Gastritis

Question 1

What is gastritis?

Answer 1

• inflammation of gastric mucosa (stomach lining)

Question 2

What are the causes of the condition?

Answer 2

• H. pylori infection: constant inflammation and damage to protective lining of stomach, virulent strain (CAGA)= can affect stem cells in stomach
• long term constant use of NSAIDS = disturb protective mechanisms = inflammation and damage to stomach lining
• excessive smoking, alcohol, stress, poor eating habits

Question 3

Pathophysiology

Answer 3

• gastric mucosa inflamed due to causes
• protective layer of gastric mucosa comprised during gastritis = expose underlying tissues to gastric acid and digestive enzymes
• worsen inflammation
• alter normal equilibrium of gastric acid production = likely imbalance and damage to stomach lining

Question 4

Risk factors

Answer 4

• long term use of NSAIDS
• Smoking, alcohol, stress, poor eating habits
• H pylori infection
• age (older people)

Question 5

Signs/Symptoms

Answer 5

• epigastric pain
• nausea/vomiting
• melena
• loss of appetite/fulling full with small portions of food
• abdominal distention

Question 6

Diagnosis

Answer 6

• good medical history/physical examination
• stool test for H pylori infection
• FBC
• Endoscopy and biopsy

Question 7

Management

Answer 7

• H.pylori infection: PPI, amoxicillin, clarithromycin
  -lifestyle changes.
• OTC antacids