Chronic Pain Complicated By Gastritis

There are several causes for stomach erosion or irritation.

Beyond Discomfort

You are coping with chronic pain by taking prescribed and over-the-counter NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Then new symptoms surface. After eating what should be a satisfying meal portion, you remain hungry. Lying down up to 60 minutes following a meal causes stomach discomfort. It is possible that you are developing gastritis (dyspepsia).

Gastritis Symptoms

Gastritis is a generic word for stomach inflammation. This means there are several causes for erosion or irritation of the stomach lining. Likewise, there is variation in severity.

Stomachache is not limited to gastritis. Symptoms can overlap conditions affecting other organs. It is not necessary to have all symptoms on this list to constitute gastritis:

Abdominal bloating
Abdominal pain
Hiccups
Indigestion
Loss of appetite
Nausea or recurrent upset stomach
Stomach burning or gnawing between meals or at night
Vomiting
Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
Black, tarry stools

Causes of Gastritis

Fried and spicy foods can exacerbate gastritis. The causes of reactive gastritis may also include:

Alcohol consumption
Autoimmune disorders attacking healthy cells by mistake
Bile reflux (may occur after partial removal of stomach)
Cocaine use
NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen
Radiation exposure or radiation treatments
Reaction to stress caused by traumatic injuries, critical illness, severe burns, and major surgery

Ibuprofen is a common NSAID. Dosing for chronic pain typically ranges from 400 to 800 mg two or three times daily (not exceeding 3200 mg) with curcumin (within turmeric) and plenty of water. The curcumin enhances inflammation reduction while the water protects kidneys. Regardless of dose or what nutrition you are taking with it, ibuprofen is not a permanent remedy. Beyond 30 days, you can manifest gastrointestinal and cardiac issues. Discontinue NSAID use and consult doctor if there are significant changes to urine or if abdominal issues develop.

Diagnosing Gastritis

Determining whether you have an ulcer or stomach cancer is likely something your gastroenterology physician wants to rule out. Ulcers can range from a small area of redness to a perforation. As you can imagine, having acid leak into your abdominal cavity is quite serious.

While gastritis can be caused by NSAIDs, it can also be caused by a bacterial infection or viruses. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacteria that lives in the mucous lining of the digestive tract. Without treatment, H. pylori infection can lead to ulcers, and in some people, stomach cancer.

Another cause of gastritis is bile reflux. Blockage within the liver or gallbladder can send bile back into the stomach.

A non-invasive test for H. pylori is the breath test. The doctor will have you drink a small glass of clear, tasteless liquid containing radioactive carbon. Later, you blow into a bag, which is then sealed. With an H. pylori infection, your breath sample will contain the radioactive carbon.

Another test involves a barium swallow followed by a series of x-rays. This is useful in determining perforations. Alternatively, a gastroenterologist test a stool sample.

An invasive test not requiring incisions is endoscopy or EGD. A flexible tube with a camera lens on the tip travels down your esophagus, allowing the physician to visualize abnormalities in your stomach or duodenum. During this procedure, biopsies are common.

Gastritis Treatment

Antacids without calcium can neutralize stomach acid if taken within 30 minutes of a meal. Without relief after a week, schedule a visit with your doctor. An antibiotic medication can kill H. pylori. Various prescriptions are available to reduce or block stomach acid production.

To remain A Bit More Healthy, important steps are to rule out bleeding ulcers or stomach perforation. For these reasons, it is best to consult a physician before exploring extended home remedies. Your doctor will assess your age, overall wellbeing, past health conditions, and severity of symptoms.

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References

What Is Gastritis? webmd.com/digestive-disorders/digestive-diseases-gastritis#1 Retrieved 4 Feb 2020
Gastritis. niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastritis Retrieved 4 Feb 2020
When You Take Ibuprofen Every Day, This Is What Happens To Your Body. thelist.com/217440/when-you-take-ibuprofen-every-day-this-is-what-happens-to-your-body/ Retrieved 4 Feb 2020
Gastritis. hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/gastritis Retrieved 4 Feb 2020
Stomach cancer. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stomach-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352438 Retrieved 4 Feb 2020
Gastritis. clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10349-gastritis Retrieved 4 Feb 2020
Gastritis. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355813 Retrieved 4 Feb 2020