Acute Gastritis Symptoms and Treatment Options

Understanding Acute Gastritis

Acute gastritis is a condition characterized by sudden inflammation of the stomach lining. The symptoms and appropriate treatments can vary depending on the underlying cause. Below are the most common causes and their associated symptoms and treatment approaches.

1. Contaminated Food and Bacterial Infections

One of the primary causes of acute gastritis is consuming contaminated food or beverages, which may lead to bacterial infection. This type of infection often results in acute infectious gastritis. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, and vomiting. Some patients may also experience signs of acute enteritis, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. In these cases, medical intervention typically involves antibiotic therapy to eliminate the infection and supportive care to manage symptoms like dehydration.

2. Improper Eating Habits and Medication Use

Another common trigger for acute gastritis is poor dietary choices or the use of specific medications. For instance, excessive alcohol consumption, eating spicy or irritating foods, or taking certain drugs—such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or chemotherapy agents—can damage the gastric mucosa. Patients often report upper abdominal pain as a primary symptom. In more severe cases, this can progress to acute hemorrhagic gastritis, which may present with black tarry stools or vomiting material that resembles coffee grounds. Treatment focuses on acid suppression therapy using proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers, along with the administration of mucosal protective agents to promote healing of the damaged stomach lining.

Prevention and Management Tips

To reduce the risk of developing acute gastritis, it's important to practice good hygiene, avoid overuse of harmful medications, limit alcohol intake, and maintain a balanced diet. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking timely medical attention is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.