GASTRITIS

Gastritis is when the lining of your stomach becomes irritated (inflamed). It can cause pain, indigestion and feeling sick.

CAUSES OF GASTRITIS

Causes of gastritis include:

– Infection with a bacteria called helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).

– Taking anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as ibuprofen) and aspirin.

– Drinking too much alcohol.

– Being very stressed and unwell, such as after surgery .

– Gastritis can also be caused by a problem with your immune system where it attacks the lining of your stomach.

SYMPTOMS OF GASTRITIS

Symptoms of gastritis include:

– Tummy pain

– Indigestion

– Feeling full and bloated

– Feeling sick (nausea)

– Being sick (vomiting)

– Not feeling as hungry as usual

– Burping and farting

TREATMENT FOR GASTRITIS

Treatment for gastritis depends on what’s causing it.

You might need:

* Antibiotics

* Medicines to control stomach acid and stop it from rising into your food pipe (oesophagus), such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors or alginates.

* To talk to your doctor about stopping anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as ibuprofen) or aspirin and trying a different medicine, if possible.

* To stop drinking alcohol, if gastritis is caused by alcohol.

If it’s not treated, gastritis may get worse and cause a stomach ulcer.

If gastritis is not getting better, or it’s causing severe symptoms, a GP Doctor might refer you to a specialist stomach doctor (gastroenterologist).

They might do a test to look inside your stomach, called a gastroscopy.

Things you can do to help gastritis if gastritis is causing mild indigestion symptoms, there are things you can do to help.

– Reduce the amount of drinks you have that contain caffeine, such as tea, coffee, cola and energy drinks.

– lie on an extra pillow in bed so your head and shoulders are higher, to help stop stomach acid rising up your throat while you sleep.

– lose weight if you’re overweight.

– Talk to your doctor if you regularly take anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as ibuprofen) or aspirin.

– Do not eat 3 to 4 hours before going to bed.

– Do not have food or drink that’s acidic (such as orange juice), fizzy, spicy or fatty.

– Do not drink alcohol.

– Do not smoke.

IF YOU HAVE THESE SYMPTOMS GO TO THE HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY

– You’re vomiting bright red blood or your vomit looks like ground coffee- Your poo is black, sticky and extremely smelly- You have severe tummy or chest pain that started suddenly