digestive disorders
Gastritis
Treatment of Gastritis
Medications that reduce acid production and antacids Sometimes antibiotics that treatH. pyloriinfection Treatments to stop bleeding Regardless of the cause of gastritis, symptoms of gastritis can be relieved by taking medications that neutralize or reduce the production of stomach acid and by discontinuing medications that cause symptoms. (See also Medications for the Treatment of Stomach Acid .) For mild symptoms, taking Antacids , which neutralize acid that has already been produced and released in the stomach, is often sufficient. Almost all antacids can be purchased without a doctor's prescription and are available as tablets, soft chews, or liquids. Antacids includealuminum hydroxide(which can cause constipation),magnesium hydroxide(which can cause diarrhea), andcalcium carbonate. Because antacids can interfere with the absorption of many different medications, people who take other medications should consult a pharmacist or talk with their doctor before taking antacids. Acid-reducing medications include Histamine-2 (H2) Blockers None Proton Pump Inhibitors None H2 blockers are usually more effective than antacids in relieving symptoms, and many people find them far more convenient. Doctors most often prescribe proton pump inhibitors for gastritis associated with bleeding. People typically need to take these acid-reducing medications for 8 to 12 weeks. Doctors may prescribe Other Medications for Stomach Acid , which helps coat and heal the stomach and also prevents irritation. When gastritis is caused by Helicobacter pylori Infection , antibiotics are also prescribed. People with erosive gastritis must avoid taking medications that irritate the stomach lining (such as Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs ). Proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers are prescribed to help protect the stomach lining. Most people with acute stress gastritis recover fully when the underlying illness, injury, or bleeding is controlled. However, a small percentage of people in intensive care units have heavy bleeding resulting from acute stress gastritis, which can be fatal. Therefore, doctors try to prevent acute stress gastritis after a major illness, major injury, or severe burn. Medications that reduce acid production are commonly given after surgery and to people in intensive care units to prevent acute stress gastritis. These medications are also used to treat any ulcers that form. For people with heavy bleeding resulting from acute stress gastritis, a wide variety of treatments have been used. Few of these treatments, however, improve the outcome. Bleeding points can be temporarily heat-sealed (cauterized) during an endoscopy, but bleeding may start again if the underlying illness persists. If bleeding continues, part of the stomach may have to be removed as a lifesaving measure, but this is rarely needed. There is no cure for postgastrectomy gastritis or atrophic gastritis. People with anemia resulting from decreased absorption of vitamin B12 that occurs with atrophic gastritis must take supplemental injections of the vitamin for the rest of their lives. Corticosteroids or surgery may be needed to relieve a blocked stomach outlet caused by eosinophilic gastritis. Removing part or all of the stomach may cure Ménétrier disease. There are no effective medications for Ménétrier disease. 