It is the inflammation of the gastric mucosal membrane; it can be active or chronic. The three important causes of gastritis are H.Pylori infection, NSAID (Non Steroid Anti-inflammatory Drugs and autoimmunity.
ACUTE GASTRITIS
Acute gastritis is often hemorrhagic and erosive.
Causes: Drugs like non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's), aspirin, etc.
Intake of corrosive substances (acids, alkalies),
Excessive use of alcohol,
Severe stress,
Chronic smoking,
Excessive use of spicy foods
Secondary to conditions like surgery (CVA, trauma, shock, sepsis, burns), portal hypertension with gastropathy)
Clinical features
Ò Anorexia
Ò Nausea
Ò Vomiting
Ò Upper abdominal pain
Ò Hematemesis
Ò Melena
Ò Dehydration
Ò Fever and Epigastric tenderness.
CHRONIC GASTRITIS
Chronic gastritis is divided into two types.
a) Type A gastritis: here proximal and secreting part of the stomach is involved. Pernicious anemia is the major cause. In this type, there is autoimmune gastritis involved in the fundal glands. Gastric carcinoid tumour without metastasis may be seen.
b) Type B gastritis: the causative organism is H.Pylori, and the mechanism of injury is not clear. It is transmitted from person to person, but the mode of spread is not clear. Sometimes there may be metaplasia of the gastric epithelium to the intestinal epithelium. However, this infection may give rise to peptic ulcer.
Treatment
Avoid spicy foods, alcohol, etc.
Homeopathy is strongly recommended for gastritis. Both acute as well as chronic gastritis are proved to be benefited by homeopathy. The recurrence can also be prevented.
Regularly used medicines are Nux vom, Carbo veg, Pulsatilla, Abies Nigra, etc
