Definition:

Gastritis is an inflammation, irritation or erosion of the stomach mucosa. Gastritis is not one disease but a group of conditions, which are characterized by inflammation of the lining of the stomach.

Gastritis can broadly be divided into two:

• Acute gastritis.
• Chronic gastritis.

Acute Gastritis:

Acute gastritis is a sudden inflammation of the lining of the stomach. Inflammation of the whole stomach is called Pangastritis and an inflammation of a part of stomach is called Antralgastritis.

Acute gastritis can divided into:

1. Erosive
2. Non-erosive

Causes: 

• Medications.
• Alcohol.
• Eating or drinking corrosive substances.
• Extreme physiological stress.
• Infections.

                                                                                      

 
Risk Factors:

1.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use (NSAIDs)                                                       
2.Recent heavy alcohol use                               
3.Physiological stress such major surgery, head trauma, renal failure, liver failure, or respiratory failure.

Chronic Gastritis:

Chronic gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach that occurs gradually and persists for a prolonged time.
Causes:                                                                                                  

1.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)                                                               
2.Infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori
3.Pernicious anemia (an autoimmune disorder)   
4.Degeneration of the lining of the stomach from age, or chronic bile reflux.

Causes:

• Bacterial infection (H. pylori).
• Bile reflux disease.
• Pernicious anemia.
• Autoimmune Gastritis.
• Regular use of pain relievers. 
• Stress.
• Alcohol addiction.
• Cocaine.
• Radiation and chemotherapy.
• Other factors:
  Gastritis may be associated with other medical conditions, including HIV/AIDS, parasitic infections, some connective tissue disorders, and liver or kidney failure.

Signs and Symptoms:

• A gnawing or burning ache or pain in the upper abdomen that may become either worse or better after eating.
• Loss of appetite.
• Bloating: A feeling of fullness in upper abdomen after eating
• Weight loss.
• Belching: Belching either does not relieve the pain or relieves it only briefly.
• Nausea and vomiting: The vomit may be clear, green or yellow, blood-streaked, or completely bloody, depending on the severity of the stomach inflammation.

In more severe gastritis, bleeding may occur inside the stomach. Any of the following symptoms can be seen as well as those already mentioned.

• Pallor, sweating, and rapid (or “racing”) heart beat.
• Feeling faint or short of breath.
• Chest pain or severe stomach pain.
• Vomiting large amounts of blood.
• Bloody bowel movements or dark, sticky, very foul-smelling bowel movements.

Diagnosis:

• Blood tests.
• Stool tests.
• Upper gastrointestinal X-ray.
• Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. On taking X-ray if gastritis is still doubtful.

Management:

• Avoid any spicy, acidic, fried or fatty food.
• Practice good eating habits.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Don’t smoke.
• Avoid pain relievers.
• Follow doctor’s advice.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise regularly.
• Manage stress.

Suggestion about homeopathic treatment:

Homeopathy medicines are prescribed on the basis of presenting complaints, physical, emotional and genetic make up that individualizes a person. Based on constitutional approach homoeopathy medicines are given and it works at root-level. Homoeopathic medicines remove the root cause of the diseases. Homeopathy is very effective in managing all the acute as well as chronic expressions of gastritis; it also plays an important role in prevention of relapse of the condition.Homeopathy is very strongly recommended for gastritis (acute, chronic and recurring). Homeopathy manages gastritis effectively, gently and safely.