Gastritis Treatment in Delhi, India

There are 2 main types of gastritis. They are:

• Erosive Gastritis: Erosive gastritis is characterised by the erosion and inflammation of the stomach lining. This disorder is also known as reactive gastritis. Some causes include smoking, alcohol, NSAIDs, viral or bacterial infections, corticosteroids, stress from ailments or injuries, and corticosteroids. Physical or mental stress may also result in Erosive Gastritis.
• Non-erosive Gastritis: Stomach lining inflammation that doesn't cause the lining to erode or ulcerate is called non-erosive gastritis.

Harmed or weakened stomach lining causes gastritis. The issue may be caused by various factors, including:

• Reflux of bile: the liver produces bile to aid in the digestion of fatty foods. When bile bypasses the small intestine and instead flows back into the stomach, this condition is known as bile reflux.
• Alcohol abuse: Prolonged drinking can irritate and erode the stomach lining.
• Stress on the body: A sudden, severe illness or injury can cause gastritis. Gastritis frequently occurs even after the following trauma to the body that does not affect the stomach. Brain injuries and severe burns are two common causes.
• Autoimmune disease: In some people, the immune system attacks the stomach lining's healthy cells.
• Bacterial infection: Peptic ulcer disease and chronic gastritis are primarily brought on by the H. pylori bacteria. By damaging the stomach's barrier lining, bacteria cause inflammation.
• Medication: Regularly taking corticosteroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat chronic pain may irritate the stomach lining.
• Allergies: Certain food allergens can lead to gastritis.

There are many cases of gastritis without symptoms. When symptoms occur, many people mistake them for indigestion. Additional indications of gastritis include

• Vomiting and nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Bloating
• Pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen
• Black stools
• Weight loss without reason
• Vomiting blood

Almost everyone has experienced indigestion and stomach discomfort. The majority of indigestion episodes are transient and don't need medical attention. If gastritis symptoms have been around for more than a week, consult a medical professional.

The medical professional will ask for the history of symptoms, do a physical examination and then will perform a few medical examinations, such as:

• A breath test: When performing an H. pylori breath test, the patient will be asked to swallow a capsule or liquid that contains urea, a safe radioactive substance. Then the patient exhales into a bag that resembles a balloon. Urea is converted into carbon dioxide by H. pylori bacteria. The breath test will reveal increased carbon dioxide if it has bacteria.
• A blood test: A complete blood count can give indications of infection or excess allergic cells.
• Stool test: This examination looks for the bacteria H. pylori in the stool.
• Upper gastrointestinal exam: Patients will be asked to take a chalky substance before an upper GI exam. The stomach lining is coated by the liquid, giving the X-ray technician more precise images.
• Upper endoscopy: To view the stomach, the doctor uses an endoscope, a long, thin tube with a camera attached. The oesophagus, which joins the mouth to the stomach, is where the doctor inserts the scope. Using an upper endoscopy, the doctor can look at the stomach lining. A tissue sample (biopsy) from the stomach lining may also be taken to check for infection.

Depending on the cause, there are various treatments for gastritis. While some medicines treat symptoms of indigestion, others kill bacteria. The healthcare professional might advise:

• Taking antibiotics - The bacterial infection may be treated with antibiotics.
• Antacids - Medication containing calcium carbonate neutralise exposure to stomach acid. They could aid in reducing inflammation. Heartburn can also be treated with antacids.
• Histamine (H2) blockers - Drugs can reduce the production of stomach acid.
• Proton pump inhibitors - These drugs reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces. Proton pump inhibitors also treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and stomach ulcers.

If gastritis is not taken seriously, it can cause serious problems such as

• Anaemia -H. pylori can cause gastritis or bleeding stomach ulcers, which lower red blood cell counts.
• Pernicious anaemia - The body's ability to absorb vitamin B12 can be impacted by autoimmune gastritis. Pernicious anaemia can develop if one doesn't get enough B12 to produce enough healthy red blood cells.
• Peritonitis - Gastritis can aggravate stomach ulcers that bleed or perforate through the wall, causing the stomach contents to leak into the abdomen and cause infection (peritonitis). This can lead to sepsis, a widespread infection which can be fatal.
• Stomach cancer - There is an increased risk of cancer in the stomach lining due to H.pylori-induced chronic gastritis

One of the leading causes of gastritis is H.pylori, but most people are unaware they have the infection. These bacteria tend to spread quickly. Maintaining good hygiene, including hand washing, can reduce the infection risk.

• Patients can also take specific measures to reduce heartburn and indigestion. Gastritis is associated with these conditions. Among the preventive steps are:
• Avoid the consumption of oily, spicy, and acidic foods
• Reduce the intake of caffeine
• Manage stress
• Eat small meals frequently
• Do not go to sleep right after having meals
• Do not take NSAIDs
• Reduce consuming alcohol

The majority of gastritis cases respond well to treatment quickly. Medication helps most people with gastritis. Based on the cause of gastritis, the doctor will advise on the best course of action. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, while antacids lessen stomach acid. Additionally, one can alter the lifestyle by abstaining from alcohol and using other painkillers instead of NSAIDs. Consult a doctor immediately if the symptoms of gastritis have become intolerable.

Reviewed by Dr. Rajesh Upadhyay, Senior Director & Head, Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Endoscopy on 13-Apr-2023.

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