Gastritis

Gastritis is a mild irritation, inflammation, or infection of the stomach lining. It may be a sudden attack or chronic.

Signs and symptoms

• Abdominal cramping and pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Belching or gas
• Weakness

Gastritis may be caused by:

• Bacterial or viral infection (infection by a virus is contagious)
• Excess stomach acid caused by heavy smoking, alcohol use, caffeine, improper diet such as spicy, greasy foods
• Use of drugs such as Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, cortisone
• Stress

Preventing gastritis

• Eat regularly and moderately
• Stop smoking
• Limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine
• If possible avoid drugs that are irritating to your stomach
• Avoid foods that you don't digest easily

Treatment for gastritis

For minor discomfort use antacids such as Mylanta or Maalox, and Tylenol; don't use Aspirin. Don't eat solid foods on the first day of the attack, give your stomach a rest and drink liquids only, milk or water are preferred. Add bland foods to your diet slowly and as tolerated (cooked cereals, bananas, rice, potatoes, toast) and avoid greasy, spicy foods.

More severe cases may require hospitalization, especially if you have blood in your bowels.

Call your doctor if you vomit blood, if your bowel movements become dark or bloody, if you have severe pain, if you become dehydrated (dry mouth, excess thirst, decreased urination, wrinkled skin).

Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.