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Gastritis is a medical condition that affects the stomach. It is when there is an Inflammation in the tissue, skin or lining of the Stomach.

Alcohol Use, Chronic use of IBU, and other NSAIDs, viruses, stress top the list as the cause agents. Coffee is another high risk substance that can cause symptoms of the stomach.

Often, if treatment is not initiated, symptoms can worsen. This includes ulcer, blood in stomach, and even increase a risk for cancer.

There are two different types: Acute and Chronic

1.)  Acute

–  Erosive gastritis is erosion of the skin.

2.)  Chronic

–  Wide range of problems of the gastric tissue
–  Sometimes the stomach is attacked by one’s own immune system
–  Bile – entering unwelcome areas of the stomach.

Potential Causes of Gastritis:

–  NSAIDS  (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – ie IBU)
–  H.pylori: A bacteria in the stomach that can lead to ulcer, inflammation, and more
–  Bile Relfux
–  Alcohol
–  Aspirin
–  Following surgery or traumatic event
–  Infections: Bacterial and Viral
–  Pernicious Anemia
–  Autoimmune disorders  (Crohn’s and others)

What are the Symptoms of Gastritis?

Symptoms to vary between individuals – even some patients have no symptoms. The most commonly seen symptoms are the following:

–  Nausea
–  Vomiting
–  Abdominal pain
–  Abdominal discomfort
–  Decreased Appetits
–  Indigestion
–  Bloating
–  Hiccups

What is Helicobacter pylori?

–  This is a bacteria that is often found in stomachs of those with gastritis
–  Plays a significant role throughout the world
–  Can be found in chronic cases

Potential Treatment Options

1.)  Antacids that can be found OTC

2.)  H2-Receptor Antagonists

.  Cimetidine [Tagamet]
.  Ranitidine [Zantac]
.  Famotidine [Pepcid]
.  Nizatidine [Tazac, Axid]

3.)  Proton Pump Inhibitors

.  Omeprazole [Prilosec]
.  Lansoprazole [Prevacid]
.  Esomeprazole [Nexium]
.  Pantoprazole [Protonix]
.  Rabeprazole [Aciphex]
.  Dexlansoprazole [Kapidex]

4.)  Sucralfate

5.)  Misoprostol

6.)  Bismuth subsalicylate – Pepto Bismal

7.) Often by stopping to take NSAIDs or Aspirin, improvement can be seen. This includes decrease or stopping Coffee and/or Alcohol.