Many of us may have symptoms relating to gastritis but very commonly ended up seeking treatment as some other unrelated illness. Gastritis is an inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining. A peptic ulcer is an open sore in the lining of the esophagus, stomach or duodenum. The most common causes of both these conditions is infection with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori.
A close friend of mine told me she suffered anxiety, depression, pressure, tension, insomnia, etc, etc. Her discomfort and gastric pain went unnoticed until she was recently admitted to hospital for treatment of anxiety. Doctor at the hospital told her to loosen up and relax because in some cases the symptoms arise from an anxiety neurosis. She was then prescribed muscle relaxant tablets with a dose of Maalox to combat the acidity effect of the drug. However, her agony did not just go away as she felt hunger pains, blurred visions and body weakening.
Having been through gastritis pains and reflux, I can certainly share some of my experiences with those who have similar illness. Definitely, the indications of body weakness, hunger pain, giddiness, diarrhoea, vomitting, poor appetite signify some kind of stomach gastric irritations. However, anxiety, depression and insomnia can further aggravate the situation.
It took me more than one and a half years to overcome gastritis and reflux problems. My consultant gastroenterologist doctor had prescribed drugs like Prevacid, Controloc, Losec and Parriet which act as proton pump inhibitor, Zantac as H2 blocker and both these actions help to stop acid secretion. Gaviscon, Maalox, act as antacid. Motilum to combat stomach wind.
Gastritis and most reflux-related problems can be overcome without medication if you are prepared to embark upon a HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.
1. Because reflux is more likely to occur when you are lying down, allow at least three hours to pass between your evening meal and bedtime. During this interval, you may drink water but nothing else.
2. Modify the character of your evening meal. If possible, make your noon meal your heavy meal, so that you will be content with a lighter evening meal. Avoid fried or other fatty foods, because fat stimulates the stomach to secrete acid and digestive enzymes.
3. Caffeine, tea, chocolate and mint are the main culprits. Avoid fatty and fried foods. Some doctors suggest avoiding acidic foods, such as tomato sauce and orange juice. Alcohol is also a no-no.
4. Give up smoking if you are a smoker.
5. Do not wear tight-fitting clothes.
Now let's say you do all of these things, and yet you still are dependent on medication to avoid heartburn.
The usual recommendation is that you should be on Prevacid (lansoprazole) or Prilosec (omeprazole), medications that do an excellent job of blocking stomach acid production. Prevacid (twice a day) works well for me. Take Gaviscon as and when necessary.
To all those out there who are having gastritis and reflux-related problems, I hope the above information may be useful.
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