What is Gastritis?

The lining of the stomach is mildly infected, inflamed or irritated. Gastritis can last for a few hours or a few days. Among elderly people chronic gastritis can develop over a long period.

Symptoms of Gastritis

1. Abdomen is swollen and there is loss of appetite.
2. Under the ribcage there is abdominal pain or discomfort.
3. Infrequent blood vomiting.
4. Occasional vomiting along with nausea may last for 1 or 2 days.

Causes of Gastritis

1. Acute gastritis is most commonly caused by bacterial infection.
2. Other factors that irritate stomach lining are alcohol, anti-inflammatory drugs, tobacco smoke, foods that are hard to digest; stress and anxiety.
3. Prolonged irritation of the stomach can cause chronic gastritis..

Home remedies for Gastritis

1. Till symptoms persist avoid smoking, caffeine and alcohol consumption.
2. Anti-inflammatory drugs are harsh on stomach, so avoid them as far as possible.
3. For stomach pain take acetaminophen or antacids as per label instructions.
4. After an attack of gastritis, fast for 24 hours. You can drink water and non-alcoholic beverages.
5. Start eating small meals only on the following day, which consists of bland foods like cooked vegetables, toast, applesauce and rice that are easy on the stomach.

Preventing Gastritis

1. Accumulation of acid in the stomach can be prevented, by eating small, frequent meals.
2. If the cause is stress, make necessary changes in your life to minimize it.
3. Take medications in the enteric form that have a special coating and pass un-dissolved from stomach to small intestine.
4. Acute and chronic gastritis are caused by alcohol consumption and smoking, quit them.
5. Fried, spicy or fatty foods may cause gastritis. So eat them in moderation.