Gastritis is when the stomach lining becomes inflamed or swollen. Many possible causes exist for gastritis which can last from short time periods to many years.We refer also to “upset stomach” or “indigestion”. Gastritis, as indicated by the inflammationand damage to the stomach lining. However, strictly speaking, gastritis is a formal medical term for a diagnosis made by a pathologist when evidence of inflammation and damage to the stomach lining is seen in a biopsy specimen taken during an upper endoscopy. ![]() And it may sound odd to say, but in the true use of the term, . The mucosa must create hydrochloric acid to break down food, but also protect itself from the acidic contents that it creates. This delicate balance is controlled by three different glands in the lining of the stomach. Read more about the gastric mucosa. What is Acute Gastritis? Acute gastritis refers to a sudden onset of inflammation of the stomach lining, called the gastric mucosa. When a gastroenterologist performs an endoscopy, the lining appears reddened, and specimens show lots of acute inflammatory cells (mainly white blood cells, called leucocytes). There may be small, shallow breaks in the surface lining, called acute erosions (. The gastric mucosa becomes thinner as the normal cells are destroyed. The inflammatory cells include lymphocytes, which indicate an immune response. This is very common, especially in less developed countries. When present for many years, the mucosal changes may progress to a stage called metaplasia, with a small increased risk of gastric cancer. What causes gastritis? Causes of Acute Gastritis. Acute gastritis is caused by acute irritants that overwhelm the mucus lining that usually protects the stomach mucosa. Irritants include aspirin or other NSAIDs (non- steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs), poisons (including strong alcohol) and certain infections, including the early stages of infection with the bacterium helicobacter pylori. Usually, the inflammation settles quickly when the irritant is removed. ![]() Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common medical condition that results in substantial morbidity, mortality, and medical care cost. It commonly presents. Gastritis Definition Gastritis commonly refers to inflammation of the lining of the stomach, but the term is often used to cover a variety of symptoms resulting from. What is Helicobacter Pylori? Helicobacter pylori (or H. In fact, it is suggested that more than half the world's population has this bacteria, yet never experience any problems. However, an H. In the United States, H. The infection rate of adults in underdeveloped countries may be as high as 9. Other causes of chronic gastritis may include. HIV/AIDS); Crohn's disease; gastric surgeries which increase the stomach's exposure to bile. What are the symptoms of gastritis? Acute Gastritis Symptoms. Acute gastritis usually does cause an acute upset stomach, with upper abdominal pain or discomfort as the body tries to get rid of the irritant. Other symptoms can include: Chronic Gastritis Symptoms. ![]() ![]() In the vast majority of cases, chronic gastritis causes no symptoms. When the damage to the mucosa is severe and long standing, the stomach loses its ability to produce acid. This may cause digestive upsets. Also lost is the ability to secrete a substance called intrinsic factor, which is necessary for absorption of the important vitamin, B1. ![]() Deficiency of vitamin B1. The patient presents with: tirednessanemia(rarely) symptoms in the limbs such as numbness or tingling. The diagnosis is easily confirmed by blood tests. How is gastritis diagnosed?
![]() Acute Gastritis Diagnosis. When acute gastritis symptoms are bad enough to warrant contacting a doctor, a diagnosis is usually able to be made based simply on the story. However, a direct look at the stomach lining via an upper endoscopy examination —also known as an EGD (or Esophago. Gastro. Duodenoscopy)— may be necessary when the problem persists, or bleeding occurs. The inflammatory changes are usually confined to the stomach rather than the first part of the small intestine, referred to as the duodenum. Other tests, such as blood tests, X- rays and scans are usually not necessary for diagnosis unless an alternative condition is suspected during investigation. Chronic Gastritis Diagnosis. Chronic gastritis is diagnosed by examining a specimen (biopsy) of the stomach mucosa. This is typically taken during an upper endoscopy examination. Additional blood tests and tests for Helicobacter pylori may be required. How is gastritis treated? Treatment of Acute Gastritis. The most important part of acute gastritis treatment obviously is to remove the irritant when found. Simple antacid medicines, more powerful . Anti- nausea medications may be needed. Consultation with a physician for further investigations and more sophisticated treatments will be necessary if symptoms do not settle quickly, or if any vomit contains blood. Most cases settle quickly unless the irritant or infection is not removed. Treatment of Chronic Gastritis. Eliminating any causative infection (usually H. Vitamin B1. 2 deficiency is treated by intermittent injections. Patients with severe changes to the mucosa (i. Chronic gastritis does not usually cause indigestion or pain, but severe damage may result in anemia due to vitamin B1. Give Us a Call. For more information about gastritis treatment at MUSC, call: Greg Buck, PA(8. Related Pages. Organs. Symptoms. Diseases. Procedures. Diseases of the Stomach/Duodenum.
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