GASTRITIS
TREATMENTS |
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Gastritis can be easily
treated. The type of treatment you receive depends on whether your
gastritis is caused by H Pylori infection or irritants and lifestyle
factors. Surgery is not needed in either case.
If your gastritis is caused by poor lifestyle choices, making a few
changes will go a long way to relieving your symptoms.
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If you smoke - stop; |
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Reduce your intake of alcohol or cut it out altogether; |
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Avoid fatty foods and caffeine. |
If the source of your
gastritis is infection with H Pylori, you will need to take
antibiotic drugs to eradicate the infection. The type of drug
therapy most commonly prescribed to eradicate H Pylori infection is
Triple Therapy. This usually comprises two antibiotics and a proton
pump inhibitor (see explanation below). Side effects of the
antibiotics include diarrhoea, decreased taste sensation and
allergic reactions. If an antibiotic called metronidazole is
prescribed alcohol should be avoided as it can cause flushing.
Treatment may be prescribed for a week initially. Once the H Pylori
is eradicated subsequent re-infection is rare.
Whatever the cause of
your gastritis, your doctor may also prescribe some acid-reducing
drugs to help reduce the stomach pain and burning sensation. These
include:
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Proton pump
inhibitors e.g. omeprazole, lansoprazole. These drugs block an
enzyme involved in the production of acid from the stomach thus
reducing its secretion. They produce good symptom relief and are
generally well tolerated but can cause diarrhoea, rash and
headache. |
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Antacids such as
aluminium hydroxide and calcium carbonate neutralise acid and
are taken commonly for the relief of heartburn. They provide
rapid relief of symptoms. An old treatment involved taking
baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). However, taking too many
antacids can cause side effects (diarrhoea, electrolyte
abnormalities). |
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Acid-secretion
inhibiting drugs such as ranitidine, cimetidine. Side effects
are few but Cimetidine may interact with some drugs including
warfarin. |
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| GASTRITIS RELATED ITEMS |
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