WHAT IS GASTRITIS?

Gastritis is the inflammation or swelling of the inner lining of the stomach. It can either be acute or chronic in nature. Acute inflammation is sudden and severe while chronic inflammation leads to long-term inflammation lasting for years. Acute gastritis is usually erosive and hemorrhagic.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR GASTRITIS?

• Thin or damaged stomach lining.
• Age: as the stomach lining gets thinner with age
• High amounts of alcohol consumption.
• Regular use of NSAIDS, cocaine, or tobacco.
• Severe stress
• If you are suffering from any autoimmune condition.

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF GASTRITIS?

If gastritis is left untreated, it can lead to the formation of ulcers, and severe blood loss and may increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GASTRITIS?

Acute gastritis often produces no symptoms but sometimes it may cause:

• Dyspepsia(acidity)
• Sharp stabbing/burning pain in the upper abdomen
• Anorexia
• nausea/vomiting or
• Melaena(black tarry stools)

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF GASTRITIS?

Gastritis is caused by irritation of the stomach wall commonly by excessive alcohol consumption, stress, regular use of certain medications, H. pylori infection, stress, bile reflux, 

DIAGNOSIS OF GASTRITIS

Gastritis may be diagnosed by:

• Physical examination
• Evaluating the medical history of an individual along with current symptoms
• Evaluation for H. pylori by testing your blood, breath, or stool.
• Endoscopy or biopsy is sometimes advised to exclude peptic ulcers or cancer.

TREATMENT OF GASTRITIS

Conventional treatment includes the use of antacids and antibiotics. However, long-term use of these medications, especially at high doses, can lead to an increased risk of spine, hip, and wrist fractures. It can also lead to an increased risk of developing nutrient deficiency, dementia, or kidney failure.

MANAGEMENT OF GASTRITIS

• If you have gastritis caused by NSAIDs or other drugs, avoiding those drugs may be enough. 
• People with gastritis should eat high-fiber food like apples, beans, carrots, and honey. 
• Herbal teas are also safe to drink. 
• Avoid caffeinated beverages, dairy products, and spicy foods.
• Food that has high-fat content may worsen the inflammation of the stomach.

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT OF GASTRITIS

There are many symptomatic as well as constitutional homeopathic medicines available, that can be used for the treatment of gastritis whether acute or chronic such as nat phos, nux vomica, ars alb, carbo veg, pulsatilla, antim crud, bryonia, lycopodium etc. All these medicines provide a cure for gastritis without any side effects.

DO’S AND DON’TS

DO’S

Food items to be added to the diet: probiotic yogurt, food items rich in fibers and with low-fat content, herbal tea, coconut water, etc.

DON’TS

• Food to avoid: alcohol, coffee, acidic food, fruit juice, fatty food, carbonated drinks, and spicy food items.
• Avoid the use of tobacco, alcohol, and excessive use of harmful medications.