Rapid Health Care

Gastric Problem/Gastritis/Gastrosis

Gastritis/Gastro/Gastralgia /Gastric/ Gastria/Gastrodia/Gastrosis , Acidity, Hyper acidity and other similar type names are almost the same ailment which comes under Gastric problem. It means problem relating to the stomach.

                   Now, question may arise that what is Stomach? So, the stomach is a muscular organ located on the left side of the upper abdomen which receives food from esophagus and secretes acid and enzymes to digest food. 

 

                   Common features of Gastric Problems are Indigestion, gas, bloating, hiccups, heartburn, stomach pain, ulcers, and nausea etc. which are due to unhealthy lifestyle, binge eating, smoking, drinking alcohol, sleep disorders, eating junk food, stress, etc.

                   Gas is a normal part of the digestion process. But if gas builds up in your intestines and you’re unable to expel it, you may start to feel pain and discomfort.

 

                   

Stomach pain may be in the stomach or in the abdominal region, may be severe or mild.  Generally it is mild but chronically becomes severe. On severe pain, must call/consult the doctor.

                   Gastric problem occurs when stomach acid comes into contact with the esophagus (esophagus is the tube through which food goes down when you swallow the food to go to the stomach. It is called Hyper Acidity that also comes under Gastric Problems.

 

                    Gastritis is an inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach which can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic).

                    Gas in the stomach is primarily caused by swallowing air when we eat or drink. Most stomach gas is released when we burp. Gas forms in our large intestine (colon) when bacteria ferment carbohydrates — fiber, some starches and some sugars — that aren't digested in small intestine

Symptoms of Gastritis

                    Symptoms of Gastritis may vary among individuals, and in many people there are no symptoms. However, the most common symptoms include: -

• Nausea or recurrent upset stomach
• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Burning or gnawing feeling in the stomach between meals or at night
• Hiccups
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
• Black, tarry stools.
• Foul smell in gas
• Pain in lower part of stomach after eating. (Sometimes even after drinking water)
• Greasy feeling while washing stool
• Sudden itching in whole body (in some cases, but, not necessary)
• Belching and Passing gas
• weight loss
• upper abdominal pain
• Cramps
•  Bad breath and/or gum disease.
•  Heart disease.
• Fatigue, Trembling and upset stomach.

                 The signs and symptoms of Gastritis include: Gnawing or burning ache or pain (indigestion) in upper abdomen that may become either worse or better with eating, Nausea, A feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating.

Pains for Gastritis or Gastritis attack feel like: -

                 Gastritis pain usually occurs in the mid-upper stomach region, just below the breastbone and above the belly button. People describe Gastritis pain in different ways, but these descriptions are common: Nagging discomfort, Dull & Burning pain.

People with Gastritis, frequently experience abdominal pain often located in the upper-center part of the abdomen, or, in the upper-left portion of the stomach. Sometimes, Pain often radiates to the back with other common symptoms of bloating and nausea.

Causes of Gastric Problems: -                   

Normally, following are the causes of Gastric Problems: -

a)   Chronic Constipation

b)  Due to Gastro duodenal mucosal Ulcer.

c)   Due to motility disorder of gastro esophageal region.

d)  Combination of above both.

e)   Long-term use of certain medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

f)    Certain illnesses, such as diabetes or Kidney Problems.

g)  A weakened Immune system.

h)   Intense stress, Persistent that also affects the immune system.

i)     Bile flowing into the stomach, or bile reflux.

j)     Irritation due to excessive use of alcohol.

k)    Chronic Vomiting.

l)     Stress.

m  Smoking Cigarette.

n)   Untreated bacterial and/or virus infection of the stomach lives in mucous.

o)   Peptic ulcer disease.

p)  Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD)

q)  Gallstone disease

r)   Stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer or liver cancer

s)   Overeating.

t)    Swallowing air while you eat or drink.

u)  Gum chewing

Risk factor: - (Factors that increase your risk of gastritis)

Majority of Gastro problems are due to:-

a.   Gastro esophageal reflux disease

b.   Gastro duodenal ulcer

c.   Malignancy.

d.   Alkaline food will definitely reduce Gastric Problems.

e.   Just eat raw food like salads, fruits, sprouts and take enema regularly for 10–15 days so that your bowl movement gets cl...

f.    Excessive wind, which can also make you feel bloated,

g.   Feeling hungry but not being able to eat much before feeling full again.

h.   Bacterial infection.

i.     Regular use of pain relievers

j.    Older age

k.   Other diseases and condition

 

High risk factor causes: -

                                                                        i.          High-fat diet

                                                                      ii.          High-salt diet

                                                                    iii.          Smoking

Gastritis must be treated timely and properly to root out the Gastric problems. If it is left untreated, it can lead to a severe loss of blood and may increase the risk of developing stomach ulcer, Liver problems, imbalances of bile secretion and even stomach cancer too.

