Gastritis in Ocean Springs, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat is gastritis?
Gastritis is a term that describes the swelling, irritation, or wearing away of the lining of the stomach. Gastritis, or stomach inflammation, has been shown to heighten the odds of gastric sores, abdominal bleeding, or stomach cancer. The two most common forms of stomach inflammation include erosive gastritis and nonerosive gastritis. Erosive gastritis erodes the lining of the stomach, while nonerosive gastritis changes the stomach lining.
Gastritis may come about quickly (acute gastritis) or transpire slowly over time (chronic gastritis). In many instances, gastritis does not generate severe difficulties and improves quickly with therapy. If you are looking for care for gastritis in Ocean Springs, MS, help is within reach. To obtain treatment for gastritis, connect with a digestive health specialist at Digestive Health Center by requesting a consultation at a location near you.
What causes gastritis?
Gastritis primarily arises when harm is done to the mucous membrane that shields your stomach, and the digestive juices cause inflammation of the stomach lining. The problem can be more concerning for people who experience conditions such as liver problems, kidney disease, and respiratory conditions. In general, gastritis or chronic stomach inflammation may be caused by the following:
- Infections from bacteria or viruses
- Excessive drinking
- Consuming spicy foods
- Eating acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits
- Cigarette use
- Bile backing up from the liver or gallbladder
- Eating fatty or fried foods
- Eating very salty foods
- Bacterial infections – such as Helicobacter pylori
- Consistent stress
- Drinking too much caffeine
- Overuse of aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication, such as Ibuprofen
- Throwing up
The use of particular medications can also add to the formation of gastritis. These medications include:
- Corticosteroids
- Pain relievers (NSAIDs), including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
- Chemotherapy
To hear additional details on managing and caring for your digestive troubles correctly, find your nearest Digestive Health Center location and request a consultation with a GI specialist.
What are the common symptoms of gastritis?
A few of the most common signs and symptoms of stomach inflammation or gastritis include:
- Vomiting and nausea
- Vomiting blood
- Severe pain in the abdomen
- Heartburn
- Gas or fullness
- Gnawing feeling in the stomach when your stomach is empty
- Hiccups
- Black or tarry bowel movements
- Belching
How is gastritis treated?
Therapy for gastritis varies from person to person, centering around the cause. The most common treatments for gastritis are:
- Eliminating specific foods from your consumption, like dairy or gluten.
- Antibiotics
- Vitamin B12 supplements (for a deficiency)
- Drugstore or prescription heartburn medications
- Not eating hot or spicy foods
If you have one or more of the above symptoms, we invite you to contact our Ocean Springs, MS board-certified specialists. Our providers will give you the best care and the relief you deserve.
Gastritis FAQs
What foods should I avoid if I have gastritis?
If you have gastritis, it's crucial to avoid foods and beverages that can irritate your stomach lining and worsen symptoms. Here are some types of foods and drinks you should generally avoid:
- Spicy foods
- Acidic foods
- Fatty and fried foods
- Alcohol
- Caffeinated beverages
It's also advisable to eat smaller, more frequent meals to help manage symptoms. Additionally, consider keeping a food diary to track which foods specifically trigger your gastritis symptoms. This can help you identify and avoid particular foods that exacerbate your condition.
What complications can gastritis lead to?
If left untreated, gastritis can lead to several serious complications. Common issues include the formation of ulcers in the stomach or small intestine, which can result in severe pain and bleeding, and an elevated risk of stomach cancer, especially in cases involving Helicobacter pylori infection. Chronic gastritis may also progress to atrophic gastritis, which can cause digestive problems and potentially lead to anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Is there a way to prevent gastritis?
Yes, there are several strategies to prevent gastritis or alleviate its symptoms. First, effectively managing stress is important, as it can worsen or contribute to gastritis. Avoiding irritants such as alcohol, spicy foods, and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) is crucial, as these can damage the stomach lining. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and eating smaller, more frequent meals can be beneficial. Quitting smoking and carefully managing the use of medications that may irritate the stomach, with guidance from a healthcare provider, are also key preventative measures. Implementing these strategies can significantly reduce the risk of developing gastritis.
Allow us to help you feel better
Gastritis can damage your health and well-being in a variety of ways. If you're suffering from gastritis symptoms and seeking treatment, look no further than Digestive Health Center. Our gastroenterologists are expertly skilled and dedicated to working with you to get treatments that elevate your GI health. To get assistance for gastritis in Ocean Springs, MS, reach out to a nearby location today to request an appointment.
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He is the bomb! I LOVED him when I was sick. And he is very entertaining too.
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Dr McNair is extremely knowledgeable in his profession and has an excellent bedside manner. He explains what he is doing in terms that I can understand. Him and his staff is always professional!!!
went in for visit, good feeling upon arrival, very professional and informative about my childs condition, will be back for follow up and annuals.
My first visit was very helpful, and gave me a sense of understanding and compassion that I had yet to recieve from another GI doctor. I pray that we will get my issues resolved, and I am feeling quite confident in this Doctor's plan of action. Highly recommend!
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