What is Gastritis?
• Gastritis is the inflammatory condition of the inner lining of the stomach.
• Mainly it is a chronic condition but sometimes the acute condition develops after excessive alcohol consumption or prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Who is affected due to gastritis?
• It occurs in all age groups.
• The incidence of H pylori infection increases with age.
What are the causes of gastritis?
• Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi.
• Excess of spicy foods.
• Bile reflux.
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Cigarette smoking
• Chronic vomiting
• Coffee and acidic beverages
• Stress
• Drugs especially NSAIDs, aspirin, etc.
• Trauma
• Systemic disease (Crohn’s disease)
• Auto-immune disorders such as pernicious anemia, and sarcoidosis.
• Radiation
What are the types of gastritis?
The main types of gastritis are:
• Acute gastritis
• Chronic gastritis
• Atrophic Gastritis
• Antral Gastritis
• Autoimmune Gastritis
• Erosive Gastritis
• Alcoholic Gastritis
What are the signs and symptoms of gastritis?
• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Belching
• Loss of appetite
• Hiccups
• Vomiting
• The sensation of fullness after a few mouthfuls
• Nausea
• Dark tarry stools
How to investigate gastritis?
• Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
• Barium meal
• Complete blood count for anaemia
• Stool test
• Tests for H.pylori
What is the differential diagnosis of gastritis?
• Cholecystitis
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Cholelithiasis
• Crohn’s disease
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
How to treat gastritis?
• Antacids
• H2 blockers
• Proton pump inhibitors
What are the complications of gastritis?
• Blood loss
• Risk of gastric cancer
What are the indicated homeopathic medicines for gastritis?
• Nux vomica
• Pulsatilla
• Arsenicum album
• Antimonium crudum
What is the dietary management of gastritis?
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco, acidic beverages such as coffee, carbonated beverages and fruit juices with citric acid.
• Stop taking NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
• Consume a fibre-rich diet.
• Drink plenty of water.
