Do I Have Gastritis?

Do you suffer from bloating or do you have a feeling of fullness in your upper abdomen after eating?

Do you feel stomach pain that can range from mild discomfort to gnawing or burning feeling in the stomach?

Does the pain in your stomach appear between meals or at night?

Does eating certain food like fried or spicy food or drinking coffee, sodas and alcohol seem to worsen your symptoms?

Do you notice that eating certain food or taking antacids improves your symptoms?

Do you feel heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest)?

Do you have hiccups or belching?

Do you suffer from nausea or vomiting?

Have you vomited blood or coffee ground-like material?

Do you have blood in your stools or black, tarry stools?

Have you lost your appetite or lost weight recently (unintentionally)?

Do you often take painkillers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen?

Are you often exposed to stressful situations? Do you think your stress level is high?

Do you drink alcohol daily, maybe more than 1-2 drinks per day?

Are you diagnosed with anemia?

Have you ever had an ulcer?

Nearly everyone has had digestive or stomach problems at least once in their lifetime. Based on your answers you probably do not have gastritis just an indigestion problems. This is a condition also known as dyspepsia and in most cases does not have a serious underlying cause. You will find that simple dietary changes can be beneficial such as avoiding spicy or fatty foods and drinking less tea or coffee. Antacids can help as well. If your symptoms last for more than a week or they are intensifying see your doctor for further analyses.

Based on your answers you have many symptoms that indicate gastritis. Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining caused by various causes. You should talk to your doctor if you have these symptoms for more than a week or if they cause you severe pain or discomfort. Inform your doctor about any prescribed or over the counter medicine you take. If you are vomiting blood, have blood in your stools or have stools that appear black you must seek immediate medical attention. Once the doctors have determined the cause of gastritis, they may prescribe treatment that includes medication and dietary changes. Once the underlying problem is gone, the gastritis usually gets better as well.