Gastritis refers to a collection of infections and conditions that cause inflammation in the lining of your stomach. If you suffer from gnawing or burning pain or chronic nausea and vomiting, contact Farshid Sam Rahbar, MD, FACP, ABIHM, and his team at Los Angeles Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition in Century City. Dr. Rahbar takes a holistic approach to improve your gastrointestinal and overall health with comprehensive patient-focused care. Call or make an appointment online today.
Gastritis Q & A
Q:What is gastritis?
A: Gastritis develops from inflammation in the lining of your stomach. You may experience a gnawing or burning abdominal pain or severe indigestion and find that eating either worsens or relieves your symptoms. Additional common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and a full feeling in your upper abdomen after you eat.
Gastritis can develop suddenly, or it may occur slowly over time. Gastritis can also lead to an increased risk of peptic ulcers and stomach cancer. However, with customized care from Dr. Rahbar and the team at Los Angeles Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition, you can improve your overall health and heal your stomach.
Q: What causes gastritis?
A: In many cases, gastritis comes from a bacterial infection such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). H. pylori is a common infection and can lead to peptic ulcers and other upper gastrointestinal disorders. Dr. Rahbar believes that your lifestyle can increase your vulnerability to this infection.
Other factors that contribute to gastritis include:
- Frequent use of pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
- Excessive alcohol use
- Stress
- Autoimmune disorders
- Bile gastritis — bile backs up into your stomach and irritates its lining
Your risk of gastritis also increases as you age. Your stomach lining thins as you age, which makes you more vulnerable to H. pylori and other inflammatory infections.
Q: How is gastritis treated?
A: Dr. Rahbar begins your treatment with a physical exam and tests such as endoscopy, X-rays, and duodenal aspirates to identify the condition causing your gastritis. After he diagnoses the cause of your condition, he creates a customized treatment plan blending Western and integrative medicine to heal your body and eliminate any infections.
For example, he may prescribe antibiotics to get rid of H. pylori or other medications to reduce or neutralize excess stomach acid. He may also recommend dietary adjustments to eliminate irritating foods, alcohol, and other inflammatory triggers.
You may also benefit from nutritional supplements and eating smaller but more frequent meals. You may benefit from taking probiotics to improve your gut health.
If you’re concerned about gastritis or live with chronic stomach pain and upset, call Los Angeles Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition or make an appointment online today.
