Gastritis Symptoms – Natural Cure, Treatments and Relief

Gastritis is a serious condition which may lead to various hindrances and other hurdles throughout the course of a lifetime. There are many people who are severely affected by this condition and they may have to face serious issues including pain in the abdomen, bloating and more. Gastritis is basically a condition characterized by an irritation of the stomach lining or an erosion of the same. It is also characterized by the inflammation of the stomach lining and may either be sudden which is acute or chronic or gradual. 

Learning More About Gastritis

The gastritis meaning is quite simple. As mentioned, it may mean an erosion of the stomach lining or irritation of the same. There could be stomach lining inflammation at the same time. You should learn more about the gastritis symptoms in order to be aware about the condition and whether you have it or not. You should consult your doctor immediately if you see any such signs.

Reasons Behind Gastritis

There are several predominant gastritis causes that you should be aware of.

This condition may happen due to irritation taking place on account of excessive usage/consumption of alcohol, chronic stress, vomiting and usage of specific medication including aspirin and any other anti-inflammatory medication as well. It may happen due to the following:

1. Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) 

This is a bacteria, which resides in the stomach’s mucous lining. Without suitable treatment, this infection may lead to various issues including severe ulcers and also stomach cancer in some scenarios. 

2. Infections 

Infections that are majorly caused due to the entry of viruses and other bacteria. These may also lead to severe or milder forms of gastritis. 

3. Bile Reflux

This is known as the back-flow of bile right into the stomach from the bile tract which is connected to the gallbladder and also the liver. 

Not treating gastritis may lead to major blood loss and higher stomach cancer risks in severe cases as well. 

Gastritis Symptoms

There are several symptoms of gastritis and they may vary from one person to another. There may be no symptoms for some people as well. The commonest ones include recurring upset stomachs, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hiccups, indigestion, gnawing/burning which is a feeling happening between meals or even at night, appetite losses, hiccups, vomiting out coffee-esque material or blood and tarry/black stools. 

Diagnosis of Gastritis

For the diagnosis of gastritis, the doctor will minutely examine the individual’s family and personal medical history/record, while undertaking an extensive physical analysis/evaluation and recommending some tests. Some of these may include the following: 

1. Blood Tests

The doctor may undertake several blood tests including checking the count of red blood cells for finding whether you are suffering from anemia. This means that you do not possess an adequate quantity of red blood cells. They may also test for H. pylori infections and other pernicious anemia with the help of blood tests. 

2. Upper Endoscopy

The endoscope is a slim tube which has a minute camera within the same. It is inserted via the mouth and downwards into the stomach for viewing the lining of the stomach. The doctor will check closely for any signs of inflammation and may also go down towards a biopsy. In this process, a small tissue sample will be removed before being dispatched to a laboratory for analysis and examination. 

3. Fecal Occult Blood Test or Stool Test

This test will help in checking for the presence of any blood in the stool which could indicate gastritis. 

Gastritis Treatment

The treatment options cover the following: 

• Consumption of antacids and other medication/drugs including H-2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors. This goes a long way towards lowering the overall levels of stomach acid. 
• Bypassing the consumption of food items which are excessively spicy or hot. 
• In case of gastritis happening due to an H. Pylori infection, the doctor will recommend a mix of various antibiotics along with an acid-blocking medicine/drug that is used for the treatment of heartburn. 
• If gastritis happens due to a condition known as pernicious anemia, then there will be Vitamin B12 shots provided. 
• Removing irritating food items from the daily diet including lactose from dairy products is recommended at times. This may also cover the removal of gluten from wheat. 

The Bottom Line

Once the core issue goes away, it leads to a disappearance of the gastritis as well. You should always consult your doctor before changing or pausing any medicine or starting any other regime by yourself.