Gastritis
Gastritis refers to a group of conditions that are caused due to the inflammation of the stomach lining. Typical symptoms of gastritis include abdominal bloating, belching, nausea and vomiting. Another symptom of gastritis is burning ache or pain in the upper abdomen. Some cases of gastritis can lead to ulcers. Acute gastritis involves a simple inflammation with superficial ulcers. This is usually tackled with antacids and dietary changes. On the other hand, chronic gastritis may be caused due to autoimmune conditions such as hypothyroidism or anemia. Acute gastritis is characterized by epigastric pain and vomiting. There may be blood in the vomit if there are ulcers. Corrosive gastritis results when a person ingests strong acids or alkalies. When a person suffers from chronic gastritis, there will be belching, abdominal distension and unpleasant taste in the mouth in the mornings.
Possible causes of gastritis:
- Stress
- Spicy and greasy food
- Prolonged use of drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin
- Too much alchohol
- Severe infection
- Burns
- Anemia
Blood tests help in determining any possible anemia due to bleeding in the stomach. Stool tests can detect the presence of H. pylori in the digestive tract. Upper GI endoscopy allows the doctor to examine the stomach lining for inflammation. Making dietary changes like timely and moderate meals can help in treating gastritis. Avoid drugs that cause irritation to your stomach lining. Smoking aggravates gastritis. Limit the use of caffeiene and alcohol. Antacids can keep stomach acid in check.
Fecal occult blood test
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) aids in detecting any occult blood in the stool. This test is part of any colorectal cancer screening process. New flushable reagent pads allow you to conduct this test either at home or a laboratory. About 2 -3 stool samples are taken on different days to check for fecal occult blood. While FOBT can detect presence of blood in the stool, it can pinpoint the cause. Fecal occult blood can occur due to colon cancer, gastritis, hemorrhoids, fissures, inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcer or esophagitis. Fecal occult blood test must not be conducted if the person is suffering from colitis, diarrhea, constipation or diverticulitis. Women who are menstruating or persons with active anal bleeding due to fissures or hemorrhoids must not take the FOBT. Avoid eating beets, grapefruit, poulty, red meat cooked rare, turnips or horseradish about 48 hours prior to FOBT. If any blood is detected during fecal occult blood test, further diagnostic tests are conducted to check the causes.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Gastrointestinal Bleeding or GI bleeding refers to bleeding from any part of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth and esophagus to the stomach or intestines.
Gastrointestinal bleeding can occur due to infection or medications that damage tissues leading to bleeding. GI bleeding needs to be monitored carefully and attended to. Upper Gastrointestinal bleeding can result from gastritis or peptic ulcers. Lower GI bleeding is often due to diverticulitis, polyps, anal fissures or hemorrhoids.
Acute GI bleeding manifests in bloody bowel movements and vomiting of blood. There is fatigue and weakness. The patient suffering GI bleeding may suffer pain in the abdomen. A person suffering from gastrointestinal bleeding experience thirst, low blood pressure and dizziness. The patient may notice black tarry stools.
Laboratory tests, endoscopy and rectal examinations may be needed to determine the source of the gastrointestinal bleeding. Excessive bleeding can lead to anemia. In severe cases, it can lead to shock and may need hospitalization for further treatment. There might be need for blood transfusion. Upper GI bleeding can be treated with injection of chemicals. Medicines are then prescribed to prevent the bleeding from recurring. If polyps or hemorrhoids are the cause for gastrointestinal bleeding, they are surgically removed.
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