Gastritis in Louisiana
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Find a ProviderWhat is gastritis?
Gastritis is a term that describes the inflammation, irritation, or wearing away of the lining that shields the stomach. Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) may elevate the odds of stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, or cancer of the stomach. The two most common forms of gastritis include erosive gastritis and nonerosive gastritis. Erosive gastritis damages the stomach lining, while nonerosive gastritis affects the stomach lining.
Gastritis can come about abruptly (acute gastritis) or occur gradually over a period of time (chronic gastritis). In many situations, the condition does not generate concerning difficulties and improves quickly with treatment. When you are looking for treatment for gastritis in Louisiana, help is available. To obtain therapy for gastritis, partner with a digestive health specialist at GastroGroup & Endocenter by contacting us for a consultation.
What causes gastritis?
Gastritis usually results when damage occurs to the mucosal barrier that lines your stomach, and the digestive juices are able to inflame the stomach lining. It could be more serious for individuals who suffer from conditions like liver disease, kidney problems, and lung conditions. In general, chronic stomach inflammation or gastritis might be a result of:
- Cigarette use
- Bile backing up from the gallbladder or liver
- Eating spicy foods
- Drinking too much caffeine
- Consuming acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus fruits
- Vomiting
- Eating very salty foods
- Eating fatty or fried foods
- Constant stress
- Infections from bacteria or viruses
- Overuse of aspirin or anti-inflammatory pain relievers, like Ibuprofen
- Heavy drinking
- Infections – like Helicobacter pylori
The use of certain drugs can also add to the occurrence of gastritis. These medications are:
- Pain relievers (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
- Corticosteroids
- Chemo drugs
To obtain more information on the ways to appropriately address and care for your digestive problem, get in touch with your nearby GastroGroup & Endocenter location and set up a consultation with a gastrointestinal specialist.
What are the main signs of gastritis?
A few of the main markers of stomach inflammation or gastritis include:
- Vomiting and queasiness
- Throwing up blood
- Severe pain in the abdomen
- Heartburn
- Bloating
- Burning feeling in the stomach between meals or at night
- Hiccups
- Black or tarry bowel movements
- Burping
How is gastritis treated?
Therapy for gastritis varies from one individual to another, depending on what is causing it. The most common ways to address gastritis are:
- OTC or prescription-strength heartburn medications
- Staying away from spicy or hot foods
- Antibiotics
- Vitamin B12 injections (to treat a deficiency)
- Removing specific foods from your diet, like gluten or dairy products.
In the event that you are suffering from any of the listed signs, we invite you to get in touch with our Louisiana gastroenterology providers.
Gastritis FAQs
What foods should I avoid if I have gastritis?
If you are dealing with gastritis, steering clear of certain foods and drinks that can aggravate your stomach lining is essential to manage symptoms effectively. Here are some items you should typically avoid:
- Spicy foods
- Acidic foods
- Fatty and fried foods
- Alcohol
- Caffeinated beverages
It's beneficial to eat smaller, more frequent meals and consider maintaining a food diary to identify specific foods that trigger your gastritis symptoms.
What complications can gastritis lead to?
If left untreated, gastritis can result in several serious complications. Common concerns include the development of ulcers in the stomach or small intestine, which can lead to severe pain and bleeding. Additionally, there is an increased risk of stomach cancer, especially in cases involving Helicobacter pylori infection. Chronic gastritis may also progress to atrophic gastritis, which can disrupt normal digestion and lead to issues such as vitamin B12 deficiency-related anemia.
Is there a way to prevent gastritis?
Preventing gastritis or alleviating its symptoms involves several proactive steps. First and foremost, managing stress effectively is crucial, as stress can both trigger and worsen gastritis. It's also important to avoid irritants such as alcohol, spicy foods, and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which can harm the stomach lining. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and opting for smaller, more frequent meals can be beneficial. Quitting smoking and managing medications that may irritate the stomach, under the guidance of a healthcare provider, are also key strategies. By implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing gastritis.
Allow us to help you obtain relief
Gastritis might impact your health and well-being in many different regards. In the event that you're experiencing the symptoms of gastritis and looking for a place to get help, you can rely on our experts at GastroGroup & Endocenter. Our physicians are immensely skilled and committed to working with you to find solutions that improve your GI wellness. To get care for gastritis in Louisiana, contact us now to request a consultation.
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