Treating Gastritis

Your doctor will work with you to find the cause of your symptoms. This may include a review of your health history, a physical exam, and some tests. Treatment depends on what's causing the gastritis. It may include taking certain medicines and making some lifestyle changes. Follow your doctor's advice.

Your doctor may prescribe medicines to neutralize or reduce extra stomach acids. These may include antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. Sometimes a medicine such as sucralfate is used to help the stomach's protective lining. If tests show that H. pylori bacteria are in your stomach lining, you may get antibiotics even if you don't have symptoms. H. pylori can cause gastritis. If gastritis has caused low vitamin levels, you may need to take supplements.

Be sure to stay away from:

• Aspirin and ibuprofen. Don't take aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). They can irritate your stomach lining. Also check with your doctor before taking or stopping any medicines.
• Spicy foods and caffeine. These can make your symptoms worse. Stay away from foods made with spices, especially black pepper. Don't have coffee, tea, cola drinks, or chocolate. Tell your doctor about any other foods or liquids that bother your stomach.
• Tobacco and alcohol. Don't use tobacco or drink alcohol. They can increase stomach acids and make your gastritis symptoms worse. They can make gastritis harder to heal.

Stress may make your symptoms worse. Whenever you can, reduce the stress in your life. One way to do this is by exercising. But talk to your doctor first. Also try to get enough sleep. Aim for at least 8 hours a night.