Treating Gastritis

A medical evaluation will be done to find out the cause of your symptoms. The evaluation may include your health history, a physical exam, and some tests. Once your evaluation is done, treatment can begin. It may include taking certain medicines and making some lifestyle changes. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice.

Taking medicines

Your healthcare providers may prescribe some medicines to neutralize or reduce excess stomach acids. If tests show that H. pylori are in your stomach lining, antibiotics may be prescribed. H.pylori are a type of bacteria that can cause gastritis.

Avoiding certain things

Be sure to avoid:

• Aspirin. Avoid taking aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen. They can irritate your stomach lining. Also, check with your healthcare provider before taking or stopping any medicines.

• Spicy foods and caffeine. Stay away from foods prepared with spices, especially black pepper. Caffeine can also make your symptoms worse. So, avoid coffee, tea, cola drinks, and chocolate. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other foods or liquids that bother your stomach.

• Tobacco and alcohol. Don’t use tobacco or drink alcohol. Tobacco and alcohol can increase stomach acids and worsen your gastritis symptoms.

Reducing your stress

Stress may make your gastritis symptoms worse. Whenever you can, reduce the stress in your life. One way to do this is to start an exercise program—talk to your healthcare provider first. Also, try to get enough sleep, at least 8 hours a night.