Inflammation of the lining of the stomach is called – Gastritis. It can result due to infection, medicines or unhealthy food habits.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms include:

• Burning pain in the upper part of abdomen or chest
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• A feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating

Risk factors

Factors that can increase the risk of gastritis include:

• Infection. Infection with H. pylori causes gastritis in some people.
• Use of NSAIDs (Pain Killers). Pain killer medication also called as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) — such as ibuprofen and naproxen — can cause gastritis.
• Unhealthy Food Habits.
• Old age. Older adults have an increased risk of gastritis.
• Other include excessive alcohol intake, Physical Stress, Autoimmune or as part of other disease.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually done by history and clinical examination but sometimes investigations may be required to detect cause of gastritis.

• Tests for H. pylori. Usually done by stool test or breath test or during an endoscopy.
• Endoscopy. Camera tube is passed on to the stomach through the mouth and the interior visualised. Biopsy can also be done during this process if required.

Treatment

Treatment of gastritis depends on the specific cause. Gastritis which are caused by medications can be managed by stopping them. Medications which are used to treat gastritis include:

• Medications that reduce acid production and and promote healing. Proton pump inhibitors and Histamine (H2blockers help reduced acid formation healing of lining of the stomach. These include medicines such as pantoprazole and ranitidine.
• Antibiotic medications for H. pylori. Treatment of H. pylori will require a combination of antibiotics for 7-14 days duration.
• Medications to neutralize acid in the stomach.  To provide fast relief medication may be given to neutralize the acid and reduce pain. However, this is not for primary treatment.
• Lifestyle & Diet Modification. Diet modification i.e., removing spicy and unhealthy food from diet and including yoga and mild form of exercises in daily routine will help overcome recurrent gastritis.

Complications

If not treated, gastritis may cause ulcers in the stomach and bleeding. Sometimes it can transform into chronic gastritis increase risk of stomach cancer.

Dr. Ankit Agarwal (MD Paediatrics, New Born and Child Specialist) is working in this field for last more than 10 years. For more information or for appointment call 90935-90936