Customer question:
How do we recognize the symptoms of gastritis? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Gastritis is inflammation of the gastric mucosa, which can be acute or chronic. Symptoms may vary depending on the form and severity of the inflammation. The most common symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options for gastritis are detailed below:
- Abdominal pain: the most common symptom of gastritis is pain in the upper abdomen. The pain is often described as burning or gnawing and may be worse or better after eating.
- Nausea and vomiting: Patients with gastritis often report feeling sick. In more severe cases, vomiting may also occur, which may be bloody or contain material similar to coffee grounds, indicating the presence of blood.
- Bloating: A familiar feeling of bloating or tension in the abdomen, accompanied by bloating and gas.
- Loss of appetite: Gastritis can cause decreased appetite, leading to unintentional weight loss.
- Heartburn: a burning sensation in the chest, often worse after eating, can also be a symptom of gastritis.
- Dark stools: black or tarry stools can indicate the presence of blood in the digestive tract, which is a sign of more severe gastritis.
- General fatigue: long-term gastritis can lead to chronic fatigue due to poor absorption of nutrients.
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, indicated by abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, heartburn, and loss of appetite. The most common causes include Helicobacter pylori infection, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, excessive alcohol consumption, and stress. Diagnosis is based on history, physical examination, endoscopy, and laboratory tests. Treatment includes antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, antacids, H2-blockers, and lifestyle changes.
Are the symptoms of gastritis always noticeable?
Symptoms of gastritis are not always noticeable. Some people with gastritis may have no symptoms or be so mild that they are not immediately noticeable. Asymptomatic gastritis is quite common, especially in chronic gastritis, which may develop slowly and cause no immediate or apparent problems. Since the symptoms are not always noticeable, gastritis is often discovered by chance during investigations for other health problems.
Are the symptoms of gastritis dangerous?
Gastritis symptoms are not always dangerous, but in some cases, they can indicate more severe health problems that require medical treatment. Upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, loss of appetite, heartburn, dark stools, and general fatigue are the most common symptoms of gastritis. Although these symptoms are usually unpleasant, they are not necessarily dangerous.
However, some symptoms may indicate more severe problems. For example, dark or tarry stools and vomiting blood or coffee grounds-like material may indicate the presence of bleeding in the stomach or gastrointestinal tract. This condition requires immediate medical attention. Chronic gastritis that is not treated correctly can lead to complications such as stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, and an increased risk of developing stomach cancer.
If gastritis symptoms last for a long time, are very intense, or occur together with other symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or severe abdominal pain, it is essential to seek medical attention. Timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve the quality of life.
Does gastritis pain require emergency medical attention?
Gastritis pain does not usually result in an urgent need for emergency medical care, but there are certain cases where immediate medical attention is required. Although upper abdominal pain is a common symptom of gastritis, it is essential to recognize the signs that may indicate a more severe condition or complications. If you have chronic or recurring pain in the upper abdomen accompanied by mild gastritis symptoms, seeing a doctor for examination and possible treatment is recommended. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent the deterioration of the condition and the development of complications. For acute and severe symptoms, immediate medical attention is necessary to rule out more serious conditions and provide adequate treatment. Eating.
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