Gastritis is a condition that affects the lining of the stomach. It can cause pain, nausea, and vomiting.
In some cases, it can also lead to ulcers. Gastritis is usually caused by an infection, but it can also be caused by a physical injury or an allergy.
Gastritis is a serious condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. If you think you may have gastritis, you should make a point of seeing you’re a gastritis specialist. Find out more about your gastritis specialist in Singapore here: https://alphagastro.sg/.
If your gastritis specialist suspects you have gastritis, they may recommend some tests, such as:
- A stool test – to check for bleeding in the gut
- Blood tests – to check for an infection or anemia (a low level of red blood cells)
- An endoscopy – where a small, flexible camera is passed down your throat so the inside of your stomach can be examined
- Biopsy – where a small sample of the stomach lining is removed during endoscopy and examined under a microscope for signs of inflammation or infection
Usually, these tests are all that’s needed to diagnose gastritis. In some cases, further tests may be recommended, such as a CT scan or MRI scan, but this is rare. Once gastritis has been diagnosed, treatment can begin.
Does Gastritis ever go away?
If you have gastritis, it is important to get treated right away. The condition usually improves quickly with treatment.
However, if left untreated, gastritis can last for years. Treating gastritis usually involves addressing the underlying cause.
For example, if you have an infection, you’ll need to take antibiotics. If your gastritis is caused by a physical injury, you’ll need to rest and allow the stomach lining to heal.
You may also need to take medication to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach or antibiotics to clear the infection. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the damaged tissue.
With proper treatment, most people with gastritis make a full recovery. If you have already begun your gastritis treatment, you could be wondering how long it will take for your gastritis to heal.
Here is a quick answer: If you have started treatment, gastritis can be healed within a few days—usually 2 to 10 days. However, if you have not yet begun treatment, it can take months or even years to heal.
It is also important to note that the amount of time it may take for gastritis to heal depends on the cause and severity. With proper treatment, however, most cases of gastritis do improve over time.
How do I know if my Gastritis is Healing?
Provided that you’ve started a gastritis treatment in Singapore, there are a few things you can look for to know if your gastritis is healing. First, your symptoms should start to improve within a few days of beginning treatment.
If you have not yet started treatment, then it may take longer for your symptoms to improve. Additionally, your doctor may perform tests, such as a gastroscopy, to check for inflammation and damage to the stomach lining.
If these tests show that the gastritis is healing, your doctor will likely recommend a follow-up gastroscopy in 6 to 12 weeks. This will help to ensure that gastritis has completely healed and that there is no further damage.
When you’ve confirmed that your gastritis is healing, it is natural to wonder if there is anything you can do to speed up the process. Well, there is some good news: there are a few things you can do to help your gastritis heal faster.
First, it is important to follow your doctor’s treatment plan. This may involve taking antibiotics and/or antacids as prescribed. Additionally, you should avoid alcohol and spicy foods, as these can irritate the stomach and delay healing.
It would help if you also tried to relax and reduce stress, as stress can aggravate gastritis. Finally, be sure to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of rest. These lifestyle changes can help your gastritis heal faster and prevent it from coming back.
As you can see, there are many things you can do to speed up the healing process. However, it is important to remember that everyone heals at their own pace.
So, don’t get discouraged if your gastritis takes a little longer to heal. With proper treatment and care, most cases of gastritis do eventually improve.
Can Gastritis be prevented?
To begin with, there is a myriad of things that can increase your risk of developing gastritis. These include alcohol abuse, stress, certain medications, and infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. Smoking is also one of the major risk factors for gastritis.
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent gastritis. If you drink alcohol, for example, do so in moderation.
Avoiding tobacco is also important. If you’re taking medication that could contribute to gastritis (such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), talk to your doctor about whether there are any alternatives.
And if you have H. pylori infection, it’s important to get treatment to clear the infection and reduce your risk of developing gastritis or other complications. This may involve a combination of antibiotics and acid-reducing medication.
Making lifestyle changes can also help prevent gastritis. For example, eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of rest, and reducing stress can all help reduce your risk. Additionally, avoiding spicy foods and other irritants can also be helpful.
Of course, gastritis cannot always be prevented. However, by taking steps to reduce your risk, you can help decrease the likelihood of developing this condition.
When to See a Doctor
Gastritis is a common condition that often improves on its own with simple lifestyle changes. However, there are some cases where gastritis does not improve and may even worsen over time.
In these cases, it is important to see a doctor for your gastritis treatment in Singapore. Additionally, you should see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Vomiting blood
- Bloody or black stools
- Severe and persistent abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
These symptoms may be indicative of a more serious condition and require prompt medical treatment.
Final Thoughts
Gastritis though common, can be a painful and disruptive condition. However, it can be treated, so there is no need to suffer.
If you think you may have gastritis, be sure to see a doctor. They can confirm the diagnosis and develop a treatment plan to help you feel better.
At the Alpha Digestive & Liver Center, we are here to help. Our team of experts can provide you with the care and treatment you need to get your digestive health back on track.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you feel your best! Call: (65) 6235 9658 or visit us at;
Alpha Digestive & Liver Centre | Dr Benjamin Yip
3 Mt Elizabeth #15-09
Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
+65 8876 9034