How to Treat Gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining accompanied by severe stomach pain and sometimes vomiting. Common causes are bacterial infection, regular use of some pain relievers and irritation caused by smoking, spicy foods or drinking too much alcohol. Gastritis can be acute (sudden) or chronic (develops over time), but both need treatment to avoid complications. Here is how to treat gastritis.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Make an appointment with your doctor.
2. Get ready for testing. You may have to go in for several tests, such as a gastroscopy, blood test and stool test. The doctor may also ask you to undergo an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) test, which uses a small camera on a flexible tube to study the stomach lining.
3. Your doctor may prescribe medications including antacids, acid blockers and cytoprotective agents.
4. Do not take over-the-counter medicines without asking your doctor. They can cause side effects and more stomach pain.

Tips & Warnings

• To prevent gastritis, some things you can do are: quit smoking, exercise regularly, maintain a correct weight and avoid spicy, acidic and fried foods.