Gastritis is defined as a group of conditions
that are responsible for the inflammation of lining of stomach mucosa.
It may be acute or chronic depending upon the cause and onset.
Causes:
1.Alcohol consumption
2.Prolonged intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
3.Major surgery
4.Traumatic injury
5.Infection, commonest bacteria is H pylori
6.Auto- immune disorders
7.Pernicious anaemia
8.Bile reflux disease etc.
Symptoms:
1.Initially there is no symptoms are present in some cases where mild
pathology is developed.
2.Pain in upper abdomen that may be becomes either worse or better by
eating.
3.Nausea and vomiting.
4.Fullness or bloating in the upper abdomen.
5.Burning in the upper abdomen
6.Loss of appetite.
7.Belching
Blood in your vomit or black stools may be a sign of bleeding in the
stomach, which may indicate a serious problem requiring immediate
medical attention.
Acute gastritis occurs suddenly and is more likely to cause nausea and
burning pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen. Chronic gastritis
develops gradually and is more likely to cause a dull pain and a
feeling of fullness or loss of appetite after a few bites of food.
Diagnosis:
Usually symptoms help in diagnosing the case but sometimes when
diagnosis is not possible through symptoms then following method will
help in diagnosis,
1.Blood test- Blood cell count, H pylori, pregnancy test, liver
function test, Kidney function test, Pancreas Function test.
2.Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
3.Stool test
Complications:
Left untreated, gastritis may lead to stomach ulcers and stomach
bleeding. Some forms of chronic gastritis may increase your risk of
stomach cancer, especially if you have extensive thinning of the
stomach lining and changes in the lining's cells.
Treatment:
1.Conventional/Allopathic Treatment:
Treatment depends upon the cause of gastritis. It may
include lifestyle changes, medication or rarely surgery. Medication
includes:
1.Antacids: Antacids containing Aluminum and Magnesium are given but
contraindicated in documented hypersensitivity; it can't be safely used
in pregnancy also.
2.H2 Blockers: Cimetidine [Tagmet] is commonly given to the patient, it
may lead to confusional states; may cause impotence and gynaecomastia
in young males.
3.Proton Pump Inhibiters: Omeperozol [Prilosec] drug given to patients
may increase toxicity of warfarin, digoxin and phenytoin.
4.Antibiotics: Amoxicillin [Amoxil, Trimox] is contraindicated in
hepatic dysfunction. It reduces efficacy of oral contraceptives.
Tetracycline used during teeth development can cause permanent
discoloration of teeth.
5.Antidiarrheal Agents: They are used along with antibiotics and proton
pump inhibitors/H2 Receptor Antagonists to eradicate H.Pylori.
Administration along with anticoagulants may increase risk of bleeding.
It may cause darkening of tongue and black stool that is temporary.
2. Homoeopathic Treatment
Homoeopathy medicines are prescribed on the basis of
presenting complaints while taking into
account the physical, emotional and genetic make up that individualizes
a person. This constitutional approach encompassing mind and body works
at the root-level. Hurry and worry that are at the base of this disease are
related to one's nature and tendency, which can be tackled by a
constitutional or individualized homoeopathic treatment. Homoeopathy is
very effective in managing all the acute as well as chronic expressions
of gastritis; it also plays an important role in the prevention of a
relapse of the condition.
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