The human body has many important organs, and the stomach is arguably one of the most important. It’s responsible for breaking down food and giving your body the energy to function. But sometimes, this little home can become irritated and inflamed, and that's when you have gastritis.

We spoke to Dr. S.T. Gopal, Senior consultant Gastroenterologist and Transplant Hepatologist, Apollo Hospitals, Seshadripuram, Bengaluru. regarding gastritis. Dr. Gopal explains, “the condition of gastritis as an inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It is a condition that can be caused by various things, such as bacterial infection, injury, or even too much alcohol consumption. It can develop over time. But don't worry! Gastritis is treatable, and most people recover quickly with the right care.

Keep reading to learn the various gastritis symptoms, effective treatment options, and strategies to manage the condition.

 

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Symptoms of Gastritis

Symptoms of gastritis can range from mild to severe, depending on the cause and severity of the condition. It's important to recognise the early signs of gastritis to seek medical attention promptly. Some of the most common symptoms include:

1. Tummy Pain: This can range from mild discomfort to severe pain in the upper abdomen.

2. Indigestion: This can include heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest or upper stomach, and a feeling of fullness or bloating.

3. Nausea: This can be a feeling of sickness or dizziness that may lead to vomiting.

4. Loss of Appetite: Gastritis can cause a loss of appetite, making it difficult to eat or feel less hungry than usual.

5 Burping and Farting: Gastritis can also cause excessive burping or farting, which can be embarrassing and uncomfortable.

 

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Risk Factors of Gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining which can lead to a wide range of symptoms. According to Dr. Gopal, anyone can be affected by gastritis, however, certain risk factors have been identified that may make people more likely to develop this condition. Knowing what these risk factors are and how to manage them can help individuals reduce their chances of developing gastritis. Some of the key risk factors for gastritis include:

1. Bacterial Infection: Helicobacter pylori is a common infection that can lead to gastritis or other stomach disorders, but only some infected people develop these conditions. Factors that may increase the risk of infection include inherited susceptibility and lifestyle choices such as smoking and high-stress levels.

2. Regular Use of Pain Relievers: Pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen can cause both acute and chronic gastritis. Overuse of these drugs may reduce the protective lining of the stomach, making it more vulnerable to damage.

3. Older Age: As people age, their stomach lining tends to thin, which increases their risk of gastritis. Additionally, older adults are more likely to have autoimmune disorders, which can also contribute to gastritis.

4. Excessive Alcohol Use: ”Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, making it more susceptible to damage from digestive juices. This is more likely to lead to acute gastritis”, warns Dr. Gopal.

5. Stress: Severe stress can cause acute gastritis by causing the stomach lining to become irritated or damaged.

 

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Diagnosis And Treatment of Gastritis

Diagnosis

When experiencing symptoms of gastritis, a doctor may suspect the condition after discussing your medical history and conducting an examination. To confirm the diagnosis and determine the specific cause, additional tests may be performed. These may include testing for the presence of the bacterium H. pylori, using a scope to examine the upper digestive system, and taking an X-ray of the upper digestive system.

Tests for H. pylori may include a stool test or breath test. The breath test involves drinking a small amount of a clear, tasteless liquid that contains radioactive carbon. If H. pylori is present, the breath sample will contain radioactive carbon.

 

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An endoscopy procedure, which involves inserting a flexible tube with a lens down the throat and into the oesophagus, stomach, and small intestine, can also be used to check for signs of inflammation. If a suspicious area is found, small tissue samples may be taken for further examination.

Finally, an X-ray of the upper digestive system can create images of the oesophagus, stomach, and small intestine to look for unusual features. To make any ulcers more visible, the patient may need to swallow a metallic liquid that coats the digestive tract before the X-ray is taken.

 

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Treatment

The treatment for gastritis is tailored to the specific cause.

For example, if an infection is to blame, antibiotics may be prescribed to clear it up. To alleviate symptoms caused by stomach acid, your doctor may recommend taking antacids, proton pump inhibitors or alginates. If you're taking anti-inflammatory painkillers or aspirin, your doctor may suggest alternative options. And if alcohol is the culprit, it may be necessary to abstain from alcohol consumption.

But please bear in mind that if gastritis is left untreated, it can lead to the development of a stomach ulcer.

If you're not seeing improvement or your symptoms are severe, don't hesitate to reach out to a Gastroenterologist; they can help you to get a better understanding of your condition and give you the best treatment option. They might do gastroscopy, a test to detect the situation of your food pipe and stomach.

 

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Home Remedies For Gastritis

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for gastritis, there are some home remedies that can help alleviate symptoms and reduce inflammation.

One of the best ways to manage gastritis is by following an anti-inflammatory diet. This means eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein while avoiding processed foods, sugar, and alcohol. These foods can help reduce inflammation in the body and promote healing in the stomach lining.

Another effective remedy is taking a garlic extract supplement. Garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can help reduce inflammation in the stomach lining. It is best to take the supplement after meals for the best results.

 

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Probiotics can also be helpful for gastritis as they help balance the gut microbiome and strengthen the immune system. They are available in supplement form or can be found naturally in fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.

Drinking green tea with manuka honey can also be beneficial. Manuka honey is a type of honey that is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can help soothe the stomach and reduce inflammation. It's best to drink green tea with manuka honey on an empty stomach for the best results.

Eating lighter meals can also help alleviate symptoms of gastritis. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help reduce the amount of stress on the stomach and decrease the risk of symptoms flaring up.

 

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In addition to the home remedies mentioned above, Dr. Gopal suggests few more things to help manage gastritis:

1. Quit smoking - smoking can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of developing gastritis. Quitting smoking can help reduce inflammation and improve overall stomach health.

2. Do not overuse NSAIDs - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can irritate the stomach lining and cause gastritis. If you need to take these medications, use them as directed and talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have.

3. Reduce stress - stress can be a major trigger for gastritis symptoms. Finding ways to reduce stress in your life, such as through meditation, yoga, or exercise, can help improve your symptoms.

It's important to note that gastritis is a serious condition that should be evaluated by a medical professional. If you experience severe symptoms such as vomiting blood or have been losing weight, seek medical attention immediately. These remedies can provide relief, but it's important to address the underlying cause of gastritis.

 

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Manage Gastritis With The Right Techniques

Dealing with gastritis can be a difficult and uncomfortable experience, but with the right knowledge and management techniques, it can be effectively managed. One of the most important things to remember when dealing with gastritis is to get regular checkups with your healthcare provider. These checkups will allow your healthcare provider to monitor the progress of your condition and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Additionally, regular checkups will allow your healthcare provider to detect any potential complications or issues related to your gastritis, which can then be addressed promptly. Overall, getting regular checkups is an essential step in managing gastritis and maintaining your overall health and well-being.

 

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The article contains inputs from Dr. S.T. Gopal, Senior consultant Gastroenterologist and Transplant Hepatologist, Apollo Hospitals, Seshadripuram, Bengaluru.