Gastritis
Alternate Names : Gastric Inflammation
What can be done to prevent the disease?
Prevention of gastritis depends upon the specific cause of the inflammation. Some ways to prevent gastritis are:
eating and drinking in moderation
avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and irritating foods such as spicy, or highly seasoned foods
avoiding aspirin or non steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen or naproxen
taking medications such as a histamine type 2-receptor blocker, such as ranitidine or cimetidine, to reduce acid secretion
stopping smoking
limiting stress
What are the long-term effects of the disease?
Depending on the cause of the gastritis, the long-term effects may vary. Untreated gastritis may lead to ulcers. Ulcers may cause severe and even life-threatening bleeding if not treated. Some forms of chronic or long-term gastritis are thought to increase the risk of stomach cancer. It is important that the cause of gastritis be identified and the appropriate treatment given to prevent these complications.
What are the risks to others?
Viral and bacterial gastritis may be contagious. The other forms of gastritis generally pose no risk to others.
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