Gastritis in St. Louis, MO
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Find a ProviderWhat is gastritis?
Gastritis is a condition that typically refers to the inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the protective lining. Gastritis, also called inflammation of the stomach, has been shown to increase the risk of peptic sores, gastrointestinal bleeding, or stomach cancer. The two most common types of stomach inflammation include erosive gastritis and nonerosive gastritis. Erosive gastritis wears away the stomach lining, and nonerosive gastritis changes the lining of the stomach.
Gastritis might arise abruptly (acute gastritis) or occur gradually over the years (chronic gastritis). In most situations, gastritis does not cause serious complications and settles soon with treatment. When you need treatment for gastritis in St. Louis, MO, relief is available. To obtain treatment for gastritis, work with a GI provider at a Specialists in Gastroenterology location by requesting a consultation today.
What causes gastritis?
Gastritis usually occurs if damage is done to the mucosal barrier that covers your stomach, allowing the gastric acid to cause inflammation of the lining of the stomach. The problem can be worse for patients who experience diseases like liver conditions, kidney disease, and respiratory failure. Generally, gastritis or chronic stomach inflammation is often due to:
- Bile backing up from the gallbladder or liver
- Smoking
- Chronic/extreme stress
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Consuming very salty foods
- Consuming acidic foods like tomatoes and some fruits
- Consuming too much caffeine
- Throwing up
- Taking excess amounts of aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, like Ibuprofen
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Eating spicy foods
- Bacterial infections – like H. pylori
- Eating fatty or fried foods
The use of specific medications may also contribute to the occurrence of gastritis. These medications include:
- Chemotherapy medications
- Corticosteroids
- Anti-inflammatory pain relievers (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
What are the common signs of gastritis?
Signs and symptoms exhibited by our St. Louis, MO patients will vary from case to case. Some of the main symptoms of gastritis are:
- Throwing up or nausea
- Blood in vomit
- Severe pain in the abdomen
- Heartburn
- Gas or fullness
- Gnawing feeling in the stomach at night or between meals
- Hiccups
- Tarry or black stools
- Belching
How is gastritis treated?
Treatment for gastritis will vary depending on the cause. Some of the common treatments recommended for gastritis include:
- Not eating spicy or hot foods
- Eliminating certain foods from your consumption, like dairy or gluten.
- Antibiotics
- Drugstore or prescription-strength heartburn medications
- Vitamin B12 supplements (for pernicious anemia)
If you are suffering from one or a combination of the listed symptoms, we encourage you to get in touch with our St. Louis, MO gastroenterology team. Our providers will deliver reliable treatment to give you the relief you seek.
Gastritis FAQs
What should I avoid eating if I have gastritis?
If you're experiencing gastritis, it's important to avoid certain foods and drinks that could irritate your stomach lining and aggravate your condition. You should generally stay away from:
- Spicy items
- Foods that are acidic
- Foods high in fat and those that are fried
- Alcoholic beverages
- Caffeinated drinks
It's also beneficial to consume smaller, more frequent meals to better manage symptoms, and keeping a food diary may help you track which specific foods trigger your gastritis.
What are the potential health risks if gastritis is left untreated?
Untreated gastritis can escalate into more serious health issues. These complications include the development of ulcers in the stomach or small intestine, which can lead to severe pain and bleeding. Additionally, there is a heightened risk of stomach cancer, especially linked to infections with Helicobacter pylori. Persistent gastritis might also evolve into atrophic gastritis, which can cause digestive problems and potentially lead to anemia due to a deficiency in vitamin B12.
How can I prevent gastritis or lessen its symptoms?
Preventing gastritis or alleviating its symptoms involves several proactive measures. Effectively managing stress is key since it can either trigger or exacerbate the condition. It's important to avoid irritants such as alcohol, spicy foods, and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which can damage the stomach lining. Implementing a healthy diet, consuming smaller and more frequent meals, quitting smoking, and carefully managing medications under a physician's supervision can also significantly reduce the risk or severity of gastritis.
Partner with us to improve your GI health
Gastritis may alter your health and well-being in a lot of different ways. When you're experiencing symptoms of gastritis and looking for a place to get answers, you can rely on our providers at your nearest Specialists in Gastroenterology location. Our specialists are immensely skilled and dedicated to allowing you to find solutions that elevate your GI health. To get assistance for gastritis in St. Louis, MO, connect with our team today to request a consultation.
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