What is Gastritis?
Gastritis means inflammation of your stomach lining. You may develop gastritis from a number of causes.
Some of the most common causes of gastritis include:
- H. Pylori Gastritis: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacteria and the most common cause of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.
- Autoimmune Gastritis: Autoimmune gastritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your stomach, leading to inflammation.
- Gastritis caused by Overuse of Pain Relievers: You can also develop gastritis from excessive use of over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen. These medications may cause acute or chronic gastritis.
You may also be at risk of developing gastritis if you drink excessive amounts of alcohol or you’re under too much stress. Risk of gastritis also increases as you get older. In addition to placing you at risk of developing peptic ulcer disease, gastritis may also increase your risk of stomach cancer.
What are the Symptoms of Gastritis?
Gastritis symptoms vary in type and severity. Common symptoms that may indicate gastritis include:
- Burning or gnawing sensation in your upper abdominal area
- Heartburn
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling full even when you haven’t eaten
Though gastritis may be acute and something you can manage at home, if your pain is ongoing or you’re vomiting blood, contact Gotham Gastroenterology for an evaluation.
How is Gastritis Diagnosed?
The skilled team at Gotham Gastroenterology performs an upper endoscopy to diagnose gastritis. During this diagnostic test, your provider inserts an endoscope (a thin, flexible, lighted camera) into your mouth and through your esophagus to your stomach to evaluate the lining.
During your endoscopy, your doctor may also perform a biopsy to further evaluate your tissue and determine the underlying cause of your inflammation.
Before your endoscopy, the team reviews your symptoms, medical history, and family history, and then performs a physical exam.
How is Gastritis Treated?
The team at Gotham Gastroenterology develops a personalized treatment plan for your gastritis based on the underlying cause.
Your treatment may include:
- Diet modification
- Lifestyle changes
- Antibiotics to treat H. pylori
- Antacids to promote healing
The team schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor your symptoms and see how you respond to treatment. They may repeat your endoscopy to check on the healing of your stomach lining.
For diagnosis and management of your gastritis, contact Gotham Gastroenterology by phone or book your appointment online today.
