Your Health Q& A:Gastritis

What is gastritis?

The stomach is lined with a protective layer. Any insult or erosion to the stomach lining resulting in inflammation which termed as gastritis.

What are the symptoms of gastritis?

• Upper stomach pain(burning, gnawing sensation)
• Nause/vomiting
• Bloatedness
• Chest pain

What are the causes?

• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Medications , commonly painkillers, steroids
• Acidic or spicy food intake such as caffeine
• Irregular meals intake
• Substance abuse
• Stressful lifestyle
• Coexistence with other illness such as HIV, Crohn's disease
• H.Pylori infection

How does the physician diagnose such a condition?

Generally diagnosed with patient's signs and symptoms. In advanced situation, HPylori serology to detect infection and endoscopy(a camera passed through the mouth to stomach to visualize directly).

What is the therapeutic treatment?

• Antibiotic used if evidence of infection
• Antacids such as MMT, Ranitidine
• Proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole, lansoprazole

What are the ways to curb such condition without taking medications?

Ideally , discuss with your physician and identify the cause of your suffering.This would help to reverse or banish the cause to aid in the healing process. Apart from that exercise and stress control merely helps in overcoming gastritis. In addition, you are required to take balanced diet at proper interval.

Is gastritis are hereditary?

Gastritis identified to inherit to some extent, commonly called autoimmune atrophic gastritis.

Is heart attack is confused with gastritis, if yes then how to detect heart attack?

Yes, a heart attack may mimic gastritis symptoms so you have to be vigilant. Suspect heart attack instead simple gastritis if upper abdominal pain accompanied by chest pain, cold sweats, profuse sweating, giddiness,neck pain and fainting spells.

Who is affected most?

Women reported developing gastritis most at the age 45-65 years old whereas male affected most after 65 years old. The likelihood of this condition increases with age.

From kitchen to cure:

• Roast about 5 cloves of garlic and consume 2-3 times per day
• Consume green tea regularly with honey
• Drink coconut milk every alternate day

Stay Healthy & Wealthy!