Gastritis in Baton Rouge, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is gastritis?
Gastritis is a general definition for the inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the protective lining of the stomach. Gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach as it's sometimes simply referred to, could heighten the odds of gastric ulcers, stomach bleeding, or cancer of the stomach. The two most common types of stomach inflammation are erosive gastritis and non-erosive gastritis. Erosive gastritis wears away the lining of the stomach, while non-erosive gastritis affects the lining of the stomach.
Gastritis might come about suddenly (acute gastritis) or happen gradually over time (chronic gastritis). In many cases, gastritis will not induce severe complications and settles quickly with treatment. When you want care for gastritis in Baton Rouge, LA, help is within reach. To get help for this issue, work with a GI doctor at Gastroenterology Associates. Request a consultation at a location near you today.
What causes gastritis?
Gastritis normally happens when harm occurs to the mucosa that shields your stomach, and the digestive juices inflame the stomach lining. It can be worse for patients with liver, kidney, or lung problems. Typically, chronic stomach inflammation or gastritis is often be caused by:
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Eating foods high in sodium
- Chronic/extreme stress
- Taking too much aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication, such as Ibuprofen
- Consuming spicy foods
- Smoking
- Vomiting
- Bacterial infections – like H. pylori
- Heavy drinking
- Consuming acidic foods like tomatoes and some fruits
- Bile reflux from the liver or gallbladder
- Eating fatty or deep-fried foods
- Drinking too many caffeinated beverages
Using certain drugs could also add to the progression of gastritis. The medications are:
- Pain relievers (NSAIDs) including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Corticosteroids
What are the common signs of gastritis?
Several of the primary symptoms of gastritis or stomach inflammation are:
- Vomiting or queasiness
- Vomiting blood
- Sharp stomach ache
- Heartburn
- Gas or fullness
- Gnawing feeling in the stomach between meals or at night
- Hiccups
- Black or tarry bowel movements
- Burping
What are the treatments for gastritis?
Intervention for gastritis based on the cause of gastritis. The standard therapies our Baton Rouge, LA gastroenterologists provide for gastritis include:
- Removing certain foods from your diet, like dairy or gluten.
- Vitamin B12 supplements (for pernicious anemia)
- Over-the-counter or prescription-strength heartburn relievers
- Antibiotics
- Not eating spicy or hot foods
Gastritis FAQs
What should I steer clear of eating if I'm suffering from gastritis?
When dealing with gastritis, it's critical to avoid certain foods and drinks that might aggravate your stomach. Typically, it is recommended you avoid the following:
- Spicy items
- Acid-laden fruits and vegetables
- Greasy or fried dishes
- Alcoholic drinks
- Drinks containing caffeine
Opting for smaller, more frequent meals can also help manage symptoms. Maintaining a food diary to identify specific triggers for gastritis symptoms can also be beneficial.
What potential health issues can arise from untreated gastritis?
Untreated gastritis can lead to several severe health problems. Generally, it can cause ulcers in the stomach or duodenum, leading to intense pain and possible bleeding. There's also an elevated risk of developing stomach cancer, especially in cases associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Persistent gastritis might lead to atrophic gastritis, which can disrupt normal digestion and possibly result in anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency.
How can I prevent or minimize the risk of gastritis?
Preventing gastritis involves a few key lifestyle adjustments. Managing stress effectively is crucial as it can trigger or worsen the condition. It's also important to avoid known irritants like alcohol, spicy foods, and NSAIDs that harm the stomach lining. Eating a balanced diet and eating smaller, regular meals can alleviate symptoms. Additionally, quitting smoking and careful management of medication intake, with a doctor's advice, are critical preventive steps. These efforts can substantially lower the risk of gastritis.
Allow us to help you get relief
Gastritis could harm your vitality and comfort in a variety of ways. In the event that you're experiencing the indicators of gastritis and are looking for where to get help, look no further than our experienced gastroenterologists at Gastroenterology Associates. Our providers are highly experienced and committed to helping you benefit from solutions that boost your GI wellness. To receive assistance for gastritis in Baton Rouge, LA, contact a location near you to request a consultation.
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The doctors and physicians assistants and all of the staff are excellent. The best on the field of gasto medicine.
When I visit the Clinic the Staff was so pleasant, my time of waiting to be seen was very short, the doctor that I saw was patient and they listened to everything I had to say. This is the place to come if you’re dealing with gastritis. Thanks!
Dr. Walsh is very personable and is thorough. Always have a great visit with him
I had a wonderful visit. He is very patient and thorough
He is a very good person take time to talk about what’s going on. I have been seeing him for about seven years now
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