Risk Factors, Treatment, Medication & Self-Management Of Gastritis

Updated: June 16, 2022

There are various causes of gastritis and factors that increase your risk of gastritis. Factors that increase your risk of gastritis  include:

Risk Factors Of Gastritis 

Bacterial Infection:

Although infection with Helicobacter pylori is among the most common worldwide human infections,  vulnerability to the bacterium could be inherited or could be caused by lifestyle choices, such as smoking and diet.  

Regular Use of Pain Relievers:

Acute gastritis and chronic gastritis can be caused by common pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox). Using these pain relievers frequently or taking excessively of these medications may decrease a key substance that helps preserve the protective lining of your stomach.

Older Age:

Adults and Old age people have an increased risk of gastritis because the stomach has a tendency to thin with age.  Since  adults are more likely to have H. pylori infection or immune system issue than younger people, they have more risk developing gastritis.

Excessive Alcohol Use:

Liquor can bother and dissolve your stomach lining, which makes your stomach more defenseless against digestive juices. Excessive liquor intake will probably cause acute gastritis.

Stress:

Severe stress due to major surgery, injury, burns or severe infections can cause acute gastritis.

Your Own Body Attacking cells in Your Stomach:

This is Called autoimmune gastritis, this sort of gastritis happens when your body attacks the cells that make up your stomach lining. This response can harm your stomach's protective barrier. Autoimmune gastritis is more common in people with other autoimmune issues, including Hashimoto's disease and type 1 diabetes. Autoimmune gastritis can likewise be related with vitamin B-12 deficiency.

Other Diseases and Conditions:

Gastritis may be associated with other medical conditions, including HIV/AIDS, Crohn's disease and parasitic infections.

Treatment For Gastritis:

Treatment of gastritis relies upon the particular reason. Acute gastritis caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or alcohol might be alleviated by ceasing utilization of those substances.

Medications For Gastritis

Drugs that Block Acid Production and Promote Healing:

Proton pump inhibitors reduce acid by hindering the action of the parts of cells that create acid. These medications include the medicine and over-the-counter medications omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), esomeprazole (Nexium), dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) and pantoprazole (Protonix). Long-term utilization of proton pump inhibitors, especially at high doses, may build your risk of hip, wrist and spine fractures. A calcium supplement may decrease this risk.

Medications to Reduce acid Production:

Antacids that Kill Stomach acid:

Self-Management:

• Eat smaller, more-frequent meals: If you experience frequent indigestion, eat smaller meals more often to help ease the effects of stomach acid.
• Avoid irritating foods: Avoid foods that make your stomach irritated, which are spicy, acidic, fried or fatty.
• Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can irritate the mucous lining of your stomach.
• Consider switching pain relievers: If you use pain relievers that increase your chances of gastritis, acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may be an option for you. This medication is less likely to aggravate your stomach problem.
• Sleep with your head and shoulders elevated: With the head higher than the stomach, gravity helps reduce this pressure.
• Don't smoke: Smoking stimulates the creation of stomach acid.