What is acute gastritis?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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Acute gastritis is caused by various reasons leading to acute inflammation of the gastric mucosa, primarily due to stress, medications, infections in the stomach, and bile reflux. The main symptoms include upper abdominal pain, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, often with enteritis causing diarrhea, bloody stool, and signs of dehydration. The treatment for acute gastritis is mainly symptomatic, with timely fluid replenishment through intravenous hydration. Additionally, bed rest is recommended, along with cessation of all gastric irritants in food or medications, and fasting if necessary. For abdominal pain, local heat application or the use of antispasmodic analgesics can be considered; generally, anti-infection treatment is not required.

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Gastroenterology
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Causes of acute gastritis

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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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 Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Is acute gastritis dangerous?

Acute gastritis comes in many forms, and acute erosive hemorrhagic gastritis is relatively dangerous as it can lead to gastric mucosal bleeding and perforation, resulting in the risk of hemorrhagic shock. Therefore, active treatment of acute gastritis is needed. It is recommended to visit the gastroenterology department of a hospital to undergo a gastroscopy to understand the basic pathological changes of the gastritis. Additionally, some medications can be used for treatment, such as those that inhibit gastric acid secretion, protect the gastric mucosa, and sensitive antibiotics. Pay attention to dietary adjustments, consume lighter foods more often, and reduce the intake of spicy foods. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Does acute gastritis require hospitalization?

Acute gastritis often presents with symptoms such as acute abdominal pain, bloating, acid reflux, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. The symptoms are typically more severe than those of chronic gastritis. Whether hospitalization is necessary depends on the specific symptoms. If the symptoms are not severe and the patient can eat, treatment can be achieved through oral medication. If there is severe vomiting or inability to eat, hospitalization for intravenous therapy may be needed. Additionally, acute gastric mucosal lesions caused by certain medications may lead to bleeding, which also requires hospital observation to prevent worsening of the condition. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
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What IV fluids should be administered for acute gastritis?

The choice of medication for intravenous therapy in acute gastritis focuses on suppressing gastric acid secretion, protecting the gastric mucosa, and the rational use of antibiotics. It is also important to replenish fluids and electrolytes to maintain sodium-water balance. During treatment, attention should be paid to regular eating habits, consuming more vegetables and fruits to add dietary fiber. Additionally, the main diet should consist of soft, easy-to-digest foods, such as millet porridge, rice soup, or vegetable soup; it is advisable to avoid raw, cold, spicy foods and to stay away from strong tea, coffee, and hard liquor to prevent damage to the gastric mucosa. Regular, timely meals should be adhered to, along with developing a regular routine of living habits. After recovery, appropriate outdoor exercises should be conducted to strengthen the physique and maintaining a positive mindset plays an active role in preventing gastrointestinal diseases.