Gastritis Ulcer

Gastritis is a medical condition in which the lining of the stomach is irritated or eroded. In most cases gastritis can also be introduced as inflammation of the stomach, due to injuries that have occurred to the lining of the stomach. Gastritis can occur gradually or rather suddenly.

There are many causes for gastritis. One of the main causes for gastritis can be excessive alcohol.

Prolonged use of certain medicines such as anti inflammatory drugs or aspirin can also result in gastritis. A particular bacterium by the name of Helicobacter pylori, which lives in the lining of the stomach, may also cause gastritis. Bile reflux and stomach infections caused by various viruses and bacteria, may also result in gastritis. Another major cause of gastritis is mental stress.

In most cases gastric symptoms are not visible. However in those whom gastric symptoms are present they vary from person to person, also depending on the severity.
Abdominal pains, nausea, a feeling of fullness or loss of appetite are some of the symptoms found in gastric patients.

Gastritis ulcer also known as a peptic ulcer is a crater in the lining of the stomach. Most gastritis ulcers are caused by the Helicobacter pylori or the use of anti inflammatory drugs. Gastritis ulcers can occur at any stage in life but are mostly detected in middle aged adults. Gastritis ulcers occur in various sizes ranging from millimeters to centimeters. Helicobacter pylori and anti inflammatory drugs, disrupt the normal repair and defense mechanisms of the mucosa, thus exposing it to acids secreted to the stomach, for digestion.

As in all instances of gastritis, ulcers also have various symptoms, which are different from patient to patient. Most gastritis ulcers are accompanied by gnawing or burning pain, which is often relieved by food and sometimes antacids. Nausea, vomiting and bloating, can be very commonly detected in patients who have pyloric ulcers.
Gastritis ulcers are usually diagnosed by analyzing the patient’s history and confirming by an endoscopy. An endoscopy has the ability to distinguish between simple gastritis ulceration, and ulcers that are stomach cancers. The endoscopy also helps diagnose the existence of the bacteria, Helicobacter pylori, inside the stomach. In certain cases to detect more severe levels of gastritis ulcers, the Serum levels are measured in gastric patients.

Treatment of gastritis ulcers requires eradication of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, and reduction of acidity. Acidity can be decreased, by a course of drugs as recommended by a physician.

Gastritis and gastritis ulcers should be diagnosed and treated as early as possible as it can be fatal.

By Health Tips