Differences Between Gastritis and Gastroenteritis: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Beyond
Gastritis and gastroenteritis are two conditions that affect the digestive system, but they have some key differences. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know about these conditions, their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Gastritis
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. It can be acute, meaning it comes on quickly and tends to go away on its own, or chronic, which develops gradually and may require medical treatment.
Common causes of gastritis include infections, consuming excessive amounts of fatty, sugary, or spicy foods, smoking, stress, and the regular use of anti-inflammatory pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen.
Symptoms of acute gastritis include stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. People with chronic gastritis may experience mild symptoms or none at all. However, undiagnosed and untreated chronic gastritis can lead to serious complications such as stomach ulcers and bleeds.
If you suspect you have gastritis, it's essential to seek guidance from a doctor, especially if you're taking anti-inflammatory pain relievers regularly. A doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating too much spicy food, or prescribe medication like proton pump inhibitors, H2 blockers, antacids, vitamin and mineral supplements to help manage your symptoms.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the intestine, or the stomach and the bowel. Unlike gastritis, gastroenteritis is a short-term condition that usually resolves on its own.
Common causes of gastroenteritis include infections from viruses, bacteria (such as Salmonella and E. coli), or parasites. Norovirus is a common cause and is highly contagious, often picked up from contaminated food, water, or contact with an infected person.
Symptoms of gastroenteritis include diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, nausea, and headache. Dehydration is a common complication, especially in babies, young children, older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, and adrenal gland disorders.
If you experience black, tarry stool, blood in stool, stomach cramps, pain, or discomfort, tiredness or lightheadedness, shortness of breath, vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, you should consult a doctor immediately.
While Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) can cause stomach inflammation and associated symptoms potentially resembling aspects of gastroenteritis (like nausea or vomiting), it is not classified as a cause of gastroenteritis. H. pylori is primarily associated with gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.
In summary, while H. pylori can cause stomach inflammation and associated symptoms potentially resembling aspects of gastroenteritis, it is not classified as a cause of gastroenteritis, which specifically involves acute inflammation of both the stomach and intestines.
To prevent both gastritis and gastroenteritis, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology recommends thorough and frequent hand washing, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, refrigerating food within 2 hours of preparation, using separate chopping boards for vegetables and raw meats, always washing fruit and vegetables before eating them, and avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol excessively.
Stay healthy and informed! If you have any concerns about your digestive health, always consult a healthcare professional.
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