Alcoholic Gastritis

Alcoholic gastritis is an inflammation in the lining of the stomach. Alcohol indigestion is the main cause of this and through continuous taking of alcohol it can also lead to an acute hemorrhagic through direct irritation of the gastric mucosa. If you have this kind of disease there are symptoms that you might have experience like nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, vomiting blood or “coffee grounds and swollen abdomen. All these symptoms for alcoholic gastritis may last a few hours to a few days.

There are many symptoms of this gastritis and experiencing a number of these surely indicates that you should visit your doctor to be assessed and treated as well. The methods for diagnosing this disease are by means of examination and laboratory. Your doctor will conduct stomach and rectal exam. During the stomach exam it will distinguish the part where feel the pain while the rectal exam it will reveal microscopic blood if any. Alcoholic gastritis is also diagnosed with laboratory exams such that the doctor will check your blood count to evaluate any blood loss. Endoscopy is another test that will conclude your condition. It uses a small tube called endoscope that is inserted into your throat and will pass down the stomach. This method may sound painful but don’t worry because a local anesthetic will be used.

If you are diagnosed to have this kind of disease, there are treatments that are available and can be opted to get rid from this disease. To start with, you should eliminate spicy, fatty or fried, foods which often trigger it. You should also discontinue drinking beverages most especially alcohol. More so, stop smoking. Medications to be taken like Zantac and sulcralfate acts by forming a coating above the inflamed site. Proton inhibitors such as Prilosec are also prescribed.

Remember that alcohol is not good. Well, of course, you would argue that occasional drinking is acceptable but it can get you addicted to it and that is another problem you will be faced with aside from the gastritis. It can really destroy your health as well as your whole life. Alcoholic gastritis will be prevented if you will not take alcohol or if cannot be avoided, drink some with caution accompanied by healthful habits.