Depending on the cause of your gastritis, treatment may vary to target the underlying reason behind the inflammation in your stomach lining. However, common treatments for gastritis include antibiotics, antacids, and medications that block or reduce acid production.
What is Gastritis? What Causes it?
Gastritis is the medical term used to describe inflamed, irritated, or eroded stomach lining. Its symptoms can occur suddenly (acutegastritis) or over time (chronicgastritis). There are a number of common causes of gastritis, including:
- Pain medications
However, there are also more serious causes of gastritis, which would require an examination by a medical professional, including:
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori): A type of bacteria that inhabits the mucous stomach lining
- Pernicious anemia: A type of anemia where the stomach cannot naturally produce substance necessary for proper absorption and digestion of vitamin B12
- Bile reflux
- Bacterial and viral infections
The best way to determine the true cause of your gastritis is to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or visit a medical professional at a local FastMed.
Possible Treatments for Gastritis
Due to the wide range of causes, it can be difficult to determine on your own what the best treatment will be for your specific gastritis diagnosis. While acute gastritis can be caused by alcohol or as a side effect of certain medications, chronic gastritis can be caused by H. pylori infections. The only way to find out the cause is by being examined by a medical professional.
Treatments you may encounter based on a medical diagnosis include, but are not limited to:
- Antibiotic medication for treating H. pylori
- Medication for blocking acid production
- Medication for reducing acid production
- Antacids for neutralizing stomach acid
Additionally, there are some minor home remedies you can do to help alleviate the symptoms:
- Consume smaller, frequent meals if you experience indigestion.
- Avoid acidic, spicy, fried, or fatty foods.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages.
- Switch pain relievers to something less likely to aggravate your stomach.
- Adopt stress management techniques.
For more information about your gastritis or what treatment options will work best for you, visit your nearest FastMed Urgent Care today. FastMed has extended hours, accepts most forms of insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare, and never requires an appointment.
Finding the care you need is convenient, fast, and affordable. To find a FastMed near you, use our FastMed location finder!
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Sources:
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-gastritis
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastritis/basics/treatment/con-20021032
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastritis/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20021032