Gastritis in Kansas City, MO
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Find a ProviderWhat is gastritis?
Gastritis generally describes the swelling, irritation, or erosion of the lining that shields the stomach. Gastritis, or stomach inflammation, could increase the chances of gastric sores, abdominal bleeding, or gastric cancer. The two main forms of gastritis are erosive gastritis and nonerosive gastritis. Erosive gastritis wears away the stomach lining, while nonerosive gastritis changes the lining of the stomach.
Gastritis can develop quickly (acute gastritis) or transpire little by little over a period of time (chronic gastritis). In most cases, gastritis does not induce concerning symptoms and resolves quickly with treatment. If you need care for gastritis in Kansas City, MO, assistance is available. To get help for gastritis, partner with a GI provider at Digestive Health Specialists by requesting a consultation now.
What causes gastritis?
Gastritis usually arises when an injury occurs to the mucous barrier that safeguards your stomach, allowing gastric acid to inflame the stomach lining. The problem can be more concerning for people who experience conditions like liver conditions, kidney problems, and respiratory conditions. Primarily, gastritis or chronic stomach inflammation could be caused by:
- Bacteria – like Helicobacter pylori
- Eating spicy foods
- Consuming fatty or deep-fried foods
- Drinking too many caffeinated beverages
- Cigarette smoking
- Throwing up
- Bile backing up from the liver or gallbladder
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Overuse of aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication, like Ibuprofen
- Eating acidic foods such as tomatoes and some fruits
- Consuming foods high in salt
- Excessive stress
- Excessive alcohol consumption
The use of some medications can also aid in the development of gastritis. These medications include:
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Steroids
- Anti-inflammatory pain relievers (NSAIDs) including aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen
To receive additional details on how to correctly manage and treat your digestive condition, contact our team at Digestive Health Specialists to request a consultation with a GI provider.
What are the primary symptoms of gastritis?
Symptoms of gastritis will vary from person to person. A few of the main symptoms of gastritis are:
- Vomiting or queasiness
- Blood in vomit
- Severe stomach ache
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- Gnawing sensation in the abdomen at night or between meals
- Hiccups
- Tarry or black bowel movements
- Belching
How is gastritis treated?
Treatment for gastritis differs from one person to another, based on the cause. The most common therapies for gastritis are:
- Eliminating particular foods from your consumption, like dairy or gluten.
- Avoiding spicy or hot foods
- Over-the-counter or prescription-strength heartburn relievers
- Antibiotics
- B12 vitamin injections (for pernicious anemia)
In the event that you are suffering from one or some of these indicators, we invite you to connect with our Kansas City, MO board-certified staff. Our providers can offer the right treatment and the support that you deserve.
Gastritis FAQs
What dietary choices should be avoided to manage gastritis?
When managing gastritis, it is crucial to avoid foods and drinks that irritate the stomach lining and worsen symptoms. Avoiding the following can be beneficial:
- Spicy dishes
- Acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits
- High-fat and fried foods
- Alcoholic beverages
- Caffeine-containing drinks
Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help alleviate symptoms, and keeping a food diary may assist in identifying specific dietary triggers of your gastritis symptoms.
What are the potential complications of untreated gastritis?
Untreated gastritis can escalate into more severe health issues. These include the formation of ulcers in the stomach or small intestine, which can lead to intense pain and significant bleeding. There is also a heightened risk of stomach cancer, particularly if the gastritis is associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Chronic cases can progress to atrophic gastritis, which impairs digestion and may lead to anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
How can I prevent gastritis or mitigate its symptoms?
Preventing gastritis involves several proactive health measures. Effective stress management is important as stress can trigger or worsen the condition. It's also vital to avoid substances that irritate the stomach lining, such as alcohol, spicy foods, and NSAIDs. Eating a balanced diet, consuming smaller meals more frequently, and stopping smoking are crucial. It’s also advisable to manage the usage of medications that could irritate the stomach under medical supervision. These strategies can substantially lower the likelihood of developing gastritis.
Get relief from gastritis
Gastritis can impact your health and wellness in a number of ways. When you're suffering from symptoms of gastritis and looking for where to turn for answers, you can count on our specialists at Digestive Health Specialists. Our gastroenterologists are highly experienced and committed to working with you to find solutions that improve your GI wellness. To receive help for gastritis in Kansas City, MO, contact us today to request a consultation.
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