What could be done to manage recurrent gastritis pain?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was diagnosed with acute gastritis a few weeks ago. There was no pain while taking the pills but now they are over, the pain has started again. The doctors said that I do not need to be on them anymore. Is it possible that the pain is related to gastritis?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Acute gastritis pain usually subsides as the infection subsides. Is there any post-prandial fullness, early satiety, burning or pain? I hope there are no alarm symptoms like difficulty or pain during swallowing, weight loss, excessive vomiting, or any family history of upper GI (gastrointestinal) malignancy.

At your age, the above symptoms are highly unlikely. At this stage, according to recommendations you can either continue Omeprazole 20 mg twice daily (or any other PPI) for four to six weeks or get yourself evaluated for H.Pylori antigen (by non-invasive means), or get an initial upper GI endoscopy done to rule out peptic ulcer disease.

What I would suggest is to wait for some time and continue Omeprazole 20 mg twice daily (or any other PPI) for four to six weeks. If still continues you might need to get an H.Pylori screen test or upper GI endoscopy done.

You can also try some lifestyle modifications like eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoid high fat and capsaicin containing diets. Eat less spicy food, stop smoking and alcohol if you do. Avoid Aspirin or other pain medicines. You can also limit your coffee intake as it may aggravate your symptoms.

I hope this helps.