Prevention/Precaution: -

Following Preventive/ Precautionary measures may be adopted as safeguard from Gastric Problems:-

            Safe Drinking Water

2. Proper Hand washing
3. Hygienic food intake
4. Avoid spices
5. Chew the food
6. Avoid hurry eating
7. Do not sleep after eating
8. Do not talk too much while eating
9. Avoid watching TV or mobile phones while eating
10. Check your blood sugar and thyroid levels
11. Bowel movement can relieve gas so let out the gas and passing stool will usually release any gas trapped in the intestines.
12. In case of more than 40 years, persistent vomiting, weight loss, difficulty in swallowing, blood vomiting, passing black stools, decreased food intake, loss of appetite, Family history of Gastric malignancy, may need at endoscopic procedures for diagnosing Problems.

 

Foods to avoid in Gastritis:- 

·       Fatty and deep fried food.

·        Pickles, peppers, spicy and very salty food.

·       Vinegar and foods prepared from vinegar

·       Cut on caffeine, citric acid drinks and mustard.

·       Alcohol in any form.

·       Acidic foods like Tomato etc.

·       Fruit juice.

·       Soda and other carbonated drinks.

·       Avoid eating uncooked food from restaurants or from food vendors.

·       Avoid junk food.

·       Allergenic or symptomatic foods.

·       Chocolate, chips, cookies, butter biscuits, cakes, donuts, brownies and other baked food items.

·       Foods containing lactose, such as milk, cheese, and other dairy products.

·       Garlic and onion, may be hard to digest.

·       Eggs till food sensitivity test.

·       Sugar or anything sweet. However it can be substituted with Stevia.

·       Avocado’s

·       Beans and lentils.

·       Spicy food must not be allowed to Gastric sufferers.

·       Tobacco in any form.

 

Foods to be taken in Gastritis:-

1)  High-fiber foods such as apples, oatmeal, broccoli, carrots, and beans.

2)  Low-fat foods such as fish, chicken, and turkey breast.

3)  Foods with low acidity, or are more alkaline, like vegetables.

4)  Drinks that are not carbonated.

5)  Drinks without caffeine.

6)   Foods like ginger, oregano, turmeric, pineapple, beetroot         and foods rich in vitamin A.

7)  Drinking green tea with raw honey has several potential benefits for healing gastritis. 

8)  Drinking warm water can soothe the digestive tract and make digestion easier on stomach.

   Treatment of Gastric Problems: -

                  Gas and gastric pain can be reduced or relieved by making changes in lifestyle in a proper way: -

§    Moving and walking more help in Gastric Trouble.

§    Change in dietary habits is enough to alleviate gas and its accompanying symptoms.

§   Have small frequent meals.

§    Before going to sleep, don’t eat lately.

§   Eat slowly, chew your food thoroughly and don't gulp. Sit down during each meal.

§     A mixture of a glass of warm milk and two tablespoon of olive oil (well stirred), is very effective in relieving gastritis. However its taste is unpleasant.

§    Drinking water (preferably warm water) mix up with honey taking sip by sip or slowly in empty stomach is much beneficial in Gastric Trouble.

§       Carom seed water with black salt relieves Gastric Problems.

§       Applying heat by any source to the stomach relieves gastric trouble instantly. Better to use Hot water bag or full of warm water glass bottle.

§      Diet control is must at any cost. (This has well been mentioned above – what to take and what not to take.)

§      Taking heavy meal should be avoided.

§      Eliminate foods known to cause gas.

§      While sleeping try to elevate the head end of your bed.

§       If Obese, Reduce weight & control Obesity.

§      Check dentures, if any wrong, consult Dentist so that air with bit shallow should be checked.

§      Light Exercise and/or Yoga.

§       Meditation.

§       Medical Therapy or Medication: - In case of major troubles, Gastroenterologist may be contacted for medication.