TREATMENT AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR GASTRITIS
Dr. Emanuel Pieris
Today I wish to continue the medical advice by presenting the different treatment options and also life changes to manage gastritis problem. Gastritis is a very common problem which many of us have experienced when the lining of our stomach becomes inflamed. Gastritis is usually mild and resolves without any treatment. However, gastritis can cause pain in the upper part of your tummy and may lead to a stomach ulcer. Some simple changes to your lifestyle and using over-the-counter antacid medicines are often all that is required. However, if not treated properly, gastritis can last a long time or may lead to not only a stomach ulcer or anaemia but can also increase the risk of cancer. I know that in my motherland Sri Lanka many turn to Ayurvedic treatment for gastritis which includes customized herbal medicines, diet and lifestyle recommendations and home remedies. Since I have no knowledge in Ayurvedic treatment I shall not comment on it.
Even though prevention is better than curing the treatment of gastritis depends on the specific cause. Acute gastritis caused by pain killers or alcohol may be relieved by stopping the use of those substances. If you think the cause of your gastritis is repeated use of NSAID painkillers, try switching to a different painkiller that's not in the NSAID class, such as paracetamol. Many people become infected with H. pylori bacteria and do not realise it. But an H. pylori infection can sometimes cause recurring bouts of indigestion, as the bacteria can cause inflammation of the stomach lining. This sort of gastritis is more common in older age groups. An H. pylori stomach infection is usually lifelong unless it's treated with eradication therapy. If an H. pylori infection is the cause of your gastritis, you'll need to take a course of antibiotics to kill H.pylori. You have to take a combination of antibiotics, such as clarithromycin and amoxicillin or metronidazole to kill the bacterium alongside with a proton pump inhibitor. . Be sure to take the full antibiotic prescription, usually for seven to 14 days.
It is also good for you to know about the other existing medication that blocks acid production and promote healing. Proton pump inhibitors which reduce acid by blocking the action of the parts of cells that produce acid. These drugs include omeprazole, lansoprazole rabeprazole esomeprazole (Nexium), dexlansoprazole and pantoprazole. There is also medication to reduce acid production called acid blockers or histamine (H-2) blockers which reduce the amount of acid released into your digestive tract, to relieve gastritis pain and encourage healing. Acid blockers include famotidine (Pepcid), cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and nizatidine (Axid AR). Another treatment option is the use of antacids that neutralizes stomach acid. Your doctor may include an antacid in your drug treatment. Antacids neutralize existing stomach acid and can provide rapid relief
There are several changes you can make to your lifestyle that may help ease the symptoms of gastritis. If you think the cause of your gastritis is repeated use of painkillers, try switching to a different painkiller, such as paracetamol But as you are healing and taking medication to reduce stomach acid you may want to avoid food that can increase stomach acid production. Eat more stomach-friendly foods. drink more water The first thing you should look at is your diet because certain foods can irritate your stomach lining more than others. It can be fruit juices particularly citrus. acidic foods including tomatoes and other fruits such as lemons, limes, grapefruit, oranges, grapes and pineapples. Spicy foods, fried or fatty foods, coffee alcohol and carbonated drinks, Also consider eating smaller, more frequent meals avoiding foods that can irritate the stomach Do not wear tight belts or clothes that are tight-fitting around your waist since these items can squeeze the stomach. Do not smoke as smoking stimulates the production of stomach acid.
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