The causes of acute gastritis

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 03, 2024
00:00
00:00

Acute gastritis is one of the common upper gastrointestinal diseases. The condition tends to be severe and more serious than typical gastritis, usually presenting with symptoms such as sudden onset, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, acid reflux, and vomiting. The primary causes may include exposure to cold or food irritants, such as raw, spicy foods, or alcohol. Additionally, other factors can also lead to acute gastritis or acute gastric mucosal lesions, such as the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, or corticosteroid medications such as dexamethasone or prednisone. (Specific medication use should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
46sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
1min 3sec home-news-image

What IV fluids should be administered for acute gastritis?

The choice of medication for intravenous therapy in acute gastritis focuses on suppressing gastric acid secretion, protecting the gastric mucosa, and the rational use of antibiotics. It is also important to replenish fluids and electrolytes to maintain sodium-water balance. During treatment, attention should be paid to regular eating habits, consuming more vegetables and fruits to add dietary fiber. Additionally, the main diet should consist of soft, easy-to-digest foods, such as millet porridge, rice soup, or vegetable soup; it is advisable to avoid raw, cold, spicy foods and to stay away from strong tea, coffee, and hard liquor to prevent damage to the gastric mucosa. Regular, timely meals should be adhered to, along with developing a regular routine of living habits. After recovery, appropriate outdoor exercises should be conducted to strengthen the physique and maintaining a positive mindset plays an active role in preventing gastrointestinal diseases.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
55sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
58sec home-news-image

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)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
49sec home-news-image

Causes of acute gastritis

The causes of acute gastritis are varied, primarily involving external factors, internal factors, and psychological factors. For example, irregular eating habits, consuming foods that are too cold or too hot, and overly coarse foods can all irritate and damage the gastric mucosal barrier. Additionally, some medications can directly cause congestion of the gastric mucosa, and acute gastritis can be directly caused by bacterial or viral infections. The gastrointestinal tract is regulated by various hormones, and if one is overly tense, agitated, or exhibiting symptoms of neurosis, this can affect the normal levels of the mucosa through hormonal regulation, leading to mucosal damage and triggering inflammation.