Gastritis is a common digestive disorder involving inflammation of the stomachlining. The condition can be acute or chronic, causing discomfort and potentially leading to more severe complications if left untreated. Upon gastritis diagnosis, we can use appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes to alleviate the illness significantly.
This blog focuses on the symptoms and the nursing diagnosis of gastritis.
Symptoms of Gastritis
Symptoms of gastritis are often confusing, sometimes posing abrupt signs and the other times, surfacing gradually. The most common symptoms that lead to gastritis diagnosis are:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Nausea and vomiting
- Belching and bloating
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Blood in vomit or stools
Diagnosis of Gastritis
Gastritis symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea and bloating, often signal at seeking medical attention. Diagnosis of this condition typically involves the following phases:
- Healthcare professionals start with a thorough clinical assessment, discussing symptoms, medical history and lifestyle factors that may have contributed to the condition.
- The diagnosis also involves endoscopy, a common diagnostic procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth into the stomach. This allows the doctor to visually examine the stomach lining and take tissue samples (biopsy) for further analysis.
- Blood tests are also a part of gastritis diagnosis as they help health professionals identify specific indications of gastritis, such as elevated levels of certain antibodies or inflammation indicators. These tests offer valuable insights into the root causes of inflammation.
Treatment
The treatment of gastritis involves the following:
- Medications: Depending on the severity and cause of gastritis, healthcare providers may prescribe medications. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine blockers, which reduce stomach acid, can help relieve symptoms and promote healing of the stomach lining.
- Antibiotics: If diagnostic tests reveal helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, healthcare providers prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria. This targeted approach aids in resolving gastritis caused by H. pylori.
- Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids can temporarily relieve symptoms by neutralising stomach acid. However, healthcare professionals should guide their use, as they are not a long-term solution.