Gastritis
If you have chronic or recurrent indigestion or nausea, you may have a condition known as gastritis. The skilled medical team at Peak Gastroenterology Associates offers comprehensive care for acute and chronic gastritis at their clinics in Colorado Springs, Castle Rock, Salida, Denver, Woodland Park, and Parker, Colorado. 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 find out more about available treatments for gastritis, call the Peak Gastroenterology Associates clinic nearest you or book an appointment online today.
Gastritis Q&A
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.
You may develop gastritis due to weakness in your protective stomach lining that allows in digestive juices, which inflame and 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
If you frequently use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, you can also damage the lining of your stomach and increase your risk for developing gastritis.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GASTRITIS?
Some people with gastritis will experience no symptoms. However, you may notice you feel a fullness in your upper abdomen after eating.
Other common symptoms associated with gastritis include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
If you have symptoms of gastritis or suspect you have 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 physician reviews your medical history, existing health and the severity of your symptoms.
To confirm gastritis and rule out other underlying medical conditions, your provider may perform an endoscopy. 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 an existing bacterial infection in your gastrointestinal tract, you may need a course of 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 your comfort and reduce risk for 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.