Gastritis Specialist
McKenzie Medical Associates
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Gastritis
McKenzie Medical Associates
Internists & Nurse Practitioners located in
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Gastritis is a common cause of both chronic and acute stomach pain in men and women. While it may be tempting to self-medicate using over-the-counter products, many cases of gastritis require medical intervention, including prescription antibiotics, to eliminate an infection or manage an underlying disease. As leading internal medicine physicians in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Dr. Wilfred McKenzie and Dr. Rona McKenzie are skilled in determining the cause of gastritis symptoms, providing the most appropriate and effective care to help patients at McKenzie Medical Associates enjoy long-term relief and better overall health.
Gastritis Q & A
What is gastritis?
Gastritis is a general term that describes several conditions that cause the stomach lining to become inflamed and irritated. Most gastritis is associated with bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. Gastritis can be divided into two main “types”: acute gastritis, which occurs suddenly, and chronic gastritis, which develops more slowly over time. Without treatment, gastritis can increase your risk for stomach ulcers, stomach bleeding, and cancer. Scheduling an office visit early is important for preventing these complications and finding long-lasting relief for your discomfort.
What symptoms are associated with gastritis?
Most people with gastritis have symptoms like:
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Gnawing or burning sensations that tend to improve or worsen with eating
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Pain or aching in the stomach
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Nausea and vomiting
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Full or bloated sensations after eating
Anyone can develop gastritis, but it tends to be more common in people who:
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Smoke
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Drink a lot of alcohol
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Use over-the-counter pain relievers regularly
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Have severe stress
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Have an autoimmune disease like Crohn’s disease
Gastritis also occurs more often in older people, and some people may be more susceptible to the bacteria associated with gastritis.
How is gastritis diagnosed?
Diagnosis of gastritis begins with a physical exam and a review of your symptoms and your medical history. In some cases, your exam will provide enough information for Dr. McKenzie to diagnose gastritis, but in other cases, you might also need a blood test or stool sample test to look for the presence of H. pylori bacteria, the most common cause of gastritis. Sometimes, additional testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis. In those cases, Dr. McKenzie may recommend a special X-ray to evaluate your stomach lining or an endoscopy procedure to see inside your upper digestive tract and to obtain tiny tissue samples for further evaluation. An endoscopy is an outpatient procedure performed while you’re sedated. The scope is inserted through your mouth; no incisions are necessary.
How is gastritis treated?
Gastritis treatment will depend on what’s causing your symptoms. When gastritis is caused by over-the-counter pain medication or stress, for instance, changing to a different medication or learning to manage stress may be all that’s needed to relieve symptoms. When gastritis is caused by a bacterial infection, Dr. McKenzie can prescribe antibiotics to get rid of the infection and prevent more serious complications. Other medications can be used to reduce or block acid production in the stomach or to neutralize stomach acids to reduce irritation and help your stomach heal.
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