Gastritis and gastroenteritis
In this article we will provide you the difference between gastritis and gastroenteritis, Similarities and FAQs.
What does gastritis mean?
Gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa, characterized by abdominal pain and heartburn . Gastritis can be acute or chronic, depending on the time in which it develops; The first is generally associated with some precipitating factors such as the excessive use of alcohol or medications. The treatment to cure it includes changes in eating habits and controlling the intake of irritating substances, in addition to the use of antiulcerogenic drugs such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). In severe cases, when there are more severe complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding, even surgical procedures are used.
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What does gastroenteritis mean?
Gastroenteritis is a medical term Chinese . In addition, it was used to describe inflammation of the stomach and intestine, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. This disease causes symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and fever. Gastroenteritis can be mild or severe depending on the microorganisms involved and their virulence . Mild cases usually clear up without any treatment in a matter of days, but severe cases may require hospitalization and even lead to major complications if not treated properly.
Similarities Between Gastritis and Gastroenteritis
The words gastritis and gastroenteritis have some similarities in terms of their meaning. Both refer to inflammation of the lining of the digestive organs, basically the stomach and intestine. This can be caused by different factors, such as excessive alcohol or medication intake, viral or bacterial infections, chemical irritants, or food allergies. The most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; in addition to abdominal pain and/or abdominal distension. Both disorders will require accurate diagnosis for effective treatment to reduce the unpleasant symptoms associated with them.
Difference between gastritis and gastroenteritis
Gastritis is an inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach. This condition can be acute or chronic, and is often associated with autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease , systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis. The main symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and bad breath. Gastritis can also cause iron deficiency anemia due to blood being lost from the damaged lining of the stomach. On the other hand, gastroenteritis, also commonly known as “food poisoning,” is a generalized inflammation of the digestive tract that causes severe diarrhea and intense abdominal cramps. This condition generally occurs after ingesting food or drink contaminated with viruses, bacteria, or other pathogenic microorganisms; however, chemicals such as pesticides are also capable of causing gastroenteritis. Other additional symptoms include low-grade fever and mild but persistent chills along with recurrent nausea and vomiting.
Frequent questions about gastritis and gastroenteritis
What are the symptoms of gastritis?
Symptoms of gastritis include: abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and loss of appetite. Some people also experience a feeling of fullness or bloating in the stomach after eating.
What to do to relieve gastritis?
To alleviate gastritis, the best thing you can do is follow a healthy diet. This includes eating foods high in fiber and low in saturated fat, and avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods. It is also important to drink plenty of water to keep your stomach lining hydrated and thus reduce heartburn symptoms. Other recommendations are to avoid large meals and try not to lie down immediately after eating. Finally, regular physical activity will help you reduce the symptoms related to gastritis.
What causes gastritis?
Gastritis can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, a bacterial infection (such as H. Pylori bacteria), long-term medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or aspirin, excessive use of alcohol, and other gastric irritants.
What should not be eaten with gastritis?
You should not eat foods high in fat, spicy foods, fried foods and carbonated drinks. It is also advisable to avoid high-fiber foods, those with a lot of acid (such as pineapple) and full-fat dairy.
How many days does the gastroenteritis virus last?
The gastroenteritis virus can last between one and ten days, depending on the type of virus that causes this condition. Symptoms may also persist for several days after subsiding in intensity.
How is gastroenteritis cured?
Gastroenteritis is treated with rest, adequate fluids, and medications to relieve symptoms. It is recommended to eat a low-fat diet and avoid foods that can aggravate the problem such as coffee, sugary soft drinks, alcohol and dairy products. If symptoms are severe or persist for more than a week, it is important to see a medical professional.
How to know if it is gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis is an infection of the stomach and intestines, which causes diarrhea, vomiting, and other symptoms. To find out if you have gastroenteritis, it’s important to see your doctor for a complete physical exam and receive specific diagnostic tests such as blood, urine, or stool tests to confirm the presence of bacteria or other pathogens in your body.
What can you eat with gastroenteritis?
The best food choices to eat when you have gastroenteritis are those that are easily digested, such as white rice, toast, skinless and cooked fruit, boiled or steamed vegetables, pre-cooked chicken or lean meat, and low-fat plain yogurt. It is also advisable to drink clear liquids such as plain water or mild teas.