Acid blockers — also called histamine (H-2) blockers — reduce the amount of acid released into your digestive tract, which relieves gastritis pain and encourages healing. Available by prescription or over the counter, acid blockers include famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and nizatidine (Axid AR).
In reflux oesophagitis it not only relieves the symptoms, but also protects the inflamed foodpipe from the acid, helping it to heal.
Antacids: Calcium carbonate medications reduce stomach acid exposure. They can help relieve inflammation. Antacids, such as Tums® and Rolaids®, also treat heartburn. Histamine (H2) blockers: Cimetidine (Tagamet®), ranitidine (Zantac®) and similar medications decrease the production of stomach acid.
If you are diagnosed with chronic gastritis, its symptoms can be eased with lifestyle changes: relaxation techniques, avoiding NSAID painkillers and alcohol, not smoking, eating smaller portions more frequently instead of a big meal, and cutting down on known irritants in your diet such as fried, spicy or acidic foods.
Lingering gastritis
If you experience persistent symptoms of gastritis that don't go away despite the absence of NSAIDs, alcohol, stress, and radiation, then you most likely have a serious infection in your stomach or a severely damaged gastric mucosa.
Gastritis is inflammation (irritation) of the stomach lining. This may be caused by many factors including infection, alcohol, particular medications and some allergic and immune conditions. Gastritis can be either acute (with severe attacks lasting a day or two) or chronic (with long-term appetite loss or nausea).
With acute gastritis, pain usually comes on suddenly but is temporary, sometimes described as acute attacks or “flares”. Generally, acute gastritis lasts anywhere from 2-10 days and can be greatly improved with symptomatic treatment.
ever had an allergic reaction to Gaviscon or any other medicines. been advised to eat a low calcium or low salt (low sodium) diet. kidney or heart disease. a rare, inherited illness called phenylketonuria.
It can be taken four times daily after meals and at bedtime. Side effects tend to be mild and may include indigestion, nausea, and belching. Gaviscon should be used with caution in people with kidney disease, a peptic ulcer, or trouble swallowing.
One person with gastritis may have no noticeable symptoms, while another may have severe symptoms. Typically, people report a sharp, stabbing, or burning pain in the upper-center or upper-left abdomen. The pain often radiates to the back. Other common symptoms include bloating and nausea.
Used for general prophylaxis. Antacids containing aluminum and magnesium can help relieve symptoms of gastritis by neutralizing gastric acids. These agents are inexpensive and safe.
While both involve inflammation, the key difference between gastritis vs. GERD is where that inflammation occurs in your GI tract. Gastritis has to do with inflammation in the stomach while GERD pertains to inflammation in your esophagus.
The result is that the area gets inflamed (swollen or appearing bruised before healing). This inflammatory process can bear down on nerve endings and cause different levels of pain.” That same process occurs in the stomach lining and — just like a skinned knee — it can “ache” or “hurt” in varying intensities.
While you should avoid caffeine, some people with mild gastritis can tolerate weak tea or coffee with a splash of low-fat milk or non-dairy creamer. Water, herbal tea, non-dairy milk, and low-sugar/low-acid juices are your best options.
Drinking large amounts of water controls the acid levels of gastric juices, which helps accelerate the healing of gastritis. You should avoid drinking too much water immediately before and after meals, as it can be counterproductive.
If left untreated, gastritis can lead to stomach ulcers and bleeding. While rare, it can also increase the risk of stomach cancer.
A: Chronic gastritis caused by H. pylori bacteria or by use of NSAIDs or alcohol can be cured by either eliminating the bacteria or discontinuing use of the substance. However, if a person has had chronic gastritis for a long time, some of the damage to the inner stomach lining may be permanent.
Gastritis may last for only a short time (acute gastritis) or it may linger for months to years (chronic gastritis).
Milk might provide brief relief, but it also increases stomach acid, which can worsen symptoms. Your doctor may recommend taking antacids or other drugs to reduce acid in the stomach. Talk with a health care provider if you're concerned about ongoing pain or discomfort in your stomach.
Stress can cause a stomachache, and an even more serious condition called gastritis. If your bout of indigestion or inflammation lingers for a week or more – or if there is blood in your vomit or feces – you should see a physician to determine if you have gastritis.