1. Reduce Stomach Acid Levels
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining, characterized by a burning sensation or dull pain in the upper area of your abdomen. Gastritis symptoms can include indigestion-like pain, bloating, nausea and vomiting. Reducing the amount of acid in your stomach allows the tissues to heal without further irritation. Over-the-counter antacids can be a very effective way to treat mild gastritis and are widely available in liquid and tablet forms. Antacids neutralize stomach acids and provide you with fast relief from gastritis pain. Stronger medications called acid blockers and proton pump inhibitors can be used to treat more severe cases of gastritis. Instead of taking these medications when you feel discomfort, as you would with antacids, acid blockers (cimetidine, rantidine and famotidine) and proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, lansoprazole and esomeprazole) are taken daily as directed by your physician. These drugs significantly reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces, giving your body time to heal. It is best to avoid beverages containing alcohol and caffeine while you are taking acid-reducing medications, as these substances can further irritate an already sore stomach.
2. Treat Bacterial Gastritis With Antibiotics
One of the causes of gastritis is a bacterial infection called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). If you have chronic gastritis that does not respond to acid-reduction treatment methods, your doctor can perform a blood, stool or breath test to determine whether you are infected with H. pylori. Once the infection has been diagnosed, you'll begin taking antibiotics along with a proton pump inhibitor drug. Be sure to alert your doctor to any antibiotics that you may be allergic to.
3. Use Natural Remedies
If you prefer using natural remedies, there are a variety of herbs you can take to alleviate the indigestion and pain associated with gastritis. It's important, though, to first rule out the presence of H. pylori, as herbal remedies will not clear up a bacterial infection. Indian gooseberry, also called Amla, is very high in vitamin C and may be an alternative to traditional antacids. This herb controls the acid level of the stomach and can ease discomfort stemming from indigestion. Ginger has long been associated with calming an upset stomach. You can chew on a small piece of ginger root as needed to ease stomach pain and jump-start your digestion. Licorice acts as a coating agent, which can help soothe the irritated stomach lining that occurs with gastritis.
