Gastritis in Washington
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Find a ProviderWhat is gastritis?
Gastritis is a term that usually means the inflammation, irritation, or wearing away of the stomach lining. Gastritis, or stomach inflammation, could heighten the risk of stomach sores, stomach bleeding, or gastric cancer. The two primary types of gastritis include erosive gastritis and nonerosive gastritis. Erosive gastritis wears away the lining of the stomach, and nonerosive gastritis alters the lining.
Gastritis may arise abruptly (acute gastritis) or slowly over time (chronic gastritis). In most instances, gastritis does not produce severe complications and improves promptly with therapy. When seeking care for gastritis in Washington, help is available. To get assistance with this problem, partner with a digestive health specialist at Washington Gastroenterology by contacting us for a consultation.
What causes gastritis?
Gastritis primarily occurs when damage is done to the barrier that lines your stomach, and the digestive juices cause inflammation of the stomach lining. This issue can be worse for people who experience conditions like liver problems, kidney problems, and respiratory failure. Generally, chronic stomach inflammation or gastritis can be a result of the following:
- Infections from bacteria or viruses
- Consuming spicy foods
- Eating fatty or fried foods
- Consuming too much caffeine
- Vomiting
- Tobacco use
- Consuming acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus fruits
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Overuse of aspirin or anti-inflammatory pain relievers, such as Ibuprofen
- Eating very salty foods
- Bacteria – like H. pylori
- Bile backing up from the liver or gallbladder
- Excessive stress
Taking certain drugs might also cause the development of gastritis. These medications include:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
- Corticosteroids
- Chemotherapy
To obtain more information on how to manage and care for your digestive condition properly, contact your nearby Washington Gastroenterology location and request an appointment with a GI provider.
What are some main signs of gastritis?
A few of the primary indicators of gastritis or stomach inflammation include:
- Throwing up and queasiness
- Throwing up blood
- Severe abdominal pain
- Indigestion
- Gas or fullness
- Burning sensation in the abdomen at night or between meals
- Hiccups
- Black or tarry bowel movements
- Belching
How is gastritis treated?
Treatment for gastritis differs from person to person, based on the root cause. The standard ways to address gastritis include:
- Avoiding hot or spicy foods
- Drugstore or prescription-strength antacids
- Antibiotics
- B12 vitamin supplements (for pernicious anemia)
- Eliminating particular foods from your diet, like gluten or dairy products.
If you are experiencing one or more of the above indicators, please get in touch with our Washington board-certified providers. Our specialists can provide the proper treatment as well as the ease that you deserve.
Gastritis FAQs
What foods should I avoid if I have gastritis?
If you have gastritis, it's important to avoid foods and beverages that can irritate your stomach lining and worsen symptoms. Spicy foods, acidic foods, fatty and fried foods, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages are common culprits that should generally be avoided. Additionally, eating smaller, more frequent meals can help manage symptoms. Keeping a food diary to track which specific foods trigger your gastritis can also be beneficial in managing the condition effectively.
What complications can gastritis lead to?
If left untreated, gastritis can lead to several serious complications. Common issues include the development of ulcers in the stomach or small intestine, which can cause severe pain and bleeding. Additionally, there is an increased risk of stomach cancer, particularly in cases involving Helicobacter pylori infection. Chronic gastritis may also lead to atrophic gastritis, resulting in digestive issues and potential vitamin B12 deficiency-related anemia.
Is there a way to prevent gastritis?
Preventing gastritis or reducing its symptoms involves several key strategies. Effectively managing stress is important, as it can contribute to or worsen gastritis. Avoiding irritants such as alcohol, spicy foods, and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) that can damage the stomach lining is crucial. Maintaining a healthy diet with smaller, more frequent meals can also help manage symptoms. Quitting smoking and carefully managing medications that may irritate the stomach under the guidance of a healthcare provider are additional preventive measures. Implementing these strategies can significantly lower the risk of developing gastritis and improve overall stomach health.
Allow us to help you feel better
Gastritis may impact your vitality and well-being in many different ways. When you're experiencing the signs of gastritis and searching for where to turn for treatment, you can depend on our experts at Washington Gastroenterology. Our gastroenterologists are expertly trained and committed to helping you benefit from therapies that elevate your GI wellness. To receive care for gastritis in Washington, contact our team today to request an appointment at a location near you.
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