What are the symptoms of gastritis and gastropathy? What causes gastritis and gastropathy? How is gastritis treated?

Symptoms of Gastritis and Gastropathy

The majority of people with gastritis or gastropathy don’t have any symptoms. In some cases, gastritis and gastropathy can cause symptoms of indigestion, also called dyspepsia. These symptoms may include pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, nausea or vomiting, feeling full too soon during a meal, feeling too full after a meal, loss of appetite, and weight loss. If gastritis or gastropathy leads to erosions or ulcers, the stomach lining may bleed. Symptoms of bleeding in the stomach may include black or tarry stool, red or maroon blood mixed with the stool, cramps, discomfort or pain in the abdomen, feeling tired, short of breath, or light-headed, and red blood in vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds. If you have mild bleeding in your stomach, you may have a small amount of blood in your stool and not notice it, which is called occult bleeding.

Causes of Gastritis and Gastropathy

Different types of gastritis and gastropathy have different causes. Common causes include Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, reactive gastropathy caused by long-term contact with irritants like NSAIDs, alcohol, and bile reflux, autoimmune gastritis, and acute erosive gastropathy caused by serious health problems, severe injuries or burns, critical illness, or sepsis. Less common causes include celiac disease, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease, food allergies, and infections with viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria other than H. pylori.

Treatment for Gastritis and Gastropathy

The treatment for gastritis depends on the cause of the condition. If gastritis is caused by NSAIDs or other medications, avoiding those medications or taking them with food can help. Antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors can also be used to reduce stomach acid and allow the stomach lining to heal. For H. pylori infections, antibiotics and acid-reducing medications are often prescribed. In cases of autoimmune gastritis, dietary changes and supplements may be recommended. Severe or chronic cases may require hospitalization and more intensive treatment.

Preventing Gastritis and Gastropathy

Can gastritis be prevented?

Yes, there are some steps you can take to help prevent gastritis and gastropathy:
– Avoid or limit use of NSAIDs and other medications that can irritate the stomach lining
– Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake
– Eat a healthy, balanced diet
– Manage stress and get enough sleep
– Practice good hygiene to avoid H. pylori infection
– Get treatment for underlying conditions like autoimmune disorders or inflammatory bowel diseases

When to See a Doctor for Gastritis

When should I see a doctor about gastritis symptoms?

You should see a doctor if you experience persistent or severe symptoms of gastritis, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or symptoms of bleeding in the stomach. Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe abdominal pain, vomit blood, or have black, tarry stools, as these could be signs of a serious condition. Your doctor can diagnose the cause of your gastritis and recommend appropriate treatment.

Living with Gastritis

How can I manage gastritis at home?

There are some lifestyle changes that can help manage gastritis at home:
– Avoid foods and beverages that seem to trigger your symptoms, such as acidic, spicy, or fried foods
– Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large ones
– Avoid lying down right after eating
– Limit alcohol and quit smoking
– Take over-the-counter antacids or H2 blockers as needed to reduce stomach acid
– Manage stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, or counseling
If home remedies don’t provide relief, see your doctor, as you may need prescription medication or treatment for the underlying cause of your gastritis.

Gastropathy vs. Gastritis

What is the difference between gastropathy and gastritis?

Gastropathy is a general term that refers to any disease or disorder of the stomach lining. Gastritis is a specific type of gastropathy, characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining. While all gastritis is a form of gastropathy, not all gastropathies involve inflammation. Gastropathy can be caused by a variety of factors, including irritation, damage, or changes to the stomach lining, while gastritis is typically caused by infection, autoimmune issues, or exposure to irritants like NSAIDs. The symptoms and treatments for gastropathy and gastritis can overlap, but the underlying causes and specific characteristics differ.