What is Gastritis - Causes, Symptoms, Effects, Prevention, Treatment

Are you wondering - what is gastritis?

Gastritis is basically the inflammation of the stomach. Usually due to some kind of injury, white blood cells move into the stomach's walls. The inflammation can either be chronic or acute, and it does not always mean that there is an ulcer present or that there is cancer.

Causes and Triggers

Sometimes, helicobacter pylori is responsible for gastritis. This is a type of bacteria that lives in the thick mucus lining of the stomach. Unless antibiotics are taken to get rid of it, or you seek some other type of treatment for it, it can live in your stomach for the duration of your life. In fact, you might have even developed it in early childhood. Later on, the infection itself can cause ulcers and even stomach cancer.

Here is more information on what is gastritis caused by.

Gastritis can also be caused by an autoimmune problem. Sometimes, the body thinks that one of its own organs is an infection or something foreign and starts fighting it. The organ can even be damaged in the process. Stomach cells can be lost if they are attacked by the immune system, and anemia can occur, since the body is unable to absorb vitamin B12.

What other areas can answer the question of what is gastritis caused by?

Occasionally, gastritis is caused by aspirin and NSAIDs. These are anti-inflammatory drugs that are used as pain relievers. For this reason, many people opt for natural treatments and remedies when treating pain and inflammation. NSAIDs can reduce prostaglandin in the stomach, which is a protective substance. If used over a long time, ulcers can eventually develop.

Next up in discussing what is gastritis - hypertrophic gastritis, which can occur when the folds of the stomach enlarge and swell. Sometimes, this is also referred to as Ménétrier's disease, but in this instance, the folds become very, very large.

Gastritis can also develop due to certain types of infections and excessive alcohol consumption.

Signs and Symptoms

What is gastritis characterized by?

The signs and symptoms of gastritis can include abdominal pain, nausea, persistent upset stomach, bloating, excessive hiccups, vomiting, indigestion, a burning feeling or gnawing sensation, hunger pains without being hungry, black stools, and a loss of appetite.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then tests such as endoscopies can be carried out in order to figure out what is going on. Gastritis can typically be treated in a natural way without resorting to any type of surgery or harsh medication. However, if you do have an infection, then the emphasis will be placed on clearing the infection up as soon as possible, so that more damage is not done to your stomach.

The symptoms of gastritis can be treated as well, and usually this can be achieved quickly and effectively so that you don't have to go through any more pain or aggravation than you already have.

Health Effects

What is gastritis going to result in?

For the most part, gastritis is not dangerous, although it can be uncomfortable. In the case of helicobacter pylori, however, the chances of developing stomach ulcers and stomach cancer does increase, though, so treatment should be sought.

Helicobacter pylori can also increase the risk of pregnant women developing severe morning sickness which can last throughout the entire pregnancy and result in dehydration and hospitalization, and even premature labor.

Prevention and Treatment

What is gastritis prevented and treated with, in a natural manner?

Most of the time, gastritis can be prevented through avoiding long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen. Instead, using natural methods of treating pain whenever possible is usually much safer on the lining of your stomach and has far fewer side effects. Various remedies like dietary changes, herbs, heat compresses, and acupuncture can all be ways of controlling pain without having to resort to harsh chemicals.

It is also important to try to limit your intake of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. Although in moderation they are not dangerous, excessive drinking of alcohol can cause complications within your stomach, as well as in your liver, too.

Having read about what is gastritis, you can learn more about this condition by reading the other related gastritis articles and pages on this website.

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