About this topic
Gastritis is swelling in the lining of the stomach. Many things may cause gastritis. Sometimes, it is caused by an infection with a germ called H. pylori. Other times, it is caused by using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs called NSAIDs. These are things like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn). Gastritis may be caused by alcohol. Sometimes, a serious infection or life-threatening illness is the cause. It may lead to ulcers and stomach cancer if not treated. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs.
- Take all your drugs as ordered by your doctor. Be sure to ask your doctor before you take any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or other alternative drugs or treatments.
- Do not eat foods that bother your stomach.
- Quit smoking.
- Do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Eat small meals more often.
- Learn how to handle stress.
- If possible, avoid long-term use of aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Control how much acid your stomach makes
- Help healing
Will physical activity be limited?
You may want to limit your activity if you have belly pain. Having an upset stomach or throwing up may also limit what you do. You may need more rest if you feel weak or tired. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Stomach ulcer or bleeding
- Stomach cancer
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Throwing up blood
- Black stools or blood in your stools
- Pain in the upper part of the belly
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
- I can tell you what I will do if I throw up blood or have bloody or black tarry stools.
Where can I learn more?
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gastritis/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