Acute gastritis


Can acute gastritis cause a fever?
Patients with acute gastritis may experience fever due to acute inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. The mucosa becomes congested and inflammatory cells infiltrate, releasing pyrogens that affect the body's temperature regulation center, causing fever. It is important to treat the fever promptly. If the body temperature does not exceed 38.5°C, physical cooling methods like wiping the forehead, palms, and soles with alcohol cotton balls can be used. If the temperature is higher, antipyretic and analgesic medications should be taken. It is also important to drink more hot water since fever can cause dehydration. Medications that inhibit stomach acid secretion and protect the gastric mucosa should be used timely. Note: Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.


What to do if acute gastritis flares up?
Active medication is required for the recurrence of acute gastritis. The current treatment principles involve the use of medications that suppress gastric acid secretion and protect the gastric mucosa. Medications that suppress gastric acid secretion mainly include proton pump inhibitors and H2 receptor antagonists. Additionally, it is important to check for Helicobacter pylori infection. If this bacterium is present, one can choose triple therapy to eradicate it or opt for traditional Chinese medicines, which are effective in regulating the spleen and stomach. For those with obvious stomach pain, antispasmodic analgesics should be used. Regular care is also particularly important, including consuming soft, easily digestible foods and avoiding spicy, stimulating, and greasy foods, especially strong tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor)


Symptoms of acute gastritis attack
Acute gastritis is also a common and frequently occurring disease in gastroenterology, with a relatively sudden onset and more severe symptoms compared to other types of gastritis. The majority of causes are due to inappropriate diet, such as excessive consumption of cold, spicy food, or alcoholic beverages. Certain medications can also lead to this condition, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids. Symptoms often manifest as episodic upper abdominal bloating or colic, accompanied by acid reflux, heartburn, abdominal distension, etc. If acute gastric mucosal lesions occur, there are often signs of bleeding, such as black stools or even vomiting blood.


How long does acute gastritis require hospitalization?
Acute gastritis usually has a sudden onset and relatively severe symptoms. It can include upper abdominal pain, acid reflux, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and even an inability to eat. This condition is most often caused by poor diet, such as excessive drinking, spicy and irritating foods, etc., and can also be induced by medication, such as non-steroidal drugs or hormonal drugs. The duration of hospital treatment depends on the specific situation. If the patient's general condition is acceptable and they can eat, recovery typically takes about three to five days. Therefore, the duration is not usually very long. However, in some cases, such as drug-induced acute gastric mucosal lesions, which are relatively severe and can involve bleeding, treatment with medications usually requires at least a week or more.


Characteristics of vomiting in acute gastritis
Acute gastritis is characterized by severe nausea and vomiting, usually of stomach contents, and sometimes includes bile. It is also accompanied by significant abdominal pain. In such cases, it is imperative to administer antispasmodic analgesics and antiemetic medications promptly, as well as antibiotics sensitive to the gastrointestinal tract. If the vomiting is severe, it may lead to dehydration, necessitating timely rehydration or intravenous fluid therapy. It is important to maintain dietary hygiene, consume soft, easily digestible foods, and reduce the intake of raw, cold, and spicy foods. Meat should be thoroughly cooked before consumption. Engaging in moderate outdoor physical activities after meals can enhance gastrointestinal motility. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)


precursor of acute gastroenteritis
Acute gastroenteritis typically strikes suddenly, usually without specific early warning signs. By the time such premonitions occur, symptoms of acute gastroenteritis become quite evident, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Generally, acute gastroenteritis is caused by consuming unclean food or food poisoning, leading to significant diarrhea. Frequent diarrhea can result in dehydration. Current treatment primarily focuses on symptomatic fluid and nutritional support, as well as antispasmodic pain relief. During the acute phase, it is advisable to abstain from food as much as possible. After symptoms subside, one can gradually consume some soft foods. Regular meals, adequate rest, and avoiding spicy, stimulating, greasy foods, as well as strong tea, coffee, and strong alcohol are recommended.


Does acute gastritis require hospitalization?
Acute gastritis often presents with symptoms such as acute abdominal pain, bloating, acid reflux, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. The symptoms are typically more severe than those of chronic gastritis. Whether hospitalization is necessary depends on the specific symptoms. If the symptoms are not severe and the patient can eat, treatment can be achieved through oral medication. If there is severe vomiting or inability to eat, hospitalization for intravenous therapy may be needed. Additionally, acute gastric mucosal lesions caused by certain medications may lead to bleeding, which also requires hospital observation to prevent worsening of the condition. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)


Acute gastroenteritis treatment
The treatment of acute gastroenteritis should be based on the specific cause. For those cases caused by exposure to the cold or other reasons leading to gastrointestinal flu, the main treatment is antiviral and antidiarrheal. For infectious diarrhea caused by improper diet and other reasons, the treatment generally focuses on antibacterial and antidiarrheal measures. Generally, patients with mild acute gastroenteritis can still eat on their own, and other symptoms are not very severe, so they can be treated by taking oral medications. In more severe cases, such as significant vomiting and diarrhea, where the patient cannot eat, intravenous therapy may be necessary. In cases with severe symptoms such as dehydration, dry mouth, reduced urine output, and poor skin elasticity, hospitalization may be required.


Causes of acute gastritis
There are mainly three causes for the onset of acute gastritis: First, excessive fatigue, due to lack of rest and physical overexertion, can lead to a decline in immune function and the protective function of the gastric mucosal barrier, resulting in the occurrence of gastritis. Second is irregular eating habits, such as frequent binge eating, consuming spicy foods, and a preference for alcohol, strong tea, or coffee, all of which can significantly irritate and damage the gastric mucosa. Third is emotional fluctuations, such as being irritable, depressed, or anxious, which can directly affect the gastrointestinal tract through neurohumoral regulation and cause acute gastritis.


What foods should be avoided with acute gastritis?
Acute gastritis often presents with symptoms such as abdominal pain, acid reflux, vomiting, and heartburn. Under a gastroscope, the mucous membrane often appears clearly congested and swollen, and there may even be signs of acute inflammation, such as erosion and bleeding spots. Therefore, while coordinating with medication treatment, it is crucial to pay attention to dietary habits. In terms of diet, it should not only provide nutritional support but also minimize irritation to the stomach. For example, soft foods like rice, noodles, and porridge should be staple foods. Fresh vegetables, fish soup, and meat broth can all add nutrition. Try to avoid excessively cold, greasy, spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, and very hot or hard foods. It is advisable to eat small meals frequently.