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Standard Definition |
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Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of your stomach. It is not a single disease but rather a group of disorders with a number of causes. Gastritis can "eat away" the stomach lining and cause bleeding.
Be sure to see your healthcare practitioner regularly, and seek advice if there is any change in your symptoms. |
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Underlying Disruption in Function |
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Many cases of gastritis are now being attributed to the presence of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. You should always be tested for this if you have gastritis, since, if left untreated the condition may become more serious.
Gastritis involves an assult to the stomach lining - by identifying and reducing your exposure to irritating factors the stomach lining will endeavour to heal itself. |
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Possible Causes, Triggers & Exacerbating Factors |
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- Aspirin and other medications
- Alcohol and tobacco use
- Serious, chronic illness (eg. Crohn's disease)
- Trauma (eg. surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, severe vomiting)
- Bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections (especially Helicobacter pylori)
- Pernicious anaemia
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Common Signs & Symptoms |
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- Indigestion and heartburn
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain that is often worse after eating
- Gastrointestinal bleeding (signs of this are vomiting material that looks like coffee-grounds, or having very dark stools)
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Possible Additional Integrative Medicine Diagnostic Tests |
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(This is additional information that does not replace nor negate conventional diagnosis. Other tests may be useful depending on the individual circumstance.)
- Digestive function assessment
- Vitamin and Mineral assessment
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