Erosive gastritis is a disorder of stomach. This article will give you more information on the causes, symptoms and treatment method of this condition.
Stress and improper diet can lead to several health conditions; gastritis being one of them. Erosive gastritis occurs when the inner lining of the stomach gets inflamed, and starts to erode or wear away. The lining is essential to protect the stomach against acidic digestive juices. Apart from stress, other causes of this condition include injury, infection, autoimmune disorders, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and excessive use of alcohol. This condition can either be acute (develops abruptly) or chronic (develops slowly over time). Erosive gastritis in the antrum is one of the most common condition which is caused when the gastric juices irritate the upper curvature of the stomach (antrum) leading to stomach ulcers.
Symptoms
Signs of gastritis are similar to many other diseases of the abdomen or the gastrointestinal system. Sometimes, in mild cases, patients do not observe any symptoms. However, as the disease advances, one may observe noticeable symptoms. Bleeding may occur inside the stomach due to internal erosion which can result in blood in vomit or stools. Apart from these, the following symptoms are observed in children and adults.
- Indigestion or dyspepsia
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating
- Belching
Problems or abnormalities in the process of digestion can lead to weight loss in patients suffering from erosive gastritis. In case, symptoms like blood in vomit or stools are observed, the condition should be treated as an emergency. It is advisable to consult the doctor immediately if any of the aforementioned symptoms are observed, for no noticeable reason.
Treatment
The doctor will advise the person to undergo X-ray, blood test, stool test, etc. in order to diagnose the condition. Sometimes, an endoscope may also be used for the purpose. In minor cases, antacids can be used as they help in reducing the inflammation. In severe cases, medication like acid blockers and proton pump inhibitors can be used to treat this condition. Antibiotics are used for treating inflammation of the stomach lining caused specifically due to the bacteria H. pylori. It is recommended to take any medication / antibiotics only on consulting the doctor.
Apart from these treatment methods, there are several home remedies that can help in getting rid of symptoms of erosive gastritis. Firstly, as mentioned above, stress is one of the prominent causes of this condition, hence, it is advised to reduce stress with the help of different methods like yoga and meditation. Secondly, it is also essential to follow a proper diet.
Diet and Prevention
When suffering from this disease, you should cut down on all acidic and spicy foods, as they further increase the acid in the stomach. Fatty and fried foods; milk and milk containing products should be eliminated from the diet for treating gastritis. You should rather include foods with high amount of fiber and lean proteins in your daily diet. Similarly, beans, grains; non-acidic fruits and vegetables like apples, bananas, cherries, dates, grapes, pears, pineapple, peaches; and asparagus, broccoli, beets, cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, mushroom, peas, spinach, turnip, etc. can be eaten. It is recommended to consult your doctor before making changes in your diet in case you suffer from this disease.
Secondly, you should completely avoid alcohol and caffeine as it is also considered as one of the potential reasons for causing inflammation in the stomach. Smoking should also be reduced and stopped completely as it has an adverse effect on the body. If you observe side effects of any medication or drugs, you should bring it to the doctor’s notice immediately.
You should also change your lifestyle and dietary habits to prevent gastrointestinal diseases. You should have meals at regular time every day, and avoid eating spicy and larger meals late at night. As a concluding note, we can summarize that having a balanced and nutritious diet, and regular exercise can help in prevention of gastritis and other diseases of the stomach. Take care!
Disclaimer: This write-up is intended only to provide information, and should not to be substituted for doctor’s advice. Consulting the doctor for proper advice and treatment is recommended.
