Gastritis Digestive Disorder
Gastritis is a digestive disorder that occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed. The stomach lining is made up of layers of mucous membrane, which helps protect it from the acid produced by the stomach. When the lining is damaged, it can lead to inflammation, which can cause a range of symptoms.
There are two main types of gastritis: acute and chronic. Acute gastritis is a sudden inflammation of the stomach lining and is usually caused by a bacterial infection or the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Chronic gastritis is a long-term inflammation of the stomach lining and can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and alcohol consumption.
Symptoms of gastritis can vary depending on the severity and type of inflammation. Common symptoms include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating or belching
- Indigestion
- Blood in vomit or stool (in severe cases)
Treatment of gastritis typically involves identifying and treating the underlying cause of the inflammation. This may involve antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection, reducing or stopping the use of NSAIDs, or making dietary changes to avoid foods that irritate the stomach lining. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to reduce stomach acid or to protect the stomach lining. Severe cases of gastritis may require hospitalization for treatment and monitoring.