What is gastritis?

When your stomach lining is irritated by bacteria or something you ate or drank, it may swell up (become inflamed) and cause discomfort in your stomach; this reaction is commonly known as gastritis. Gastritis can develop quickly (acute gastritis) or gradually and last for a long time (chronic gastritis).

There are different types of gastritis. In some cases, gastritis can lead to ulcers and an increased risk of stomach cancer. With treatment, however, you can improve quickly and avoid the risk of complications.

What are the symptoms of gastritis?

The most common symptoms of gastritis include:

• Belching and hiccups
• Belly or abdominal bleeding
• Blood in your vomit or stool (a sign that your stomach lining may be bleeding)
• Feeling of fullness or burning in your stomach
• Gnawing or burning ache or pain in your upper belly that may become either worse or better with eating
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting

How do you diagnose gastritis?

Blood Test
A blood test can detect H. pylori, a type of bacteria that may be in your stomach.

Upper GI Series
This test checks your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine. You will swallow a metallic fluid called barium to make your organs visible on an X-ray.

Upper Endoscopy or EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy)
This test looks at the lining of your stomach, esophagus, and your small intestine using a thin, lighted tube that has a camera at one end. We place the tube into your esophagus through your mouth.

Stool Spectrum Check
This test checks to see if you have stomach bacteria that can cause gastritis.

Breath Test
This test analyzes your breath for stomach bacteria.

How is gastritis treated?

Medications
If your gastritis is caused by an illness or infection, we will also treat that underlying health problem. If your gastritis is caused by the H. pylori bacteria, you will be given medicines to help kill that bacteria, such as antibiotics, antidiarrheal medications, or a proton pump inhibitor (reduces the amount of acid in your stomach).

Diet Modification
You may need to avoid eating or drinking things that can irritate your stomach lining, including alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods.

Why Choose UHealth?

A broad array of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.  Regardless of your age, condition, or whether you need long- or short-term digestive treatments, you will receive the most accurate diagnosis and most effective treatment to keep your stomach, digestive system, and organs healthy.