Gastritis is the inflammation of the protective lining on the stomach. There are two types: acute gastritis that involves severe inflammation, and chronic gastritis which involves long-term inflammation. These conditions both increases the risk of other related conditions such as ulcer, or even cancer. Patients with gastritis will typically experience extreme pain in the upper part of the tummy, or abdominal pain.
Doctors in the Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth group says that “gastric pain is commonly used to describe pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen. Other symptoms typically include heartburn, bloating, belching and nausea”. This condition if left untreated is dangerous to a patient’s health. A Singapore Gastroenterologist is a physician dedicated to treating diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver, such as gastritis.
The symptoms of gastritis differ on every patient, and others won’t show indications. However, some signs of gastritis include:
Some digestive conditions can surge the risk of gastritis, including Crohn's disease and sarcoidosis, a disorder in which collections of inflammatory cells grow in the body. Gastritis occurs right after the weakening of the stomach’s mucous lining. The two main causes of gastritis are a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Though it is not known how gastritis spreads on the stomach, these bacteria may be coming from contaminated food or water.
The treatment for Gastritis may vary based on the current condition of the patient. If the gastritis is caused by NSAIDs, the best option is to avoid intaking such medications to relieve the symptoms. Treatments for Gastritis involve taking antacids and other drugs to reduce stomach acid. Medications used to treat this condition recommended by your gastroenterologist are antibiotic medications such as clarithromycin and metronidazole. Histamine (H-2) blockers can also decrease acid production on the stomach. The patient can also intake anti-nausea medications which can lessen illness symptoms. Remember that the treatment depends on the patient’s illness and if gastritis is not caused by bacteria, intaking anti-biotics is not the solution.
A healthy diet is crucial for a patient’s digestive health. Anything your intake will affect the welfare of your intestinal system. Some foods can help fight gastritis and can lessen the symptoms such as apples, carrots, broccoli, and other high-fiber foods, and foods such as onions, celery, berries, and soy that contains flavonoids. For the foods to avoid, patients with gastritis should intaking high-fat foods. Drinks to avoid include carbonated drinks, coffee, and fruit juices that can too much citric acid, and alcohol even though some conditions even without drinking alcohol can affect the digestive system. A diet plan is different for every patient. Talk to a gastroenterologist before starting any diet.