GASTRITIS: Dyspepsia

DEFINTION: Gastritis commonly causes upper abdominal pain,
nausea, and vomiting.  In severe cases, bleeding of the
stomach lining can occur.  Gastritis can be caused by
bacteria or viruses, alcohol, or stomach-irritating
medications such as those medicines in the NSAID family
(aspirin, ibuprofen, indocin, naproxen).  The stomach
lining becomes inflammed and irritated.  The result can be
ulcers if the problem continues to occur.

THERAPY: Take nothing by mouth for the first four hours of
the illness, then begin sips of clear liquids.  Take
increasing amounts of fluid over the first 24 hours.  Then
start small amounts of bland foods (such as dry toast,
applesauce, mashed potato).  Gradually resume your usual
diet.

MEDICAL THERAPY: If the problem is caused by the bacteria
H.  pylori, then it is important to take stomach acid
suppression medicines along with antibiotics.

If the problem is caused by alcohol or medicines then you
should take antacids every two hours until the pain has
subsided.  Acid-suppressing medicines such as zantac,
pepcid, tagament, prilosec, propulsid, etc are also
excellant products for this problem.  Avoid aspirin,
caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol.

IF PROBLEMS: If the abdominal pain worsens, or there is
evidence of major bleeding in the stomach (such as black
tarry stool, bloody or black vomit, or lightheadedness),
you should return immediately.  Call the doctor if you
aren't improved in 24-36 hours.