Gastritis Treatment

Lifestyle Modifications

To reduce stomach irritation, manage symptoms, and prevent recurrence through dietary and habit changes.

• Reduce intake of caffeine-containing drinks such as tea, coffee, cola, and energy drinks.
• Elevate your head and shoulders with an extra pillow while sleeping to prevent stomach acid from rising.
• Lose weight if you are overweight, as this can alleviate pressure on the stomach.
• Avoid eating 3 to 4 hours before going to bed to allow for proper digestion.
• Limit or avoid acidic, fizzy, spicy, or fatty foods and drinks that can irritate the stomach lining.
• Refrain from drinking alcohol and smoking, as both can significantly worsen gastritis symptoms.
• Discuss with your doctor if you regularly take anti-inflammatory painkillers (e.g., ibuprofen) or aspirin, as these can cause or worsen gastritis.

Medicinal Treatment

To treat underlying causes, reduce stomach acid production, and alleviate symptoms of inflammation.

• Antibiotics, if the gastritis is caused by a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection.
• Antacids and alginates to neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief from indigestion.
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) or H2-receptor blockers to reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces.
• Discontinuation or substitution of anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) or aspirin, under medical guidance, if they are identified as the cause.
• Medications to control nausea and vomiting, if these symptoms are severe.

Surgical Treatment

Primarily reserved for treating severe complications of gastritis, such as persistent bleeding, perforation, or obstruction, when medical and endoscopic treatments are insufficient.

• Endoscopic procedures (e.g., during gastroscopy) to control severe bleeding from stomach ulcers or erosions that may result from gastritis.
• Rarely, surgical intervention such as partial gastrectomy or vagotomy may be considered for severe complications like perforation or intractable bleeding that do not respond to endoscopic or medical management.
• Treatment of underlying conditions that may exacerbate gastritis, if surgical correction is required.

Surgical treatment is not a primary approach for gastritis itself but may be necessary for severe complications arising from chronic or untreated gastritis.

Ayurvedic Treatment

To balance digestive fire (Agni), reduce inflammation, soothe the stomach lining, and promote overall digestive health through natural remedies and lifestyle changes.

• Dietary adjustments focusing on Pitta-pacifying foods, avoiding spicy, oily, and fermented items, and incorporating cooling and easily digestible meals.
• Herbal remedies such as Amla (Indian Gooseberry), Yashtimadhu (Licorice), Shatavari, and Giloy to reduce inflammation, soothe the stomach lining, and balance digestive fire (Agni).
• Lifestyle recommendations including stress management techniques like yoga and meditation, regular meal timings, and adequate rest to support digestive health.
• Panchakarma therapies like Virechana (purgation) or Basti (enema) may be recommended by an Ayurvedic practitioner to detoxify the body and balance doshas, if deemed appropriate for the individual's constitution and condition.