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).
Acute gastritis is usually caused by an irritant or infection, and can result in an acute upset stomach, but usually settles quickly with simple treatments when the cause is removed. Chronic gastritis is a condition in which the stomach lining is damaged long-term, often due to infection by H. pylori.
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).
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.
Gnawing or burning ache or pain (indigestion) in your upper abdomen that may become either worse or better with eating. Nausea. Vomiting. A feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating.
Researchers now know that such a diet is not required to treat gastritis or ulcers. Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms: Foods containing flavonoids, like apples, celery, cranberries (including cranberry juice), onions, garlic, and tea may inhibit the growth of H. pylori.
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.
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.
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.
Stress gastritis is defined as sores in the digestive tract that can cause stomach upset and lead to bleeding. Symptoms include upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or blood in the stool.
Foods to help treat gastritis
Two foods that may help treat gastritis are broccoli and yogurt. Broccoli contains a chemical called sulforaphane, which has antibacterial properties.
Bananas for stomach acid are considered safe because they have alkaline (alkaline) properties. In addition, this fruit is also considered to help balance the acid in the stomach so that symptoms of acid reflux or GERD can be prevented.
Gastritis Treatment Medications
These contain containing aluminum and magnesium and can help relieve neutralize gastric acid. These are inexpensive and relatively safe. Examples include: Alka-Seltzer, Milk of Magnesia, Gaviscon, Pepto-Bismol and Tums.
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.
The probiotic strain Bifidobacterium lactis HN019 has been shown in human clinical trials to reduce GI symptoms such as: regurgitation, nausea and vomiting12 whilst improving gut microbial composition13.
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.
Each body handles stress differently, but chronic anxiety or stress may lead to the body's inability to work efficiently. Stress can lead to various symptoms or conditions, including acute gastritis.
Gastritis often clears up by itself. You should see your doctor if you have: gastritis symptoms that last more than a week. vomit that contains blood or a black, tarry substance (dried blood)