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Care Plan for Gastritis
Care Plan for Gastritis

These are a few tips to help with managing gastritis

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Written by Antara Health Navigation
Updated over a week ago

Gastritis

Gastritis means inflammation of the stomach lining. Some people have gastritis that comes on suddenly and lasts only for a short time. This is called "acute" gastritis. Other people have gastritis that lasts for months or years and we call this "chronic" gastritis.

What causes gastritis?

Different things can cause gastritis or increase your risk of getting gastritis, this include:

  • Bacterial infections- Bacterial infections such as Helicobacter pylori can lead to gastritis or other upper gastrointestinal disorders.

  • Regular use of pain relievers. Pain relievers commonly referred to as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) — such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can cause gastritis. Using these pain relievers regularly or taking too much of these drugs may reduce a key substance that helps preserve the protective lining of your stomach.

  • Older age. Older adults have an increased risk of gastritis because the stomach lining tends to thin with age.

  • Excessive alcohol use. Alcohol can irritate and erode your stomach lining, which makes your stomach more vulnerable to digestive juices. Excessive alcohol use is more likely to cause acute gastritis.

  • Stress. Severe stress due to major surgery, injury, burns or severe infections can increase the risk of gastritis.

  • Cancer treatment. Chemotherapy drugs or radiation treatment can increase your risk of gastritis.

  • Your own body is attacking cells in your stomach( autoimmune gastritis)this type of gastritis occurs when your body attacks the cells that make up your stomach lining. This reaction can wear away at your stomach's protective barrier.
    Autoimmune gastritis is more common in people with other autoimmune disorders. Autoimmune gastritis can also be associated with vitamin B-12 deficiency.

  • Other diseases and conditions. Gastritis may be associated with other medical conditions, including HIV/AIDS, Crohn's disease, celiac disease and sarcoidosis.

What are the symptoms of gastritis?

  • Pain in the upper belly

  • Feeling bloated, or feeling full after eating a small amount of food.

  • Decreased appetite

  • Nausea or vomiting

How is gastritis managed?

Treatment depends on what's causing your gastritis:

  • For example, if NSAIDs are causing your gastritis, your doctor will recommend that you not take those medicines. If alcohol is causing your gastritis, they will recommend that you stop drinking alcohol.

  • Medication can also be used to treat gastritis caused by an H. pylori infection. Most people take 3 or more medicines for 2 weeks. The treatment includes antibiotics plus medication that helps the stomach make less acid.

  • Medication can also be used to reduce or block stomach acid production or to treat other causes of gastritis.

  • Lifestyle modification can also help manage /reduce instances of gastritis. These modifications include: anti-inflammatory diet(no spicy food, coffee, alcohol and acidic fruits) and weight reduction for those with a body mass index above 25 through increased physical activity and a healthy diet.

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