Gastritis
Alternate Names : Gastric Inflammation
What are the treatments for the disease?
The goals of treatment are to relieve the symptoms and treat the underlying cause. This can be accomplished by:
antibiotics if H. pylori is thought to be the cause
antacids to decrease or neutralize the gastric acid
medications such as cimetidine or omeprazole if the antacids are not effective
changes in lifestyle, such as avoiding spicy food, not smoking and limiting alcohol
surgery, if more conservative treatments are not effective
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Side effects of the medication may include:
dizziness
fatigue
rash
diarrhea
What happens after treatment for the disease?
Gastritis is usually curable if the cause is eliminated. People who have had gastritis should eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce acid secretion, and avoid hot or spicy food. They should seek medical care if they vomit blood, notice dark black stool, or have severe pain. If treatment is effective, persons are generally free to return to their normal activities.
How is the disease monitored?
Gastritis is monitored by regular visits to the healthcare provider and monitoring for a return of the gastritis symptoms.
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