Gastritis
Description
Gastritis is a general term describing various changes in the stomach lining. Symptoms of gastritis are often ill-defined; this may necessitate a microscopic study of the stomach lining before a diagnosis can be established.
Gastritis is often related to lifestyle. Occasional bouts of acute gastritis are quite common, especially in older people.
Chronic or severe gastritis may be indicative of a more serious underlying disorder. There may be no specific symptoms; hence, chronic gastritis may be confused with conditions, such as gastric ulcer, chronic pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or cancer of the stomach or pancreas. To confirm a diagnosis of chronic gastritis, one or more of the following procedures may be necessary: blood test, X-ray studies, endoscopy, biopsy, or Stomach Acid Secretion Test.
The management of symptoms depends on whether the patient is experiencing acute or chronic gastritis:
Acute gastritis
Stopping the offending substances, e.g. alcohol, drugs etc.
Giving an antidote in the case of corrosive gastritis (urgent advice from a qualified professional is essential)
Drug control of vomiting, diarrhea, infections, etc.
Fluid and electrolyte replacement in the event of excessive vomiting or diarrhea
Following a liquid diet when not vomiting, a mechanical soft diet once the gastrointestinal symptoms subside
If bleeding occurs, an intermittent stomach washout should be administered by a physician. Drug treatment to stop bleeding, or blood transfusions may be necessary.
Chronic gastritis
Avoidance of irritating foods and drugs
Symptomatic control of excessive intestinal gas, excess acidity, mild pain, etc.
Treatment of anemia, when necessary
Treatment of any underlying condition
Note: Cases of vague abdominal discomfort for more than several days should not be self-diagnosed as "gastritis". It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for clear diagnosis and case management.
Causes
Acute gastritis
Infections
Bacterial infections (e.g., Salmonellosis)
Viral infection (e.g., gastroenteritis)
Irritants
Ethanol
Drugs (e.g., aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs)
Strong spices
Corrosives
Strong acids or alkalis
Arsenical or mercurial compounds
Allergies (e.g., to shellfish)
Stress
Severe anxiety
Chronic gastritis
Immunological factors
Associated pernicious anemia, iron deficiency, thyroid disease
Atrophy of the stomach mucous membrane as a result of aging, usually mild
Unknown etiology - cause may never be known
Signs & Symptoms
Upper abdominal pain
Anorexia
Early satiety
Nausea
Vomiting
Gastric bleeding
Fever
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Intestinal Health
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Adult | Child/Adolescent | ||
| Calcium | 400 - 600 mg | n/a | |
| Chlorella* | |||
| EPO | 2 - 3 g | n/a | |
| Fish oils | 2 - 3 g | n/a | |
| Magnesium | 400 - 600 mg | n/a | |
| Vitamin A | 10,000 - 20,000 IU | n/a | |
| Vitamin C | 3 - 5 g | n/a | |
| Vitamin E | 200 - 400 IU | n/a |
* Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
During the first 24 to 48 hours of onset of acute gastritis all food should be withheld until symptoms subside; then the Full Liquid Diet, and later the Mechanical Soft Diet is prescribed. Some authors suggest the individual be fed only small amounts of milk during the acute phase.
Chronic gastritis is usually a symptom of a gastric or peptic ulcer. The underlying cause should be elucidated for treatment and nutritional management purposes. Chronic ingestion of more than 1,000 micrograms of iodine per day can be toxic.
Symptoms include gastric irritation resembling an ulcer. Antacids are frequently taken for temporary relief of gastritis.
Most are high in sodium and should not be used by individuals on Mild Sodium Restriction Diet, Moderate Sodium Restriction Diet or Severe Sodium Restriction Diet.
Homeopathic Remedy
Gastritis / Gastralgia
1. Nux vomica - 15C
2. Arsenicum Album - 30C
3. Oxalicum acidum - 15C
Treatment Schedule
Doses cited are to be administered on a 3X daily schedule, unless otherwise indicated. Dose usually continued for 2 weeks. Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose. Solid preps are usually 3 pellets per dose. Children use 1/2 dose.
Legend
X = 1 to 10 dilution - weak (triturition)
C = 1 to 100 dilution - weak (potency)
M = 1 to 1 million dilution (very strong)
X or C underlined means it is most useful potency
Asterisk (*) = Primary remedy. Means most necessary remedy. There may be more than one remedy - if so, use all of them.
References
Boericke, D.E., 1988. Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Coulter, C.R., 1986. Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines.
