Gastritis (Stomach Inflammation)
Description
An irritation, inflammation, erosion or infection of the stomach lining. It can be acute or chronic. Gastritis can be present with either a gastric erosion or gastric ulcer. An infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can increase the incidence and severity of the disease. The following conditions increase the risk of this disorder: drinking alcohol, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs / NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin), smoking, and physical stress (infections, trauma, hospital admissions).
Symptoms
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, black stools (melena), bloody stools, burning in chest.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Other tests to determine the extent of disease include: nasogastric tube lavage, rectal exam, EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), and blood tests.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Lipase
- EKG
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the illness and includes: proton pump inhibitors (omperazole/Prilosec, pantoprazole/Protonix), H2 blockers (cimetidine/Tagamet, ranitidine/Zantac), antibiotics if caused by H. pylori, and possibly hospitalization.
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