Gastritis Treatment

How is Gastritis treated?

Gastritis is inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It can be acute, developing suddenly, or chronic, lasting for a longer time. It is usually treated with medicines, and the type of medicine depends on the cause of the inflammation.

Treatment aims to relieve symptoms, allow the stomach lining to heal and deal with the underlying cause, whether this is an infection, regular use of certain medicines or another factor. Many people notice their symptoms ease with the right treatment, although some medicines take time to work.

Symptoms of Gastritis

Some people with gastritis have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:

• Pain or a burning feeling in the upper abdomen
• Nausea or vomiting
• Bloating or indigestion
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling full soon after starting a meal

Common Causes of Gastritis

• H. pylori infection: H. pylori is a bacterium that can enter the body through contaminated food and water and live in the digestive tract. It is a common cause of gastritis.
• Regular use of pain relievers: Medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining if taken regularly.
• Alcohol: Regular or heavy drinking can irritate and inflame the stomach lining.
• Stress: Physical stress on the body, such as that from a serious illness, can contribute to gastritis.

Finding the Cause

Because the treatment depends on the cause, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and the medicines you take, and may arrange tests.

• Testing for H. pylori: This can be done with a breath, stool or blood test.
• Gastroscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is passed through the mouth to examine the lining of the stomach, and a small tissue sample may be taken for testing. This may be recommended if your symptoms are persistent or if there are warning signs.

Medicines for Gastritis

• Antacids: Neutralise stomach acid. They come as liquids or tablets. Can be bought over the counter. They give short-term relief and do not treat the cause.
• Proton-Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces. Taken as prescribed by your doctor. They may take time to take effect.
• H2 Blockers: Reduce stomach acid production by blocking receptors on the stomach cells that make acid. Taken as prescribed by your doctor.
• Antibiotics: Treat H. pylori infection. Examples include clarithromycin, amoxicillin and metronidazole. They are usually prescribed as a course of more than one medicine, often together with an acid-reducing medicine.

Taking Your Medicines Properly

• Follow your doctor’s instructions: Take each medicine at the time and dose prescribed.
• Finish your antibiotics: If you are prescribed antibiotics for H. pylori, complete the full course, even if your symptoms improve.
• Be patient: Some medicines take time to work.
• Check before taking other medicines: Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking pain relievers or other over-the-counter medicines.
• Keep your follow-up appointments: Your doctor may check that the infection has cleared or review your treatment.

Everyday Habits That Can Help

• Limit or avoid alcohol: Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining.
• Eat smaller, regular meals: Large meals can make symptoms worse.
• Notice your triggers: Some people find that spicy, oily or acidic foods worsen their symptoms. Limit the foods that bother you.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking can irritate the stomach lining and slow healing.
• Manage stress: Rest, regular exercise and enough sleep help to support your overall wellbeing.