Gastritis

Exams and Tests continued...

The following tests are most likely to be ordered:

• Blood cell counts (looking mostly for anemia, a low blood count)
  
• Liver and kidney functions
  
• Urinalysis
  
• Gallbladder and pancreas functions
  
• Pregnancy test
  
• H pylori tests
  
• Stool, for blood

X-rays films or other diagnostic images may be ordered, although they are usually not necessary.

An ECG (a heart wave tracing) is usually performed if your heartbeat is rapid or you are having chest pain.

You may be referred to a gastroenterologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the digestive system.

• The gastroenterologist may in turn recommend an endoscopy.
  
• During the endoscopy, a thin, flexible probe with a tiny camera on the end is sent into your stomach for a direct look.
  
• At the same time, samples of your stomach lining can be taken to test for a wide variety of conditions.

Gastritis Treatment

Once the diagnosis of gastritis has been confirmed by a medical professional, treatment can begin. The choice of treatment depends to some extent on the cause of the gastritis. Some treatments target the exact cause of a particular type of gastritis. Most treatments aim at reducing symptoms. Your stomach often will heal over time if it is protected.

Self-Care at Home

If you know what causes your gastritis, the simplest way to avoid the disease is to avoid the cause.

• Aspirin and alcohol are 2 widely used substances that cause gastritis.
  
• If you develop an upset stomach and nausea after drinking alcohol or using aspirin, then avoid these substances.

Sometimes you cannot avoid certain substances that cause gastritis.

• Your health care provider may have a good reason to recommend aspirin, iron, potassium, or some other medication that causes gastritis.
• If you develop minor gastritis symptoms, it may be wisest to continue the recommended medication and treat the gastritis symptoms.
• Consult your health care provider before stopping any medication.

In the case of aspirin, coated aspirin may not cause the same symptoms.

• This is because coated aspirin does not dissolve in the stomach.
• Check the contents of any other over-the-counter medication you are taking because more than 300 medications contain aspirin in some form.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) also cause gastritis.

• Your health care provider may recommend that these medications be taken with food or with antacids.
• Doing this may lessen the chance of developing gastritis symptoms.

Switching from aspirin or NSAIDs to another pain reliever may help as well. Acetaminophen (Liquiprin, Tylenol, Panadol) is not known to cause gastritis.

• Talk with your health care provider before simply switching to acetaminophen, however.
• He or she may have recommended aspirin or an NSAID for a specific purpose.
• Acetaminophen and aspirin are both pain relievers, but they are different medications.