Gastritis in Illinois
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Find a ProviderWhat is gastritis?
Gastritis is a condition that generally refers to the swelling, irritation, or wearing away of the protective lining of the stomach. Gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach, has shown to elevate the risk of gastric ulcers, stomach bleeding, or gastric cancer. The two most common types of gastritis are erosive gastritis and nonerosive gastritis. Erosive gastritis wears away the lining of the stomach, and nonerosive gastritis changes the stomach lining.
Gastritis may arise suddenly (acute gastritis) or occur little by little over a period of time (chronic gastritis). In many situations, gastritis will not cause serious complications and resolves soon with therapy. If you are looking for care for gastritis in Chicago, IL, or Bloomington, IL, relief is accessible. To get therapy for this issue, work with a GI doctor at GI Alliance of Illinois by setting up a consultation now.
What causes gastritis?
Gastritis usually happens if the damage is done to the mucous membrane that shields your stomach, and the gastric acid is causing inflammation of the lining of the stomach. The issue may be worse for individuals who suffer from conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, and respiratory conditions. Typically, gastritis or chronic stomach inflammation could be due to:
- Throwing up
- Eating spicy foods
- Bile backing up from the gallbladder or liver
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Bacteria – like Helicobacter pylori
- Tobacco use
- Excessive alcohol use
- Consuming high amounts of salt
- Eating acidic foods like tomatoes and some fruits
- Having too many caffeinated drinks
- Constant stress
- Taking excess amounts of aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication, such as Ibuprofen
- Eating high-fat or deep fried foods
The use of certain drugs can also add to the development of gastritis. The medications are:
- Steroids
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Anti-inflammatory pain relievers (NSAIDs) like aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen
For more information on properly managing and caring for your digestive issue, get in touch with us in Chicago, IL, or Bloomington, IL, at GI Alliance of Illinois and request a visit with a GI provider.
What are some common signs and symptoms of gastritis?
Some of the primary symptoms of stomach inflammation or gastritis include:
- Vomiting and nausea
- Blood in vomit
- Sharp abdominal pain
- Indigestion
- Gas or fullness
- Gnawing feeling in the abdomen between meals or at night
- Hiccups
- Tarry or black bowel movements
- Belching
To learn more about the common signs, request an appointment with our team in Illinois at GI Alliance of Illinois.
What are the treatments for gastritis?
Therapy for gastritis differs from person to person, depending on the source. The standard ways to address gastritis include:
- Removing certain foods from your consumption, like dairy or gluten products.
- Antibiotics
- Staying away from hot or spicy foods
- Over-the-counter or prescription-strength antacids
- Vitamin B12 supplements (to treat a deficiency)
When you are suffering with one or a combination of the listed signs, we encourage you to contact our Illinois GI providers. Our physicians will offer the ideal care along with the support that you should have.
Gastritis FAQs
What foods should I avoid if I have gastritis?
If you have gastritis, it's important to steer clear of foods and beverages that can irritate your stomach lining and worsen symptoms. Generally, you should avoid:
- Spicy foods
- Fried foods
- Acidic foods
- Fatty foods
- Alcohol
- Caffeinated beverages
Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help manage symptoms, and keeping a food diary might assist in identifying specific triggers for your gastritis.
What complications can gastritis lead to?
If left untreated, gastritis can lead to serious complications. Common issues include the formation of stomach or small intestine ulcers, which can cause severe pain and bleeding. Additionally, untreated gastritis, especially with a Helicobacter pylori infection, can increase the risk of stomach cancer. Chronic gastritis may also result in atrophic gastritis, which can lead to digestive problems and potential anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Is there a way to prevent gastritis?
To prevent gastritis or ease its symptoms, it's important to manage stress, as it can worsen the condition. Avoiding irritants like alcohol, spicy foods, and NSAIDs, which can damage the stomach lining, is also essential. Maintaining a healthy diet, eating smaller, more frequent meals, and quitting smoking are beneficial steps. Additionally, work with your healthcare provider to manage medications that might irritate the stomach. These measures can help significantly reduce the risk of gastritis.
Allow us to help you find relief
Gastritis may affect your vitality and wellness in a considerable number of ways. When you're having the signs of gastritis and looking for where to receive care, look no further than our staff at GI Alliance of Illinois. Our physicians are experienced and committed to helping you benefit from solutions that boost your overall wellness. To get care for gastritis in Illinois, contact our staff now to arrange an appointment.
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