Gastritis in Northwest Arkansas
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Gastritis is a term describing the swelling, irritation, or damage in the stomach lining. Gastritis, also called inflammation of the stomach, could increase the risk of peptic ulcers, abdominal bleeding, or stomach cancer. The two primary forms of gastritis are erosive and nonerosive gastritis. Erosive gastritis causes the lining of the stomach to erode, while nonerosive gastritis might cause the stomach lining to atrophy.
Gastritis may arise abruptly (acute gastritis) or occur gradually over a period of time (chronic gastritis). In most cases, gastritis will not induce severe complications and settles quickly with treatment. If you are looking for care for gastritis in Arkansas, relief is accessible. To get treatment for this condition, connect with a GI doctor at GI Alliance of Arkansas by contacting us for an appointment now.
What causes gastritis?
Gastritis typically arises when the mucus barrier that protects your stomach from its own acid becomes damaged, allowing that digestive acid to eat at the organ. The condition may be more concerning for patients who deal with diseases like liver disease, kidney problems, and lung conditions. In general, chronic stomach inflammation or gastritis might be caused by:
- Consuming acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits
- Excessive stress
- Vomiting
- Bile backing up from the gallbladder or liver
- Infections (such as H. pylori)
- Eating high-fat or fried foods
- Heavy alcohol use
- Overuse of aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Drinking too many caffeinated beverages
- Smoking
- Eating high amounts of sodium
- Consuming foods that are spicy
Taking certain drugs might also add to the progression of gastritis. The medications include:
- Steroids
- Pain relievers (NSAIDs) like aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen
- Chemotherapy drugs
To get additional details on the ways to address and get treatment for your gastritis, reach out to your closest GI Alliance of Arkansas location and arrange a consultation with a GI provider.
What are the main symptoms of gastritis?
The primary symptoms of stomach inflammation include (but aren't limited to):
- Throwing up or queasiness
- Throwing up blood
- Severe stomach ache
- Heartburn
- Bloating
- Burning sensation in the abdomen when your stomach is empty
- Hiccups
- Tarry or black stools
- Belching
How is gastritis treated?
Different patients will require different treatments for gastritis depending on the cause of the condition. The most common solutions for gastritis are:
- Antibiotics
- Eliminating certain foods from your consumption, like gluten or dairy.
- Not eating hot or spicy foods
- OTC or prescription-strength heartburn medications
- Vitamin B12 injections (to treat a deficiency)
If you're living with painful symptoms you believe may be connected to gastritis, don't hesitate to call our Arkansas digestive health team. Our doctors will give you the dependable, compassionate care that you need.
Gastritis FAQs
What should I avoid eating if I suffer from gastritis?
If you're experiencing gastritis, it's crucial to avoid certain foods and drinks that might irritate the stomach lining and worsen your symptoms. Generally, you should steer clear of:
- Spicy items
- Acidic foods
- High-fat and fried foods
- Alcoholic beverages
- Caffeine-containing drinks
Additionally, it's beneficial to eat smaller, more frequent meals to better manage your symptoms. Keeping a food diary may also help you identify specific foods that trigger your gastritis.
What are the potential complications of untreated gastritis?
If left untreated, gastritis can lead to several serious health complications. Notably, it can result in the formation of ulcers in the stomach or small intestine, which can be extremely painful and may bleed. There is also a heightened risk of developing stomach cancer, especially in cases associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Chronic gastritis might progress to atrophic gastritis, which can disrupt normal digestive functions and possibly lead to anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.
How can I prevent gastritis?
Preventing gastritis or mitigating its symptoms involves several proactive strategies. Effective stress management is essential, as stress can trigger or aggravate the condition. It's also important to avoid known irritants such as alcohol, spicy foods, and NSAIDs, which can harm the stomach lining. Adopting a healthy diet, eating smaller and more frequent meals, quitting smoking, and careful management of any medications that may irritate the stomach under a healthcare provider's guidance can significantly decrease the likelihood of developing gastritis.
Allow us to help you obtain relief
Gastritis may negatively affect your health and wellness in a variety of ways. When you're dealing with the symptoms of gastritis and need to know where to turn for help, you can depend on our staff at GI Alliance of Arkansas. Our doctors are expertly skilled and committed to helping you find treatments that elevate your GI wellness. To receive assistance for gastritis in Arkansas, contact our team today to arrange a consultation.
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