Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining. It can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic), and it affects how the stomach digests food. In Uganda, recognising gastritis is important because untreated inflammation can lead to ulcers or more serious stomach problems.
Hope Plus can help patients experiencing stomach pain, heartburn, or nausea by connecting them with a licensed healthcare provider in minutes. Through a quick consultation, you can get guidance on diet, medicines, and further investigations to manage gastritis safely. Learn more at Hope Plus.
Key Takeaways
- Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining and can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).
- Causes include certain medicines (like NSAIDs), alcohol, bile reflux, autoimmune problems, or bacterial infections (Helicobacter pylori).
- Symptoms may include stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, or heartburn; sometimes it causes no symptoms.
- Diagnosis can involve gastroscopy, stool tests, or barium X-rays for chronic cases.
- Treatment focuses on diet changes, antacids, and medicines to reduce stomach acid and nausea.
Causes of Gastritis
Acute Gastritis (Short-Term)
- Medicines such as NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen)
- Alcohol use
- Bile reflux into the stomach
Chronic Gastritis (Long-Term)
- Autoimmune problems that affect the stomach lining
- Infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori
Symptoms Patients May Notice
- Stomach discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen
- Heartburn or burning sensation in the stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or occasional vomiting
- Some patients may have no symptoms at all
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers may:
- Perform a gastroscopy to look inside the stomach.
- Test the stool for hidden blood.
- Use a barium meal X-ray for chronic gastritis.
Treatment and Management
Lifestyle and Diet
- Avoid irritants such as spices, tobacco, alcohol, and carbonated drinks.
- Eat small, frequent meals rather than large meals.
- Increase milk intake if tolerated.
Medicines
- Antacids: Magnesium trisilicate compounds, 2 tablets every 8 hours as needed.
- Acid suppression: Omeprazole 20 mg in the evening for 4 weeks if symptoms persist.
- For nausea or vomiting:
- Metoclopramide 10 mg by injection, repeated up to 3 times daily if necessary.
- Chlorpromazine 25 mg by injection or oral if tolerated, repeated every 4 hours as needed.
Caution
- Avoid NSAIDs like aspirin and diclofenac, as they can worsen gastritis.
Prevention
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, spicy foods, and fizzy drinks.
- Eat regular, small meals.
- Include milk in your diet if tolerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can gastritis go away on its own?
Acute gastritis may improve with lifestyle changes and antacids. Chronic gastritis usually requires medical treatment.
2. What foods should I avoid?
Spicy foods, alcohol, tobacco, and carbonated drinks can irritate the stomach lining.
3. Can medicines cause gastritis?
Yes. NSAIDs like aspirin, diclofenac, and ibuprofen can trigger stomach inflammation.
4. How is gastritis diagnosed?
Gastroscopy, stool tests for blood, or barium X-rays can help your healthcare provider confirm gastritis.
5. Can gastritis lead to serious problems?
Untreated gastritis can cause ulcers or increase the risk of stomach bleeding and other complications.
6. Can Hope Plus help with gastritis?
Yes. Through Hope Plus, you can quickly consult a licensed healthcare provider who will guide you on medicines, diet, and further tests if needed.
