Gastritis

Gastritis occurs when the stomach lining becomes inflamed or swollen.

Gastritis can last for a short time (acute gastritis) or can last from months to years (chronic gastritis).

Treatment

The treatment for gastritis depends on the specific cause. Some of the causes may fade over time.

You may need to stop taking certain medications that can cause gastritis, but talk to your doctor first.

You can use another counter medicine or controlled to decrease the amount of acid in the stomach, such as:

• Antacids

• H2 antagonists: famotidine, cimetidine, ranitidine and nizatidine

• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) - omeprazo, esomeprazole, iansoprazol, pantoprazole and rabeprazole

Antacids can be used to treat chronic gastritis caused by infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

Prevention

Avoid irritants for long periods, such as analgesics, anti-inflammatory or alcohol.