Gastritis means inflammation
or infection of the stomach. Gastritis can be a brief and sudden illness (acute
gastritis), a longer-lasting condition (chronic
gastritis), or a special condition, perhaps as part of
another medical illness.
Causes
This condition can be caused by many factors and, in
some cases, may lead to an ulcer.
Acute gastritis caused by trauma, stress, or severe
illness usually resolves spontaneously when the stress
or underlying cause is resolved.
For that reason, many of the same nutrients, herbs,
and lifestyle changes for a peptic ulcer might also
help someone with gastritis.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of gastritis include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Belching or bloating
- Hiccups
- Stomach pain or discomfort, especially after eating
Treatment
Peptic ulcers are normally treated with antibiotics
to eliminate infection with H. pylori. In addition,
other medications may be prescribed to control stomach
acidity, including histamine H2 inhibitors, antacids
and acid blockers.
