causes of gastritis - #13226
I am feeling really stressed and worried about this pain in my upper abdomen that won’t go away. It started a few weeks ago after I had a big family dinner, you know, the kind where I'm stuffing my face with all the rich food, and now I’m wondering if it could be related to the causes of gastritis. The pain is kinda sharp sometimes, and there’s this weird bloating feeling too, like I'm constantly full, you know? I went to my doctor, and they mentioned the causes of gastritis could be linked to stress, diet, or even some medications. I'm not on anything crazy, just the occasional ibuprofen for headaches, but I do drink coffee daily and love my spicy foods which makes me think maybe I'm contributing to this gastritis situation. Oh, and I've noticed some nausea after eating- like sometimes it feels like it’s all connected. I tried cutting back on the coffee but it hasn’t really helped. Are there other causes of gastritis that I might not know about? I’m scared it could be something serious but also just want to figure out how to ease this pain. Anyone dealt with this? What do I do about the causes of gastritis??
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Doctors’ responses
The discomfort you’re describing does match symptoms that can be associated with gastritis, which essentially is irritation or inflammation of the stomach lining. Quite commonly, this condition has several underlying causes, many of which relate to lifestyle and habits. Stress is indeed a well-known factor that can exacerbate gastritis as it may lead your body to produce more stomach acid, aggravating the lining of the stomach. Likewise, dietary choices play a significant role; frequent consumption of spicy foods, coffee, and rich, fatty meals can also irritate the stomach lining, contributing to the problem.
Medications, particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, can irritate the stomach over time if used frequently. If this is the case, alternative pain-relievers or reducing the NSAID usage might be necessary to see improvements. Another frequent cause of gastritis is infection with Helicobacter pylori, a common bacterium that leads to chronic inflammation unless properly treated. This would require confirmation through specific testing like a breath, stool, or blood test, and could be managed with a prescribed antibiotic regimen.
Alcohol consumption, if applicable, can also elevate the risk of developing gastritis, so moderation might be beneficial. The symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and abdominal pain are quite common, but they do require attention, especially if they persist. Consider keeping a food diary to help pinpoint triggers that might be exacerbating your symptoms. stay vigilant for any additional concerning signs like weight loss, blood in stools, or severe persistent pain, as these could indicate something that requires medical intervention immediately. A trial of over-the-counter antacids or proton pump inhibitors might offer relief by reducing stomach acid, but consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial for a tailored approach. Seek advice from a healthcare provider if there is no improvement or for a more detailed evaluation to rule out other potential causes and work on an appropriate management plan for your condition.
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