Causes of acute gastritis

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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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.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Symptoms of acute gastritis

The symptoms of acute gastritis mainly include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. These symptoms can significantly impact normal life and work. Therefore, active treatment is necessary, mainly using medications that inhibit gastric acid secretion to protect the gastric mucosa, as well as medications that promote gastrointestinal motility. If there is an infection with Helicobacter pylori, it is essential to eradicate this bacterium. Additionally, dietary adjustments should be made, such as consuming soft, easily digestible foods and avoiding spicy, stimulating, and greasy foods. Engaging in outdoor activities and maintaining physical and mental health are also important. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Feng Ying Shuai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Where to massage for acute gastritis?

For some cases of acute gastritis, where the pain can be quite severe, our best method is to massage our Neiguan point to alleviate clinical symptoms. The Neiguan point is located on the inner side of our upper limbs and is convenient to massage. In addition to using bare hands, we can also place a slice of ginger and massage through the ginger. Besides massaging the Neiguan point, if it's self-massage, we can also massage our Zhongwan point. The Zhongwan point is located on our abdomen, halfway between the xiphoid process and the navel, a spot that is easy to locate. We can also massage some other points like Tianshu, Zusanli, and Gongsun. After the massage, we can relieve some clinical symptoms of acute gastritis such as abdominal distension and pain.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Is acute gastritis serious?

Acute gastritis is a relatively common disease, and if not treated actively, the symptoms can be quite severe. This is because acute gastritis can lead to damage to the gastric mucosa, causing erosion of the mucosa, or symptoms such as bleeding and perforation of the gastric mucosa, leading to severe symptoms. For acute gastritis, active treatment is necessary, primarily involving the use of medications to protect the gastric mucosa and inhibit gastric acid secretion, as well as appropriately selecting antibiotics. If there is an associated Helicobacter pylori infection, it is necessary to completely eradicate the Helicobacter pylori. Additionally, dietary adjustments should be made, such as eating more vegetables and fruits and avoiding spicy foods.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What to drink for vomiting due to acute gastritis?

For acute gastritis with vomiting, you can drink millet porridge, rice soup, or vegetable soup. These foods have the least irritation to the gastric mucosa and will not aggravate vomiting by irritating the stomach lining. Additionally, active medical treatment should be pursued, commonly involving protectors of the gastric mucosa, drugs that suppress gastric acid secretion, and antispasmodic analgesics. In daily life, it's also important to maintain a regular diet, eating three well-timed and measured meals, and avoiding raw, cold, spicy foods, as well as avoiding strong tea, coffee, and hard liquor that may harm the gastric mucosa. Ensure meals are eaten at consistent times without overeating. Regular patterns of rest and appropriate outdoor exercise can positively impact gastrointestinal health. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on individual circumstances.)

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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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.