Gastritis in Thibodaux, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is gastritis?
Gastritis is a condition that generally describes the inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach. Gastritis, also called stomach inflammation, could increase the odds of peptic sores, gastrointestinal bleeding, or gastric cancer. The two main types of gastritis are erosive gastritis and nonerosive gastritis. Erosive gastritis wears away the lining of the stomach and nonerosive gastritis alters the lining of the stomach.
Gastritis can develop suddenly (acute gastritis) or develop slowly over a period of time (chronic gastritis). In many cases, the condition does present with concerning symptoms and improves quickly with treatment. If you need treatment for gastritis in Thibodaux, LA, our team is ready to help. Request a consultation to work with a GI provider at a Digestive Health Center in your community today.
What causes gastritis?
Gastritis is typically the result of an injury to the lining that covers your stomach or your stomach acid causing inflammation of the lining of the stomach. The issue can be more severe for patients who have conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, and respiratory problems. Gastritis can be a result of the following:
- Eating fatty or fried foods
- Bile reflux from the liver or gallbladder
- Having too many caffeinated drinks
- Cigarette smoking
- Taking excess amounts of aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication, such as Ibuprofen
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Eating acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits
- Bacteria – such as H. pylori
- Consuming very salty foods
- Chronic/extreme stress
- Eating foods that are spicy
- Vomiting
- Excessive drinking
Taking some medications can also cause the development of gastritis. These medications include:
- Anti-inflammatory pain relievers (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen
- Corticosteroids
- Chemo drugs
Always notify your Digestive Health Center provider if you are taking medications that put you at a higher risk of developing gastritis.
What are the common signs of gastritis?
Our Thibodaux, LA providers are trained to recognize the different signs and symptoms of this condition. Gastritis may present differently in each individual. Several of the common signs of gastritis include:
- Throwing up or nausea
- Vomiting blood
- Sharp pain in the stomach
- Heartburn
- Bloating
- Gnawing feeling in the abdomen at night or between meals
- Hiccups
- Tarry or black stools
- Burping
What are the treatments for gastritis?
Treatment for gastritis differs from person to person, depending on the cause. Treatment options for gastritis include:
- Eliminating some foods from your consumption, like dairy or gluten
- Vitamin B12 injections (for pernicious anemia)
- Antibiotics
- Avoiding hot or spicy foods
- OTC or prescription-strength heartburn medications
Our providers are dedicated to providing you with the right care to bring you the relief you seek.
Gastritis FAQs
What should I avoid eating if I suffer from gastritis?
For those dealing with gastritis, it is crucial to steer clear of certain foods and drinks that may aggravate your condition by irritating the stomach lining. To manage your symptoms better, try to avoid the following:
- Spicy items
- Acidic fruits and vegetables
- Foods that are high in fat and fried items
- Alcoholic beverages
- Drinks containing caffeine
Additionally, consider eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day and maintain a food diary to identify specific triggers that worsen your gastritis.
What are the potential complications of untreated gastritis?
Untreated gastritis can escalate into more severe health problems. Notably, it can lead to the formation of ulcers in the stomach or small intestine, which are painful and may bleed. It also increases the risk of stomach cancer, especially in cases associated with chronic Helicobacter pylori infection. Persistent gastritis might evolve into atrophic gastritis, a condition that impairs digestive functions and can lead to anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
How can I prevent gastritis or lessen its impact?
Preventing gastritis involves several proactive steps. Managing stress is crucial, as it can intensify or trigger gastritis. It’s important to avoid known irritants like alcohol, spicy foods, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that can harm the stomach lining. Practicing a healthy diet, eating smaller and more frequent meals, quitting smoking, and carefully using medications that might irritate the stomach under a doctor’s supervision can also help. These measures are effective in reducing the risk and mitigating the symptoms of gastritis.
Get relief from gastritis
Gastritis could impact your health and well-being in a number of ways. If you're experiencing signs of gastritis and looking for a place to turn for care, you can count on our specialists at a Digestive Health Center near you. Our providers are highly skilled and dedicated to finding a treatment that improves your digestive health. To get help for gastritis in Thibodaux, LA, contact our team now to request a consultation.
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