Gastritis

Our GI doctors at Peak Gastroenterology Associates can treat the uncomfortable symptoms of gastritis. We offer clinical excellence and a personalized, caring journey to improved health.

What Is Gastritis?

Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining that can occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or gradually over time (chronic gastritis). It can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and, if left untreated, can lead to severe complications.

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What Causes Gastritis?

Gastritis can be caused by several factors that irritate or damage the stomach lining, including:

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori): This bacteria lives in the stomach's mucous layer, which can cause inflammation and ulcers.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can irritate and erode the stomach lining, leading to inflammation.
Chronic Vomiting: Vomiting often leads to irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining.
Prolonged Use of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): These medications can weaken the stomach's protective mucous lining.
Stress: Severe stress due to major surgery, injury, burns, or severe infections.
Autoimmune Disorders: The body's immune system may attack healthy cells in the stomach lining.

What Are the Symptoms of Gastritis?

Symptoms of gastritis vary among individuals but commonly include:

Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
Nausea and vomiting
Bloating and indigestion
A feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating
Gastrointestinal bleeding might manifest as vomiting blood or black, tarry stools

How Is Gastritis Treated?

Treatment of gastritis depends on the cause and severity of the condition:

Antibiotics: To treat H. pylori infection.
Proton Pump Inhibitors and Antacids: To reduce stomach acid and relieve symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes: Altering your lifestyle by reducing alcohol consumption, avoiding spicy and acidic foods, and managing stress.
Diet Modifications: Eating smaller, more frequent meals to ease digestion.

Why Choose Us?

At Peak Gastroenterology Associates, we provide a holistic approach to treating gastritis, ensuring that each patient receives personalized, warm care. Our team of GI specialists employs the latest diagnostic tools and treatment options to manage symptoms and address the underlying causes of gastritis. Choose us for a partnership in health that prioritizes your long-term digestive wellness.

If you have chronic or recurrent indigestion or nausea, you may have gastritis. The GI doctors at Peak Gastroenterology Associates deliver comprehensive care for acute and chronic gastritis at their Colorado Springs, Denver, and Lone Tree clinics. Whether you need a diagnostic evaluation for gastritis or medication therapy to soothe an irritated stomach, you receive customized care that focuses on preserving your overall gastrointestinal health. To learn more about available treatments for gastritis, call the Peak Gastroenterology Associates clinic or book an appointment online today.

Gastritis FAQ

What is gastritis?

Gastritis is a condition that develops due to inflammation in the lining of your stomach. In acute gastritis, you experience episodes of sudden, severe inflammation. Chronic gastritis causes long-term inflammation that can last for years.

What conditions lead to gastritis?

You may develop gastritis due to weakness in your protective stomach lining, which allows the digestive juices to inflame and eventually damage the stomach lining. You can also experience gastritis symptoms if you have a bacterial infection in your gastrointestinal tract. Other risk factors for gastritis include:

Age
Drug use
Smoking
Heavy alcohol use
Heavy use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen

What are the symptoms of gastritis?

Some people with gastritis will experience no symptoms. However, you may notice a feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating. Other common symptoms associated with gastritis include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Indigestion

If you have gastritis symptoms or suspect a gastrointestinal infection, you should schedule a consultation with the team at Peak Gastroenterology Associates as soon as possible.

How is gastritis diagnosed?

During your evaluation, your Peak Gastroenterology Associates GI doctor will review your medical history, existing health, and the severity of your symptoms.

Our GI specialist may perform an endoscopy to confirm gastritis and rule out other underlying medical conditions. This procedure involves inserting a slender tube with an attached camera into your throat and down into your stomach to identify areas of inflammation or damage to the protective lining.

How is gastritis treated?

If you have a bacterial infection in your gastrointestinal tract, you may need antibiotics to clear it. Your Peak Gastroenterology Associates provider may recommend over-the-counter or prescription medications that interfere with the production of stomach acids.

The Peak Gastroenterology Associates team also focuses on preventing complications from gastritis, including stomach bleeding and ulcers. They may recommend lifestyle and diet changes to increase comfort and reduce the risk of chronic gastritis.

If you need a diagnostic evaluation for gastritis, schedule a consultation at the Peak Gastroenterology Associates clinic nearest you online or by phone today.