Gastritis 

Diagnosis   

While your physician will likely consider gastritis based on your medical history and physical examination, they might recommend additional tests to accurately identify the underlying cause. There are some potential diagnostic procedures: 

• Tests for H. pylori: To determine if the bacterium H. pylori is causing your symptoms, your doctor might suggest tests like a stool test or breath test. The breath test involves drinking a clear liquid containing radioactive carbon. If you’re infected with H. pylori, your breath sample will show traces of this radioactive carbon. 
• Endoscopy to examine the upper digestive system: An alternative or additional diagnostic approach is an endoscopy. During this procedure, a flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted through your throat into your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. This allows your doctor to visually examine these areas for signs of inflammation or abnormalities. Biopsies can also be taken if any suspicious areas are detected. These biopsies can reveal the presence of H. pylori in your stomach lining. 
• Upper digestive system X–ray: Referred to as a barium swallow or upper gastrointestinal series, this sequence of X–ray scans generates visuals of your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine, with the aim of detecting any abnormalities. To enhance visibility and improve the detection of ulcers, you might ingest a white, metallic liquid (containing barium) that coats your digestive system. 

Treatment  

The treatment of gastritis depends on its underlying cause. For example, acute gastritis caused by the use of nonsteroidal anti–inflammatory drugs or alcohol can often be relieved by discontinuing the consumption of those substances. 

Medications used to treat gastritis include: 

• Antibiotics: In situations where H. pylori infection is present in the digestive tract, a combination of antibiotics is often prescribed. This regimen could involve antibiotics like clarithromycin and amoxicillin or metronidazole to eliminate the bacterium. It’s crucial to complete the full antibiotic course, typically spanning 7 to 14 days, alongside medications that inhibit acid production. Following treatment, a retest is usually conducted to ensure successful eradication of H. pylori. 
• Acid Production and Healing Aids: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are medications that diminish acid production by inhibiting specific cellular components responsible for acid generation. These drugs include omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole, and others. Prolonged use of high–dose PPIs may potentially elevate the risk of fractures in the hip, wrist, and spine. Consult your doctor about the potential benefits of a calcium supplement in mitigating this risk. 
• Acid Production Reducers: Acid blockers, also known as histamine (H–2) blockers, are prescribed to decrease the quantity of acid released into the digestive tract. This alleviates gastritis–related discomfort and promotes healing. Acid blockers like famotidine, cimetidine, and nizatidine are available both over–the–counter and by prescription.
• Stomach Acid Neutralizers: Doctors might incorporate antacids into the medication regimen. Antacids work by neutralizing existing stomach acid, providing rapid pain relief. Potential side effects include constipation or diarrhea, contingent on the ingredients. While antacids offer immediate symptom relief, they are generally not utilized as the primary treatment method. Proton pump inhibitors and acid blockers are more efficacious and tend to have fewer side effects.