By: Arthur Cooper
Submitted: 2011-05-31 14:20:27 | Word Count: 664
Gastritis is a condition that is described as having an inflammation of the lining of the stomach. The lining of the stomach is very essential. This is what prevents the stomach from eroding due to the gastric acid that is present in the stomach. Gastric acid is what is needed to digest foods because this is what breaks foods down into tiny particles that are usable to the body. After food is broken down by stomach acid, it moves to the large and small intestine where nutrients, vitamins, proteins and minerals are extracted and delivered to other parts of the body.
When there is inflammation in the stomach lining this is very harmful to the digestive process. The stomach lining is where the cells that produce stomach acid and enzymes are located. These cells produce acid when you begin to eat in preparation for digestion. The stomach lining however is not meant to endure the effects of gastric acid so it produces protective mucus. This mucus is used to shield the lining from the gastric acid. When there is inflammation, the balance of acid, enzymes and mucus production is thrown off balance. This compromises the digestive process.
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Gastritis can be acute, chronic and erosive. Erosive gastritis can be acute or chronic. Acute gastritis can be severe, but usually happens suddenly. Chronic gastritis can be mild or severe but this occurs over a long period of time. Erosive gastritis causes less inflammation but it erodes the lining more aggressively. This can be the most harmful kind of gastritis.
People that are suffering from gastritis may possibly experience no warning signs or symptoms. If you do have symptoms they will probably include pain in the stomach and upper abdominal regions, nausea, vomiting and worst of all deterioration of the stomach lining. If gastritis isn’t addressed quickly, it could become a lifelong issue.
Gastritis can be caused by several different factors. Some of the prevalent causes include infection, burns, disorders, diseases, surgical operations and the use of illegal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. One of the major causes of gastritis is alcohol consumption. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to gastritis because of its corrosive nature.
Heavy drinkers are more susceptible to developing gastritis because of the increased level of irritation and corrosion that happens to the lining and walls of the stomach. This can also cause symptoms like nausea, loss of appetite, stomach pain and vomiting. Alcohol can interrupt mucus production, therefore making the lining more vulnerable.
The primary way to treat alcohol gastritis is to avoid consuming alcohol all together. You can’t treat the symptoms without treating the cause of the symptoms. If you are a heavy drinker, you may be an alcoholic. If you are an alcoholic, you may need assistance with managing your addiction as alcoholics have a hard time with cutting alcohol out of their diet. You don’t have to be a heavy drinker to develop gastritis. Your body may be very sensitive to alcohol. You could be a light drinker and develop gastritis because of your body’s intolerance for alcohol.
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