastritis – the pain could be caused by a wide range of other things, such as a non-ulcer dyspepsia, duodenal ulcer, stomach ulcer or irritable bowel syndrome. See the separate leaflet called Abdominal Pain.
See your GP if:
- You have bad pain in your tummy or feel unwell.
- You have pain or any other indigestion symptoms lasting for more than a week.
- The gastritis starts after taking any medicine .
- You are bringing up blood or the colour of the vomit is like coffee.
- You have any blood in your stools .
- You have recently lost weight without deliberately trying to diet.
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Try Supplements That Can Help You Maintain A Healthy Gut
Supplements should be personalized to you and your individual needs. So if you are looking for ideas, Youkilis suggests probiotics, which can be found in foods like yogurt, or sauerkraut in addition to supplements Youkilis says you can also try digestive enzymes, which are typically taken before meals, to help break down food more efficiently.
Again, everyone is different. So if you’re looking to take supplements you should consult with your doctor first just to make sure it’s safe for you.
Gastritis Duodenitis And Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease is the chronic inflammation of part or all of your digestive tract. The exact cause is unknown, but doctors believe that IBD may be the result of an immune disorder. A combination of factors from the environment and a persons genetic makeup also appear to play a role. Examples of IBD include ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease. Crohns disease may affect any part of your digestive tract and often spreads beyond the intestinal lining and into other tissues.
A study published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases reported that people with IBD are more likely to develop a form of gastritis or duodenitis that isnt caused by H. pylori than people who dont have the disease.
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Home Remedies For Stomach Pain
Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***.
Stabbing, throbbing, pulsing, or burning abdominal pains may be the sign of either minor or serious health conditions.
In most cases, relief can be found with all-natural home remedies for stomach pain.
The powerful yet nontoxic properties of many common kitchen products may help to alleviate the pain and other symptoms caused by gas, constipation, irritating foods, indigestion, food allergies, or viral infections.
Identifying the cause is the first step in knowing how to get relief from stomach pain.
In this article:
Chronic Vs Acute Gastritis
Acute gastritis is also an inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining, but one that lasts for a shorter period of time than chronic gastritis. A person affected by chronic gastritis may sometimes not notice many or possibly not even any symptoms and when pain appears, it is typically dull and long-lasting. Acute gastritis tends to set in more quickly, with pain often felt more sharply.
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Food Home Remedies For Gastritis
Common foods are known to fight off gastritis and heal the digestive tract.
Anti-inflammatory foods include:
- Fruits and vegetables – The diet must include a variety of fruits and vegetables. Vitamin K present in the vegetables and the substance that gives colour to fruits is known to reduce inflammation. Vegetables include broccoli, cabbage, and leafy greens like spinach while, fruits include raspberries, cherries, and blackberries.
- Whole grains – Whole grains are excellent in helping the body fight inflammation. These promote digestive health and help in managing gastritis. These include oats, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread.
- Beans and nuts – These are high in proteins and also contain lots of fiber that are good for digestive health and ease the symptoms of gastritis.
- Fish – Salmon, sardines, and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids also play a key role in producing molecules that resolve inflammatory responses.
- Turmeric â Turmeric contains both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help in relieving gastritis.
Mastic Gum For Gastritis
You Will Need
What You Have To Do
Simply chew on a piece of the gum whenever you feel any symptoms of gastritis.
How Often You Should Do This
Use this remedy as and when required during the course of the day.
Why This Works
This remedy works well in the case of nonH.pylori gastritis. Mastic gum is often used to treat gastric ulcers as it can help to stabilize the stomach acids and also protect the lining of the stomach .
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Chronic Gastritis Risk Factors
Certain population groups and people who overuse certain substances are at increased risk of chronic gastritis:
- Habitual use of painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen can change the composition of the stomach lining, leaving it less protected and causing both acute and chronic gastritis
- Excessive alcohol consumption is another common risk factor
- Infection with H. pylori is a big risk factor for developing acute as well as chronic gastritis.. Incidences of H. pylori infection have been falling in the developed world since the 1960s, likely due to better hygiene practices
Fennel Seeds To Relieve Stomachache
The phrase volatile oil is not normally associated with relieving stomach pain, but thats just what anethole, found in fennel seeds, can do. Anethole will stimulate the production of digestive juices, which, if you have indigestion, can be just the thing to provide natural pain relief for inflammation of the stomach.
Pregnant women, however, should not use fennel seeds.
- Chew on one-half to one teaspoon of fennel seeds after each meal.
- Or, add one teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds to one cup of boiled water. Steep for eight to 10 minutes before straining tea. Add a dab of honey for taste. Drink tea after each meal.
