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- Gastritis is a somewhat confusing term, as physicians often refer to a variety of illnesses using the same name. Gastritis means inflammation or infection of the stomach. Common Gastritis describes a
condition in which the stomach lining becomes raw and
inflamed. It is painful and does not improve because
the stomach continually produces a strong acid (used in
digestion), which is "thrown on top of" these raw areas like
fuel on a fire. Over time, this can lead to an ulcer
(a crater in the stomach lining). (For a discussion of
ulcers, please see that section).
- Gastritis is divided into two basic types as defined by their respective impact on the stomach: hemorrhagic (bleeding) and erosive (stomach lining is damaged). Treatment depends on the cause.
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- Nausea/vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Hiccups
- Stomach pain or discomfort, especially after eating
- Vomiting blood or "coffee
grounds"
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- Anti-inflammatories, e.g.,
ibuprofen or aspirin
- Helicobacter pylori, a bacterial
infection.
- Pancreatic juices or bile Reflux
- Alcohol abuse/misuse
- Portal Hypertension (damaged
liver)
- Stress Gastritis -- stress
from critical illness or surgery (not emotional illness)
- Chronic erosive Gastritis
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- Stomach (epigastrium, i.e., upper
middle region of the abdomen) may be tender
- Rectal exam may reveal microscopic blood
- Check blood count to evaluate
blood loss/red blood cell count/anemia
- Endoscopy -- scope passed down throat into stomach to
evaluate stomach
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- Anti-inflammatory induced -- discontinue anti-inflammatories. Medications include H2 blockers such as Zantac, sucralfate; or proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec.
- Alcoholic Gastritis --
discontinue alcoholic beverages; add one of the above
medications.
- Portal hypertension -- a
medication called propranolol is tried first and if this
fails, portal shunt decompression surgery (see section on
Portal Hypertension)
is performed
- Stress Gastritis --
continuous H2 blocker infusions and/or sucralfate
- Chronic erosive Gastritis -- no
proven treatment
- Infections by Helicobacter are treated with antibiotics (dual therapy or triple therapy regimens; i.e., 2 or 3 drugs simultaneously) with or without Prilosec.
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