Fact Checked
Gastritis is a condition where there is inflammation of the lining of the stomach and caused by bacteria that also causes stomach ulcers. Constant use of certain pain medications, injuries and drinking alcoholic beverages can lead to the development of gastritis.
Gastritis that happens suddenly or develops in a slow manner can cause ulcers and puts an individual at high risk for developing stomach cancer.
Symptoms
- Discomfort and pain can be felt in the upper abdomen, usually the middle region of the abdomen.
- Oftentimes, the pain caused by gastritis occurs in the upper left part of the abdomen as well as the back.
- The pain can be described as aching, burning, gnawing and soreness and usually it is an unclear sense of discomfort, but the pain can be stabbing, sharp or cutting.
- By belching, gastritis cannot be relieved or only lessened for a short time.
- The affected person can experience nausea and vomiting and the vomit can be clear, blood-streaked, green or yellow in color or completely bloody which depends on the severity of the inflammation of the stomach.
Discomfort and pain can be felt in the upper abdomen, usually the middle region of the abdomen. - There is bloating and burning or full sensation felt in the upper part of the belly.
Severe symptoms
- Fast heartbeat, sweating and pallor
- Shortness of breath and feeling of fainting
- Severe pain in the stomach and chest pain
- Vomiting large amounts of blood, bloody bowel movement or dark and foul smelling stool.
Causes
- People suffering from chronic vomiting can lead to gastritis
- Those who are seriously ill or injured can develop gastritis
- Medical procedures such as endoscopy can cause gastritis
- After an operation in which a portion of the stomach has to be removed
- Suffering from autoimmune diseases
- After a radiation treatment for cancer
- An individual that is always stressed can suffer gastritis
- Drinking alcohol
- Smoking
- Caffeine
- Post-gastrectomy is a complication that causes pain in the stomach, weight loss and vomiting bile which is known as bile reflux gastritis
Treatment
- If the individual experiences frequent indigestion, eat several small-sized meals, instead of three large meals.
- Avoid eating foods that causes irritation of the stomach, especially spicy, acidic, fried and fatty foods.
- Avoid alcohol in order to help lessen the irritation of the mucous lining of the stomach.
- Take the prescribed pain medications that do not cause irritation of the stomach.
- Avoid being stressed by performing relaxation exercises such as meditation, yoga and tai chi.
- Add a teaspoon of chopped ginger root to a cup of boiling water, cover and precipitate for at least 10 minutes, strain and add honey and sip slowly. Drink this tea at least 2-3 times every day for a week. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that helps lessen gas, stomach pain, indigestion, bloating and nausea.
- Drink two cups of coconut water every day.
- Eat dinner at least 2 hours before going to sleep. Eat slowly and chew properly in order to help with proper digestion.