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Effective Home Remedies For Gastritis: Ease That Burning Pain Naturally
- Unokali Assumi, NDTV FOOD
- Ever felt that burning sensation in your stomach?
- If yes, it may be gastritis that is causing you the discomfort
- There are many diet and lifestyle habits that causes gastritis
Ever felt the burning sensation in your stomach that literally makes you crawl till the aching stops? If yes, it may be gastritis that is causing you discomfort. Personally, I have experienced severe cases of gastritis where I faced difficulties to even catch my breath because of the inflammation in my stomach. I later discovered that the reason for this agony was my high intake of spicy food. There are many diet and lifestyle habits that causes gastritis like drinking too much alcohol, smoking, extreme stress, long term use of aspirin and over-the-counter pain and fever medicines, and bacterial infection such as helicobacter pylori. Most of us have the habit of brushing off any illness that occurs, not thinking that it can perhaps get serious in the days to come. You should keep in mind how a mild occasional pain can turn to a full blown ulcer or even increase your risk of stomach cancer. So always remember to consult your doctor and get a quick check-up to avoid bigger health problems in the future.
Gastritis is the inflammation, irritation or erosion of the inner lining of the stomach.
What is Gastritis?
Scholars Journal of Applied Medical Studies
How Are Gastritis And Duodenitis Diagnosed
There are several tests your doctor can use to diagnose gastritis and duodenitis. H. pylori can often be detected through blood, stool, or breath tests. For a breath test, youll be instructed to drink a clear, tasteless liquid and then breathe into a bag. This will help your doctor detect any extra carbon dioxide gas in your breath if youre infected with H. pylori.
Your doctor may also perform an upper endoscopy with biopsy. During this procedure, a small camera attached to a long, thin, flexible tube is moved down your throat to look into the stomach and small intestine. This test will allow your doctor to check for inflammation, bleeding, and any abnormally appearing tissue. Your doctor may take a few small tissue samples for further testing to assist in the diagnosis.
The type of recommended treatment and recovery time will depend on the cause of your condition. Gastritis and duodenitis often clear up without complications, especially when theyre caused by medications or lifestyle choices.
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Give Your Body Time To Process Foods
“We see a lot of clients come to us with dietary/inflammation issues and it’s certainly a hot topic these days in our own lives,” Laz Versalles, Development Director at Accesa Labs tells Bustle. We’re all a little different, and certain foods react differently to our gastrointestinal systems more than others. So it’s important to listen to your body when it’s telling you something is off. As Versalles says, our gut or GI system is like a second brain. “When it’s inflamed, that’s a message telling us, ‘Hey, give me a break down here!'”
One approach to reducing inflammation in your gut is to stop eating at a certain time each day. “If you have your first meal at 8 a.m., have your last meal of the day at 6 p.m.,” Versalles says. This gives your body 14 hours to process food before you eat breakfast again in the morning. Talking to your doctor about whether this method is good for your body or not is your best bet.
How Is Chronic Gastritis Treated
Medications and diet are the most common ways of treating chronic gastritis. And treatment for each type focuses on the cause of the gastritis.
If you have Type A, your doctor will likely address the problems related to the nutrients you are lacking. If you have Type B, your doctor will use antimicrobial agents and acid blocking medications to destroy H. pylori bacteria. If you have Type C, your doctor will likely tell you to stop taking NSAIDs or drinking alcohol to prevent further damage to your stomach.
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Here Are Some Simple But Effective Home Remedies For Gastritis:
1. Freeze It OutTake a glass of ice cold water, put two tablespoons of sugar, stir it really well and gulp it down. Repeat the process if you have to. This remedy is a quick fix and my personal favourite. A glass ice cold water helps to stabilise the body fluids. It is believed that cold water calms down the throat and chest burning. Therefore, drink a full glass of cold water and take a small walk. The acid rushing up to your throat will subside slowly.
A glass ice cold water helps to stabilise the body fluids
2. Nothing Like CoconutGet tender green coconut water and keep sipping it till your pain subsides and you can make it a habit to drink it every day too. But be sure the coconut water is not tangy as that can cause acid reflux. Coconut water is rich in fibre, which is why it helps aid digestion and prevents the re-occurrence of acidity. Moreover, coconut water is known to cool the lining of the stomach, which further reduces the burning sensation.
Coconut water aids digestion.
3. Ginger It Up
Ginger has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Sip Chamomile
Chamomile tea provides relief from sudden pains and helps to eliminate gas.
5. Papaya All the Way
Raw papaya is good for inflammation of the stomach.
6. Baking Soda And Water
7. Cabbage Juice
So, now you know what to do when Gastritis or related problems trouble you.