Gastritis in Utah
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Find a ProviderWhat is gastritis?
Gastritis is the term for when the lining that shields the stomach from digestive acid becomes inflamed, irritated, or worn down. Gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach, could elevate the odds of gastric ulcers, abdominal bleeding, or cancer of the stomach. The two principal types of stomach inflammation are erosive gastritis as well as nonerosive gastritis. Erosive gastritis occurs in cases when the stomach lining breaks down, while nonerosive gastritis refers to inflammation without damage to the stomach lining.
Gastritis may arise suddenly (acute gastritis) or happen little by little over a period of time (chronic gastritis). In most cases, gastritis does not produce serious complications and settles promptly with therapy. When you require care for gastritis in Utah, assistance is within reach. To obtain therapy for gastritis, connect with a gastrointestinal provider at Utah Gastroenterology by calling us for an appointment now.
Causes of gastritis
Gastritis most commonly occurs as a result of weakness in the mucosal barrier that normally protects the stomach from gastric acid. The condition can be more serious for people who experience conditions like liver disease, kidney disease, and respiratory failure. In general, gastritis or chronic stomach inflammation might be a result of:
- Eating fatty or fried foods
- Bile reflux from the gallbladder or liver
- Consistent stress
- Eating very salty foods
- Infections — like H. pylori
- Drinking too much caffeine
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Consuming foods that are spicy
- Consuming acidic foods like tomatoes and some fruits
- Cigarette use
- Throwing up
- Overuse of aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, like Ibuprofen
The use of particular medications may also contribute to the progression of gastritis. The drugs include:
- Corticosteroids
- Anti-inflammatory pain relievers (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
- Chemotherapy
For additional information on how our providers address and care for your digestive issue, find your closest Utah Gastroenterology location and arrange a consultation with a gastroenterologist.
What are some common signs of gastritis?
The primary signs of stomach inflammation are:
- Vomiting or queasiness
- Throwing up blood
- Severe abdominal pain
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- Burning sensation in the abdomen between meals or at night
- Hiccups
- Black or tarry stools
- Burping
How is gastritis treated?
Your gastroenterologist may recommend a specific treatment for gastritis based on the cause of your discomfort. The most common treatments for gastritis are:
- Eliminating certain foods from your consumption, like dairy or gluten products.
- Antibiotics
- Over-the-counter or prescription-strength heartburn medications
- B12 vitamin injections (for pernicious anemia)
- Avoiding spicy or hot foods
When you are suffering from one or more of the above symptoms, we invite you to reach out to our Utah experienced physicians. Our providers will offer the best care to help you find the relief that you should have.
Gastritis FAQs
What should I avoid eating if I'm suffering from gastritis
If you're battling gastritis, it's crucial to stay away from certain foods and beverages that could worsen your stomach lining irritation and amplify symptoms. Generally, it's best to avoid:
- Spicy dishes
- Acidic foods
- Foods that are fatty or fried
- Alcoholic beverages
- Drinks containing caffeine
Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help manage symptoms more effectively, and keeping a food diary may also be beneficial in pinpointing specific triggers for your gastritis.
What are the possible complications of untreated gastritis?
If gastritis isn't adequately managed, it can lead to several significant health complications. Common problems include the formation of ulcers in the stomach or small intestine, which can result in intense pain and bleeding. There's also an elevated risk of developing stomach cancer, especially associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Furthermore, long-standing gastritis can progress to atrophic gastritis, which may disrupt normal digestion and lead to anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency.
How can I prevent gastritis or minimize its symptoms?
Preventing gastritis or reducing its symptoms involves several strategic measures. Managing stress effectively is vital since it can aggravate or contribute to the onset of gastritis. It's also important to avoid irritants such as alcohol, spicy foods, and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) that can harm the stomach lining. Maintaining a nutritious diet and opting for smaller, more frequent meals are beneficial tactics. Additionally, quitting smoking and carefully managing any medications that could irritate the stomach, under the supervision of a healthcare provider, can significantly lower the risk of developing gastritis.
Let us help you find relief
Gastritis can have a significant impact on your health and well-being, but there are solutions to help alleviate your discomfort. When you're going through the symptoms of gastritis and looking for a place to receive help, you can count on our team at Utah Gastroenterology. Our specialists are expertly skilled and committed to allowing you to benefit from therapies that improve your GI health. To receive care for gastritis in Utah, contact us now to set up an appointment.
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