gastritis treatment

Gastritis, an inflammation or irritation of the lining of the stomach, is not a single disease. Rather, gastritis is a condition that has many causes. Common to all people with gastritis is pain or discomfort in the upper part of the belly (abdomen), sometimes called dyspepsia.

Gastritis can be a brief and sudden illness (acute gastritis), a longer-lasting condition (chronic gastritis), or a special condition, perhaps as part of another medical illness.

* An example of acute gastritis is stomach upset that may follow the use of alcohol or aspirin.
* Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach. Infection with this bacteria may lead to chronic gastritis.

Gastritis is a common medical problem. Up to 10% of people who come to a hospital emergency department with abdominal pain have gastritis.
Gastritis Causes

Gastritis is associated with various medications, medical and surgical conditions, physical stresses, social habits, chemicals, and infections. Some of the more common causes of gastritis are listed here.


Medications

Histamine (H2) blockers: Four histamine blockers are available in the United States. Some are available without a prescription; others require a prescription.

* All work by blocking the release of acid from specialized glands in your stomach.
* The idea is that producing less acid allows your stomach to heal.
* Once healed, the previously inflamed stomach then causes no further symptoms.
* Commonly prescribed H2-blockers include cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), nizatidine (Axid), and ranitidine (Zantac).

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These medications are very powerful blockers of the stomach's ability to secrete acid.

* A health care provider who prescribes one of these medications to treat your gastritis may be doing so in consultation with a gastroenterologist.
* These medications include lansoprazole (Prevacid) and omeprazole (Prilosec, Losec).

Coating agents: These medications protect the stomach's lining.

* Sucralfate (Carafate) - Coats and protects the stomach lining
* Misoprostol (Cytotec) - Also protects the stomach lining, used as a preventive measure for people taking NSAIDs who are at high risk for developing stomach damage

Antibiotics: An antibiotic may be prescribed if H pylori is demonstrated to be the cause of your gastritis.

Antiemetics: These medications help control nausea and vomiting. A number of different antiemetics can be used in the emergency department to control those symptoms. Some these medications are available by prescription for home use as well.