It’s happened to many of us before: not long after finishing a meal, you have a gnawing or burning stomach pain. While many may write it off as simply heartburn, it may be a symptom of gastritis, a common digestive condition that can occur gradually or suddenly in response to certain triggers, such as food.
Not surprisingly, diet and lifestyle can have a significant impact on your digestive health and your overall health, which is why it is so important to pay attention to what you eat. The gastroenterologists at Digestive Health Centers in Dallas, Texas, specialize in digestive disorders and can help you find relief from burning stomach pain. Read on the learn more.
What is Gastritis?
Gastritis is an inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of your stomach. Your stomach normally produces acid to help break down the food you eat and to kill any germs or bacteria. Stomach acid is corrosive, but there is usually a balance between the amount of acid you make and a natural, protective layer of mucous lining your stomach. When there is an imbalance or an excessive amount of acid, you can develop burning stomach pain associated with gastritis.
While easily treatable, if not addressed, gastritis can last a long time or may lead to a stomach ulcer or anemia.
What are the Symptoms of Gastritis?
While symptoms may vary from person to person, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Burning stomach pain between meals or at night
- Abdominal pain, especially in the upper abdomen just below the sternum or breastbone
- Nausea or recurrent upset stomach
- Abdominal bloating
- Indigestion
- Hiccups
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting blood
- Black, tarry stools
What Foods Trigger Gastritis?
Diet does not generally cause chronic gastritis, but some foods can make the burning stomach pain worse, including fried, fatty, spicy, and highly acidic foods, such as citrus fruits or tomatoes. Other triggers include alcohol, coffee, and fruit juices.
There are a number of foods and drinks that can help ease symptoms of gastritis and promote good digestive health, including:
- High-fiber foods: whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans
- Low-fat foods: fish, lean meats, and vegetables
- Low-acidity foods: vegetables and beans
- Non-carbonated drinks
- Caffeine-free drinks
The Helicobacter pylori bacteria is the most common cause of gastritis, so eating healthy, probiotic foods can help as well, such as yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha.
How is Gastritis Treated at Digestive Health Center?
Fortunately, burning stomach pain improves quickly with treatment from the Digestive Health Center in Dallas. Underlying problems or causes gradually resolve. Our gastritis treatment may include:
- Acid-suppressing medications: your GI doctor may encourage you to take antacids or other drugs, such as H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid in your stomach
- Adjustment to your diet: avoiding hot and spicy foods and removing irritating foods from your diet, such as lactose from dairy or gluten from wheat, and eating smaller and more frequent meals can have a significant impact
If your gastritis is caused by a bacterial infection, a Dallas gastroenterologist at Digestive Health may prescribe antibiotics, along with acid-blocking drugs; if pernicious anemia is the cause, the physician may give you a B12 vitamin shot.
Dallas Gastroenterology for Burning Stomach Pain
If you are live in the Dallas – Fort Worth metropolitan area, and experience burning stomach pain from gastritis, it is important to follow up with one of our gastroenterologists who can conduct an endoscopy at our Dallas endoscopy center to confirm your diagnosis.
Our experienced gastroenterologists, Dr. Adnan Nadir, Dr. Venessa Beckman, and Dr. David Hall, specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of gastritis, providing personalized care to alleviate your symptoms and improve your digestive health. Whether you’re experienced abdominal discomfort or inflammation of the stomach lining, we’re ready to have a conversation with you about gastritis. Call (214) 646-3459 for more information or to schedule an appointment.