Gastritis Treatment: Cost and Side Effects

Gastritis is a condition when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed. This condition is termed as either chronic gastritis or acute gastritis. Gastritis is namely caused by two main reasons; one, Helicobacter Pylori or H. Pylori which is a bacterium and Two, by NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Other causes include Crohn’s disorder, isolated granulomatosis gastritis, autoimmune problems and sarcoidosis. Generally gastritis occurs as a result of surgical conditions, medication side effects, mental stress, and unhealthy lifestyle habits such as eating late, skipping meals, eatimg too much oily or fried food and/or sleeping very late at night.

People suffering from mild case of gastritis may show absolutely zero signs or symptoms but those with chronic gastritis trouble may show symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, bloating, reduced appetite and abdominal cramps.

Generally the treatment method for gastritis depends on the patient and on whether he has been diagnosed as having peptic ulcer or non-ulcer dyspepsia. Gastritis requires immediate treatment and when it’s left untreated the results can be very severe, such as profuse blood loss and increased risk of getting stomach cancer.

Once you start noticing the signs and symptoms of gastritis you should fix an appointment with your doctor regarding the treatment method. The doctor will thoroughly look into the medical history, perform a few tests and based on the results will come to a conclusion. The presence of the H. pylori bacterium can be detected with the help of a number of tests; stool test, breath test and blood test. If you are taking a breath test then you will be asked to drink a glass of tasteless liquid containing radioactive carbon. Once this radioactive carbon is inside your body it will break down the H. pylori bacteria. Afterwards you need to blow into the bag provided at the clinic. This bag is sealed tight after collecting your breath.

You may be asked to undergo an endoscopy test as well as a X-ray. Using the test method of endoscopy the doctor tries to determine if there is any visible sign of swelling or inflammation inside the small intestine or stomach. If your doctor suspects something then he will proceed to collect tissue sample for the purpose of tissue biopsy. The biopsy will also be able to determine H. pylori bacteria infection. An X-ray tries to take images of your stomach, oesophagus and small intestines and will try to figure out if there is something unusual developing.

If your acute gastritis has been the result of taking medications then the condition will cease to exist once the medications are stopped. Medications that may be used for treating gastritis are Antibiotics, Drug that inhibit the production of acidity and promote the process of healing instead. Medications such as Acid Blockers or H2 blockers will be prescribed to lower the issue of acidity. And lastly, antacids will be prescribed by the consulting physician to neutralize the acid in the stomach.

All those who are showing one or more signs and symptoms of gastritis mentioned above are eligible to go for this treatment. However, the kind of treatment that you are likely to require will be determined by the doctor after taking into consideration your age, medical history and seriousness of the gastritis. H2 blockers are safe to be used by pregnant women.

People who are allergic to certain medications and especially to H2 acid blockers should consult with their doctor regarding the course of treatment as they will not be eligible to go for this kind of treatment.

Medications for gastritis sometimes display slight side effects.

Post treatment guidelines include not staying for long durations on an empty stomach, avoiding excessively oily or spicy food, avoiding overconsumption of antacids, maitaining a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy sleep pattern, etc.

On successful completion of treatment, complete recovery is made within three to four weeks.

Price of treatment may range between Rs. 500 ans Rs. 20,000 or higer if further complications develop.

Treatment methods are not permanent and the condition may recur if the causative agents reappear.

Alternative treatment options available include traditional and herbal medications, helthy and balanced diet, etc. Sometimes other alternative treatment practices are followed, although their efficacy is doubtful.