GASTRITIS

General Information

DEFINITION--Mild irritation, inflammation, erosion or infection of the stomach lining. The illness may be acute, occurring as a sudden attack, or chronic, developing gradually over a long period of time. Gastritis is part of a spectrum of diseases that include erosion and gastric ulcer.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Stomach.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Abdominal pain and cramps.
• Vomiting (occasionally).
• Appetite loss.
• Fever.
• Weakness.
• Swollen abdomen.
• Sharp, dull or annoying pain in the chest.
• Acid taste in the mouth.
• Mild nausea and diarrhea (rare).
• Belching or gas.

CAUSES

• Excess stomach acid caused by heavy drinking, smoking or overeating (especially foods you don't digest easily).
• Virus infection. This form may be contagious.
• Adverse reaction to alcohol, caffeine or drugs.
• Unknown (sometimes).

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Stress, including surgery and hospitalization for other problems.
• Improper diet.
• Illness that has lowered resistance.
• Smoking.
• Use of drugs, such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, cortisone, caffeine and many more.
• Excess alcohol consumption.
• Fatigue or overwork.
• The presence of a bacteria, Helicobacter pylori, in the stomach.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Eat and drink moderately.
• Don't skip meals or eat irregularly.
• Avoid foods you find hard to digest.
• Don't smoke.
• Discuss with your doctor all medicines you take. Avoid medicines that irritate your stomach, if possible.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Diagnosis is made by examining the stomach through a gastroscope (a viewing tube passed down the esophagus to the stomach). A small amount of tissue may be removed for a biopsy (See Glossary).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care.
• Doctor's treatment.
• Hospitalization may be required if excessive bleeding occurs.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Bleeding is an uncommon but dangerous complication, especially in the elderly.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable in several days if the cause is eliminated.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Consider lifestyle changes if they are contributing to symptoms.
• Stop smoking. Consult your doctor about recommendations for a cessation program.

MEDICATION--

• For minor discomfort, you may use non-prescription antacids or acetaminophen. Don't use aspirin.
• Your doctor may prescribe additional medication such as ulcer-healing drugs, depending on the cause of your gastritis.

ACTIVITY--Resume normal activities as soon as symptoms improve.

DIET--Don't eat solid food on the first day of the attack. Drink liquids frequently, preferably milk or water. Resume a normal diet slowly, but avoid hot and spicy foods until symptoms disappear.

Call Your Doctor If

• You vomit blood.
• Bowel movements become black or tarry.
• Pain becomes severe.
• Signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, wrinkled skin, excess thirst or decreased urination, develop.