Ever suffer from Gastritis?

As I've promised my sister to share something about gastritis, I'll make this topic as today's post =) Though it is a bit late, but it's never to late to know the fact ya right =p
Ya my sister was asking me in a sms whether or not to continue her medicine for gastritis prescribed by doctor. She asked so because of the allergy to the drugs used and wanna me to tell more facts about gastritis, which I'm going to share it. Well, just a share of what I've learned so far =)

Rather than writing full info about gastritis(which is bored really...and I believe most will not even bother to pay attention on it if i include pathogenesis, theories, mechanism of actions...etc), I'll make it easy and brief.

Gastritis simply means inflammation of the gastric mucosa of the stomach. It is of 2 types: Type A (caused mainly due to autoimmune disease) and type B (due to bacteria, which is more common). The following are known causes and factors related to gastritis:

- Bacterial infection (most often by Helicobacter pylori)
- Fungal infection (most often in people with immunodeficiency)
- Stress
- Excessive caffeine consumption (eg. Coffee)
- Parasitic infection (most often by Anisakis spp. from poorly cooked seafood)
- Bile reflux
- Drugs (NSAIDs and steroid treatments for other conditions)
- Cigarette smoke
- Autoimmune disorders
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Certain allergens
- Certain types of radiation
- Stomach injury
- Eating Disorders, such as Bulimia (common in women)

The main symptoms of gastritis are loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headache, and dizziness. There is always pain and discomfort in the region of the stomach.
Other symptoms are a coated tongue, foul breath, bad taste in the mouth, increased flow of saliva, scanty urination, a general feeling of uneasiness, and mental depression. In more chronic cases, the patient may complaint of heartburn and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, especially after meals. Often there is constipation, but occasionally, there may be diarrhoea due to intestinal catarrah.

If the diagnosis has been confirmed by doctor, drugs are often a choice for treatment. Treatment for gastritis usually consists of removing the irritant or the infection. In cases of infection, a doctor will most often prescribe antimicrobial drugs.
Helicobacter infection typically responds well to the triple therapy protocol (consisting of two antibiotics, and a proton pump inhibitor). Glad to know that nowadays, Quadruple therapy has a >90% success rate and includes PPIs, Bismuth subsalicylates, Metronidazole, and Tetracycline.
It is always good to finish the prescribed doses of drugs unless stated otherwise. This is to make sure that the treatment is at full course and prevent residual bacteria to develop resistance against the drugs.

It is good if you know what's the exact causes for your gastritis as full resolution will be achieved only upon removal of the causes. I've found these interesting alternative treatment other than drugs, which I think it's somehow good to know =)

- Gastritis treatment using Coconut
Coconut water is an excellent remedy for gastritis. It gives the stomach the necessary rest and provides vitamins and minerals. The stomach is greatly helped in returning to a normal condition if nothing but coconut water is given during the first twenty-four hours.
- Gastritis treatment using Rice
Rice gruel is another excellent remedy for acute cases of gastritis. One cup of rice gruel is recommended twice daily. In chronic cases where the flow of gastric juice is meagre, such foods as require prolonged vigorous mastication are beneficial as they induce a greater flow of gastric juice.
- Gastritis treatment using Potato
Potato juice has been found valuable in relieving gastritis. The recommended dose is half a cup of the juice, two or three times daily, half an hour before meals.
- Gastritis treatment using Marigold
The herb marigold is also considered beneficial in the treatment of gastritis. An infusion of the herb in doses of a tablespoon may be taken twice daily.

Well, here is the list of recommendation, which proven to be effective in relieving and curbing the symptoms.
-- Fasting, Water
The patient should undertake a fast for two of three days or more, depending on the severity of the condition. He should be given only warm water to drink during this period. This will give rest to the stomach and allow the toxic condition causing the inflammation to subside.
-- All-fruit diet
After the acute symptoms subside, the patient should adopt an all-fruit diet for the next three days and take juicy fruits such as apples, pears, grapes, grapefruit, oranges, pineapple, peaches, and melons.
-- Avoid alcohol, tobacco, spices, meat, sweet, strong tea/coffee
The patient should avoid the use of alcohol, tobacco, spices and condiments, meat, red pepper, sour foods, pickles, strong tea and coffee. He should also avoid sweet, pastries, rich cakes, and, aerated waters.
-- Have curd and cottage cheese
Curds and cottage cheese should be used freely. Too many different foods should not be mixed at the same meal. Meals should be taken at least two hours before going to bed at night. Eight to ten glasses of water should be taken daily but water should not be taken with meals as it dilutes the digestive juices and delays digestion. Above all, haste should be avoided while eating and meals should be served in a pleasing and relaxed atmosphere.
-- Well-balanced diet
He may, thereafter, gradually embark upon a balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables, and fruits.

Other gastritis treatment may include:
--Warm-water enema, dry-friction
From the commencement of the treatment, a warm-water enema should be used daily for about a week to cleanse the bowels.The patient should be given dry friction and a sponge daily.
--Application of heat with a hot compress or hot water bottle
Application of heat with a hot compress or hot water bottle, twice a daily, either on an empty stomach or two hours after meals, will also be beneficial.
--Avoid hard physical, mental work, worries.
The patient should not undertake any hard physical and mental work.He should avoid worries and mental tension.
--Breathing exercises are essential
He should, however, undertake breathing and other light exercises like walking, swimming, and golf.

Remember! It is essential to know what's the real cause if you've suffered from gastritis. Relapsing is very common for this disease if the underlying pathology is not fully removed.
Hope this is useful for ALL! =D