Gastritis

Gastritis

Definition

Gastritis is an inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach.It means that white blood cells move into the wall of the stomach as a response to some type of injury. Gastritis does not mean that there is an ulcer or cancer.

Aalternative Name

Acute gastritis

Classification

The classification of gastritis is given below:

·         Stress gastritis

·         Chronic gastritis

·          Acute gastritis

·         Autoimmune gastritis

Causes

v  Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori): A bacteria that lives in the mucous lining of the stomach. Without treatment the infection can lead to ulcers, and in some people, stomach cancer.

v  Pernicious anemia: A form of anemia that occurs when the stomach lacks a naturally occurring substance needed to properly absorb and digest vitamin B12.

v  Bile reflux: A backflow of bile into the stomach from the bile tract (that connects to the liver and gallbladder).

v  Infections caused by bacteria and viruses

Symptoms

Ø  Nausea or recurrent upset stomach

Ø  Abdominal bloating

Ø  Abdominal pain

Ø  Vomiting

Ø  Indigestion

Ø  Burning or gnawing feeling in the stomach between meals or at night

Ø  Hiccups

Ø  Loss of appetite

Ø  Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material

Ø  Black, tarry stools

Diagnosis

Tests that may be done to diagnose acute gastritis include:

• Complete blood count (CBC, shows anemia)
• Gastroscopy
• Stool test for bleeding
• Upper GI and small bowel x-ray series

Treatment

Treatment for gastritis usually involves:

• Taking antacids and other drugs to reduce stomach acid, which causes further irritation to inflamed areas.
• Avoiding hot and spicy foods.
• For gastritis caused by H. pylori infection, your doctor will prescribe a regimen of several antibiotics plus an acid blocking drug (used for heartburn).
• If the gastritis is caused by pernicious anemia, B12 vitamin shots will be given.

• Almost all health care providers would recommend this as the first step in preventing gastritis.
• First, you have to identify what these triggers are for you.
• Most people are fairly aware of their triggers before seeking medical care.
• If you do not know your triggers, your health care provider can help you figure them out.

Medications

Histamine (H2) blockers: Four histamine blockers are available. Some are available without a prescription; others require a prescription.

• All work by blocking the release of acid from specialized glands in your stomach.
• The idea is that producing less acid allows your stomach to heal.
• Once healed, the previously inflamed stomach then causes no further symptoms.
• Commonly prescribed H2-blockers include cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid), and ranitidine (Zantac).

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These medications are very powerful blockers of the stomach's ability to secrete acid.

• A health care provider who prescribes one of these medications to treat your gastritis may be doing so in consultation with a gastroenterologist.
• These medications include lansoprazole (Prevacid) and omeprazole (Prilosec, Losec).

Coating agents: These medications protect the stomach's lining.

• Sucralfate (Carafate) - Coats and protects the stomach lining
• Misoprostol (Cytotec) - Also protects the stomach lining, used as a preventive measure for people taking NSAIDs who are at high risk for developing stomach damage

Antibiotics: An antibiotic may be prescribed if H pylori is demonstrated to be the cause of your gastritis.

Antiemetics: These medications help control nausea and vomiting. A number of different antiemetics can be used in the emergency department to control those symptoms. Some these medications are available by prescription for home use as well.

Complications

The cause of most types of gastritis is known and effective treatment and preventive measures are available so that serious complications are unusual. One exception is the H. pylori infection which, when present for a long time, may lead to stomach cancer in some individuals. This infection can also lead to a malignancy of the lymph system called a lymphoma. One such low-grade lymphoma is called a MALT lymphoma. Eliminating the infection from the stomach often cures this type of lymphoma.

Prevention

The mainstay of gastritis prevention is to avoid those things that irritate or inflame your stomach's lining.

• Aspirin (use coated aspirin if you must take aspirin)
• NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Naprosyn)
• Smoking
• Caffeine and other caffeinelike substances
• Alcohol

 

 

Gastritis at a Glance

• Gastritis is a condition in which the stomach lining is inflamed.
• The term gastritis refers specifically to abnormal inflammation in the stomach lining. However, gastritis is sometimes mistakenly used to describe any symptoms of pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen. Most people who have upper abdominal symptoms do not have gastritis.
• The most common causes of gastritis are H. pylori infections and prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Many people with gastritis have no symptoms. Those who do have symptoms may experience dyspepsia upper abdominal discomfort or pain, nausea, or vomiting.
• Treating H. pylori infection is important, even if a person is not experiencing symptoms. Left untreated, H. pylori infection may lead to peptic ulcer disease or cancer.