Causes
Gastritis has multiple causes, including:
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Infection with a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori
- Infection with a virus, fungus, or bacteria (other than Helicobacter pylori)
- Infectious gastritis not caused by H. pylori: Viruses or fungi can cause gastritis in people with immune difficulties or long-term illnesses.
- Radiation gastritis: Exposure of the abdominal area to radiation can irritate the stomach lining.
- Eosinophilic gastritis: This form of gastritis can occur due to an allergic reaction. The cause of the allergic reaction is not known.
- Ménétrier disease: This disorder is rare and involves the development of thick folds and cystson the stomach wall.
In addition, gastritis may develop after major surgery, traumatic injury, burns, radiation, or a severe illness. Certain diseases, such as pernicious anemia (an autoimmune disease) and chronic bile reflux, can also cause gastritis.
Treatment
Treatment of gastritis usually involves taking medications called proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid and thereby help relieve symptoms and promote healing. (Stomach acid irritates the inflamed tissue in the stomach.) Avoidance of certain foods, beverages, or medicines may also be recommended. If your gastritis is caused by an infection, that problem may be treated as well.
Preventive Measure
Some foods and beverages can aggravate the symptoms of gastritis, and should not be eaten while the disease is active. These include:
- Caffeinated drinks.
- Regular and decaffeinated coffee.
- Mint, Green, and Black teas.
- Orange and Grapefruit juices
- Alcohol beverages
- spicy foods, such as chili powder, hot peppers, nutmeg, and black pepper
- dairy foods made from whole milk and strong or spicy cheeses
- Tomato products
- Chocolate
When adjusting the diet during a case of gastritis, be sure of the following:
- Eat 5 to 6 small meals a day, as this can reduce the impact of stomach acids.
- Hydrate often by frequently consuming water.
- Add omega-3 supplements to the diet, as they may play a role in resolving gastritis. Omega-3 supplements are available for purchase online.
