Gastritis

 Gastritis is an inflammation of the membrane which lines the stomach and can be both acute or chronic.
 The causes of acute gastritis include infections, most commonly viral but also bacterial or parasitic (termed gastroenteritis); drugs specially aspirin and other anti-inflammatory agents; swallowing corrosive acids or alkalis; heavy drinking; unintentionally consumption of a variety of poisonous mushrooms; allergic responses to certain foods; and stress-induce gastritis occurring in cases of severe burns, multiple injuries, or major surgical operations.
 Chronic gastritis may be due to a variety of poorly understood causes, including certain infections, pernicious anemia, and the heavy use of tobacco and alcohol.
  Acute gastritis typically causes an uncomfortable feeling in the stomach, distension of the abdomen, headache, nausea, a coated tongue, and a bad taste in the mouth. Severe cases may include pain an tenderness in the upper abdomen, vomiting, fever, and sometimes bleeding from the stomach or black, tarry stools,
  The symptoms of chronic gastritis are similar to those of acute gastritis, with possible addition of discomfort in the upper abdomen after meals, tenderness over the stomach, and a general feeling of debility.

  What you can do. During the acute stage, abstain from food for one or two days. Repeated doses of a liquid, nonabsorbable antacid may provide some relief. Avoid dehydration (especially in cases of vomiting and diarrhea) by taking sips of water every ten to fifteen minutes or by sucking ice. Applying heat over the abdomen with fomentations or a heating pad may relieve the discomfort. When tolerated, take small amounts of food, with a gradual return to a normal diet. When the gastritis persist or hemorrhage occurs, or when a corrosive poison has been swallowed (after instituting emergency first aid), see your physician immediately.
  For chronic gastritis you should review your habits of eating and drinking and determine to correct unhealthful ones. Eating less, eating at regular times (no in-between snacking), avoiding foods and drinks which aggravate the condition, and discontinuing alcohol and tobacco will be beneficial. Avoid factors which cause worry, anger, and other emotional upsets.

  What your physician can do. He can help determine the underlying cause and then institute appropriate therapy. If drug appears responsible, he can change or discontinue the agent temporarily.
When vomiting and diarrhea continue, he will suggest medication to remedy the situation. In case of dehydration, intravenous fluids will help, as will a transfusion if blood loss has been extensive.