Gastritis in San Antonio, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is gastritis?
Gastritis is a condition that primarily describes the swelling, irritation, or damage of the protective lining of the stomach. Gastritis, or stomach inflammation, can heighten the chance of gastric sores, stomach bleeding, or gastric cancer. The two most common forms of stomach inflammation include erosive gastritis and nonerosive gastritis. Erosive gastritis damages the lining of the stomach while nonerosive gastritis changes the stomach lining.
Gastritis may come about suddenly (acute gastritis) or occur gradually over a period of time (chronic gastritis). In most situations, the condition will not cause severe complications and settles quickly with treatment. When you need treatment for gastritis in San Antonio, TX, relief is available. To get help for this problem, connect with a gastroenterologist at a San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates location near you by requesting a consultation today.
What causes gastritis?
Gastritis mainly comes about if injury occurs to the mucosa that shields your stomach, and stomach acid is able to inflame the stomach lining. The problem may be more serious for individuals who deal with diseases like liver conditions, kidney problems, and lung conditions. Generally, chronic stomach inflammation or gastritis could be due to:
- Heavy alcohol use
- Smoking
- Bacteria, such as Helicobacter pylori
- Consuming acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus fruits
- Vomiting
- Overuse of aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Ibuprofen
- Consuming fatty or fried foods
- Bile reflux from the liver or gallbladder
- Eating high amounts of sodium
- Excessive stress
- Drinking too much caffeine
- Eating foods that are spicy
- Infections from bacteria or viruses
Taking some medications could also contribute to the occurrence of gastritis. These drugs include:
- Steroids
- Pain relievers (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen
- Chemotherapy
To get additional information on how to correctly manage and care for your gastritis, get in touch with your nearest San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates location to request a consultation with a GI provider.
What are the main symptoms of gastritis?
Several of the primary indicators of gastritis or stomach inflammation are:
- Throwing up or queasiness
- Throwing up blood
- Severe pain in the abdomen
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- Gnawing feeling in the stomach when your stomach is empty
- Hiccups
- Black or tarry bowel movements
- Belching
How is gastritis treated?
Intervention for gastritis differs from one individual to another, depending on the source. The typical therapies for gastritis are:
- Over-the-counter or prescription heartburn relievers
- Vitamin B12 shots (to treat a deficiency)
- Staying away from hot or spicy foods
- Antibiotics
- Eliminating certain foods from your diet, like gluten or dairy products.
In the event that you are experiencing one or more of the above symptoms, we encourage you to call our San Antonio, TX GI providers. Our providers will offer reliable treatment and the relief that you need.
Gastritis FAQs
What foods should I avoid if I have gastritis?
If you have gastritis, it's crucial to avoid foods and beverages that can irritate your stomach lining and worsen symptoms. Generally, you should steer clear of:
- Spicy foods
- Acidic foods
- Fatty foods
- Fried foods
- Alcohol
- Caffeinated beverages
What complications can gastritis lead to?
If gastritis is left untreated, it can lead to several serious complications. For instance, it may cause the development of stomach or small intestine ulcers, which can result in severe pain and bleeding. Additionally, there is an increased risk of stomach cancer, particularly if there is an underlying Helicobacter pylori infection. Chronic gastritis may also progress to atrophic gastritis, leading to digestive issues and potential anemia related to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Is there a way to prevent gastritis?
Yes, there are several effective ways to prevent gastritis or alleviate its symptoms. Managing stress is important, as it can worsen or contribute to gastritis. Avoiding irritants like alcohol, spicy foods, and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) is also crucial, as these can damage the stomach lining. Maintaining a healthy diet and eating smaller, more frequent meals can be beneficial. Additionally, quitting smoking and carefully managing the use of medications that may irritate the stomach, under a healthcare provider’s guidance, are key preventive measures. Implementing these strategies can significantly lower the risk of developing gastritis.
Let us help you find relief
Gastritis could harm your vitality and comfort in numerous ways. If you're suffering from the symptoms of gastritis and want a place to obtain care, you can rely on our team at San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates. Our providers are highly trained and committed to helping you find the solutions that improve your digestive health. To get assistance for gastritis in San Antonio, TX, connect with us today to request a consultation.
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