14 May How to Treat Erosive Gastritis

Medical Treatment for Erosive Gastritis

If you’re diagnosed with erosive gastritis, several medical treatments are available to help alleviate the symptoms and promote healing. In some cases, medications alone may be sufficient to treat the condition.

However, if the underlying cause of your erosive gastritis is related to an infection or other medical condition, treating that condition will also be necessary in order to prevent gastritis from recurring.

Treatment options for underlying causes of erosive gastritis will vary depending on the specific condition. If your gastritis is caused by alcohol abuse, your doctor may recommend that you stop drinking or seek counseling to address your addiction. If your gastritis is related to an autoimmune disorder like Crohn’s, your doctor may prescribe medications like corticosteroids to help control inflammation.

Lifestyle Changes to Treat Erosive Gastritis

Lifestyle changes can be an excellent addition to medical treatment or even enough to improve gastritis on their own. Here are some crucial lifestyle changes you can make to manage your erosive gastritis.

Since erosive gastritis is primarily caused by the inflammation of the stomach lining due to digestive acid, making changes to your diet can help manage this condition. First, avoid foods that can increase acid production in your stomach. These foods include spicy and fried foods, citrus fruits, and tomato-based products.

Stress can increase the production of acid in the stomach, exacerbating erosive gastritis. Therefore, it’s essential to seek ways to manage your stress. Try practicing relaxation techniques like yoga, deep breathing exercises, or meditation. Also, ensure you get enough sleep and prioritize self-care.

Regular exercise is vital to maintaining good digestive health. Physical activity helps move food through your digestive system, preventing acid buildup in your stomach. However, it’s essential to choose the right type of exercise. High-intensity exercise can trigger heartburn and make erosive gastritis worse. Instead, choose low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga.

Home Remedies to Treat Erosive Gastritis

While medical treatment is recommended for erosive gastritis, some home remedies can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Here are some natural remedies that have been shown to be effective in treating erosive gastritis:

• Chamomile tea
• Aloe vera juice
• Licorice root tea

It’s important to note that while these home remedies may help alleviate symptoms, they are not a substitute for medical treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider before trying any home remedies.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

In addition to medical treatment and lifestyle changes, some people with erosive gastritis turn to alternative and complementary therapies for relief. Two popular options are probiotics and acupuncture.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are helpful for the digestive system. They can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which can be disrupted by conditions like erosive gastritis. Studies have shown that taking probiotic supplements can reduce inflammation in the stomach lining and improve symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It is believed to balance the flow of energy and promote healing. Some people with erosive gastritis have reported relief from symptoms like nausea and heartburn after undergoing acupuncture treatments.

Prevention and Maintenance

While treating erosive gastritis is important, it is equally important to prevent it from recurring. Erosive gastritis prevention focuses on minimizing exposure to irritants and managing risk factors. Here are some preventive measures you can take to keep erosive gastritis at bay:

Avoid Irritants

Avoid consuming alcohol, caffeine, acidic foods, and spicy foods that can irritate the stomach lining. Smoking also contributes to erosive gastritis, so quitting smoking can reduce your risk of developing the condition.

Manage Medications

If you take medications that can irritate your stomach lining, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dose or finding an alternative medication.

Stress Management

Stress and anxiety can contribute to erosive gastritis, so it’s essential to practice stress-management techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk of developing erosive gastritis.

Follow-Up Appointments and Monitoring

After your initial treatment, your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your condition and ensure the treatment works effectively. During these appointments, your doctor may perform an endoscopy or other tests to check the health of your stomach lining.

Conclusion

Erosive gastritis can be a serious condition if left untreated. If you experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and bleeding, it is important to seek medical attention right away. The treatment options for erosive gastritis vary from medications to lifestyle changes, home remedies, alternative therapies, and prevention measures. Your doctor will recommend the best course of action based on your condition’s severity and overall health. 

It is also important to follow through with any recommended treatment and follow-up appointments to prevent any further damage to your stomach lining. Remember, the earlier you seek treatment, the better your chances are of a full recovery. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor if you suspect you have erosive gastritis.