Kent, J.T., 1989. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Koehler, G., 1989. Handbook of Homeopathy.
Shingale, J.N., 1992. Bedside Prescriber.
Smith, Trevor, 1989. Homeopathic Medicine.
Ullman, Dana, 1991. The One Minute (or so) Healer.
Herbal Approaches
----------
Herbs
-----------
Chamomile
Marshmallow root
Slippery elm bark
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Chamomile, marshmallow root and slippery elm bark are each recommended for gastritis:
Chamomile reduces inflammation. (1,000 mg t.i.d. between meals.)
Marshmallow root is a mucilaginous product which soothes and heals. (1,000 mg t.i.d. between meals.)
Slippery elm bark is also a mucilaginous product which soothes and heals. (1,000 mg t.i.d. between meals.)
Other herbs, containing irritants, may exacerbate the symptoms for which antacids are being taken. (After Newall)
| Herb | Effects |
| Alfalfa | Irritant, canavanine in seeds |
| Arnica | Irritant to mucous membranes |
| Asafetida | Irritant gum, |
| Blue Flag | Irritant gum and oil |
| Bogbean | Irritant to GI tract |
| Boldo | Irritant oil |
| Buchu | Irritant oil |
| Capsicum | Capsaicinoids, mucosal irritants |
| Cassia | Irritant to mucous membranes, oil |
| Cinnamon | Irritant to mucous membranes, oil |
| Cohosh, Blue | Irritant to mucous membranes; |
| spasmogenic in vitro | |
| Cowslip | Irritant saponins |
| Drosera | Plumbagin. irritant |
| Eucalyptus | Irritant Oil |
| False Unicorn | Large doses may cause vomiting |
| Figwort | Purgative effect |
| Garlic | Raw clove |
| Ground Ivy | Irritant oil |
| Guaiacum | Avoid if inflammatory condition |
| Horse chestnut | Saponins, contra-indicated in renal disease |
| Horse radish | Irritant oil |
| Hydrangea | Hydrangin, possible gastro-enteritis |
| Jamaican Dogwood | Irritant to humans |
| Juniper | Irritant oil |
| Lemon Verbena | Irritant oil |
| Lime Flower | Irritant to kidney |
| Nettle | Tea irritant to stomach |
| Parlsey | Irritant oil |
| Pennyroyal | Toxic & irritant oil |
| Pilewort | Irritant sap |
| Pleurisy Root | GI irritant |
| Pokeroot | Saponins |
| Pulsatilla | Irritant to mucous membranes |
| Queen's Delight | Diterpenes |
| Sarsaparilla | Saponins |
| Senega | Saponins |
| Skunk Cabbage | Inflammatory & blistering to skin |
| Squill | Saponins |
References:
Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
| Lavender Essence, | Peppermint Essence, |
| Tea Tree Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
Aging
Alcoholism
Anemia
Anxiety
Infection
Inflammation
Stomach disorders
Stress
Ulcers
Vomiting
References
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Bland, Jeffrey. Medical Applications of Clinical Nutrition.: Keats,1983.
Bode C et al., Prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2 alpha biosynthesis in human gastric mucosa: effect of chronic alcohol misuse. Gut, 1996 Sep, 39:3, 348-52.
Carey, M.C. & C.M. Bliss. Lipid Digestion and Absorption. Annual Review Physiology, 45 (1983).
Chicago Dietetic Association and the South Suburban Dietetic Association of Cook and Will Counties. 1981. Manual of Clinical Dietetics. W.B. Saunders Co., Philadephia.
El Mouzan, M. I. et al: Cow's Milk-Induced Erosive Gastritis in an Infant. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 1990;10:111-113.
Fein, H.D. 1978. Nutrition in diseases of the stomach, including related areas in the esophagus and duodenum - Modern Nutrition & Disease. 6th ed.
Franceschini, G.: Pharmacologic Management of Hypertriglyceridemic Patients. American Journal Cardiology, July 24, 1991;68:48- 53.
Goodhart, R.S. and M.E. Shils, eds. Lea and Febiger, Phila.
Graham, D. Exocrine Pancreative Replacement Therapy in Chronic Pancreatic Insufficiency. New England J Of Medicine, 220. 1979.
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Hamilton, H.K. ed. 1982. Professional Guide To Diseases Intermed Communications Inc. Pub, Springfield, Massachusetts. 1323 pp.
Heinerman, John. 1982. Herbal Dynamics. Root of Life, Inc.: Publ.
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