Gastritis

What is gastritis?

Gastritis is a general medical term that indicates inflammation in your stomach. There are many factors that may lead to inflammation and the symptoms it causes. In some cases, the inflammation can lead to the development of an ulcer.

If you suspect you have gastritis, the team at Pinnacle Health Group can provide treatment to ease your symptoms and reduce your risk of complications.

What are the symptoms of gastritis?

If you feel a gnawing or burning sensation in your abdomen or chest that may get worse or better when you eat, then you may have gastritis. Gastritis may also cause nausea and vomiting, as well as a feeling of fullness in your stomach.

While some cases of gastritis can resolve on their own within a few hours or a few days, if you’ve been experiencing an uncomfortable sensation for a week or more, you need to schedule an appointment with the practitioners at Pinnacle Health Group.

What are the common causes of gastritis?

You may develop gastritis from many causes. Identifying the underlying cause of your gastritis may help direct your treatment.

Common causes of gastritis include:

Bacterial infection

Helicobacter pylori are bacteria that can lead to the development of gastritis. Although not everyone who has the bacteria develops the gastric inflammation.

Pain medication

Regular use of over-the-counter pain medication, specifically nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can decrease the substance in your stomach that protects the lining from the acidic juices that help digest food, leading to inflammation.

Excessive alcohol intake

Excessive alcohol intake leads to the erosion of the stomach lining, making it more vulnerable to the acidic juices.

Aging

The lining of your stomach thins as you get older, which also makes it more vulnerable to irritation from the acidic contents in your stomach.

You may also develop gastritis as the result of medical issues, such as stress from surgery or an underlying health issue like Crohn’s disease.

What treatment can improve my gastritis?

Your Pinnacle Health Group provider develops a personalized treatment plan for your gastritis based on the underlying cause. In addition, your provider may prescribe medication that supports the healing of your gastric tissue, such as:

• Proton pump inhibitors
• Histamine blockers
• Antacids

You may also benefit from making modifications to your diet, such as limiting your intake of foods that irritate the stomach like those high in fat and with high acid content.

To get help for your gastritis, call Pinnacle Health Group today or request an appointment online.

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