Digestive Ailment: Signs, origination, and solutions - gastritis
In the realm of gastrointestinal health, gastritis is a common issue that affects many individuals. This condition, characterised by inflammation of the stomach lining, can stem from various sources, including viruses, fungi, and certain bacteria, particularly H. pylori.
For those with immune conditions or long-term illnesses, viruses and fungi can cause gastritis. H. pylori gastritis, on the other hand, may increase the risk of developing stomach cancer. Gastritis, being a common problem, increases the risk of complications such as stomach ulcers and stomach cancer.
In April 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested the removal of all ranitidine (Zantac) products from the US market due to unacceptable levels of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a probable carcinogen. The FDA recall was prompted by the presence of NDMA, which can increase over time and with improper storage, posing a potential health risk.
After the recall, individuals were directed to stop using ranitidine (Zantac) immediately and dispose of any remaining medication following FDA drug disposal guidelines. The Defense Health Agency (DHA), referencing FDA guidance, advised patients to do so by either drug take-back programs or safe trash disposal methods, such as mixing the medication with undesirable substances like coffee grounds or kitty litter, placing it in a sealed container or bag, and disposing of it in household trash.
It's important to note that chronic gastritis can increase the risk of other gastrointestinal conditions, including stomach ulcers or peptic ulcers and stomach bleeding. Symptoms of gastritis can include sharp, stabbing, or burning pain in the upper abdomen, bloating, belching, nausea, vomiting (which may be clear, yellow, or green), vomit containing blood, severe stomach pain, red or black blood in stool or vomit, foul-smelling bowel movements, weight loss, and dizziness.
Autoimmune atrophic gastritis is a subtype of gastritis that can reduce the body's ability to absorb iron from the blood and may also affect vitamin B12 absorption, leading to anemia. Certain types of gastritis, including autoimmune atrophic gastritis and H. pylori gastritis, cannot be confirmed with initial tests and require an endoscopy and tissue biopsy for a conclusive diagnosis.
Irritating substances, such as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), can cause reactive gastritis, which affects around 10% of people in the US and is the most common cause of stomach ulcers. Other causes of gastritis include radiation exposure, eosinophilic gastritis resulting from an allergic reaction, and physical trauma or damage to the stomach lining.
Risk factors for gastritis include smoking, high levels of stress, excessive use of alcohol or cocaine, swallowing corrosives or foreign objects, a history of chronic vomiting, a vitamin B12 deficiency, routine use of NSAIDs, regular use of prescription steroids, chemotherapy, potassium supplements, or iron supplements, exposure to radiation, bile reflux after stomach surgery, an autoimmune condition such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or type 1 diabetes, HIV, Crohn's disease, tuberculosis, and syphilis.
If you experience symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, abdominal pain with fever, black or bloody stool, dizziness, and fainting, seek urgent medical attention.
In conclusion, gastritis is a common condition with various causes and potential complications. The 2020 FDA recall of ranitidine (Zantac) highlighted the importance of following proper drug disposal guidelines to ensure safety. If you suspect you have gastritis, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Gastrointestinal health encompasses a wide range of medical-conditions, including gastritis.
- Gastritis is marked by inflammation of the stomach lining, a condition that affects numerous individuals.
- The sources of gastritis can be diverse, including viruses, fungi, and specific bacteria, like H. pylori.
- For those with immune conditions or chronic diseases, viruses and fungi can instigate gastritis.
- H. pylori gastritis might boost the risk of developing stomach cancer.
- Gastritis poses the risk of complications such as stomach ulcers and stomach cancer.
- In April 2020, the FDA advised the removal of ranitidine products due to unacceptable levels of NDMA.
- NDMA, a probable carcinogen, can increase with improper storage, posing a health risk.
- After the recall, individuals were instructed to cease using ranitidine and follow FDA drug disposal guidelines.
- Chronic gastritis can lead to other gastrointestinal conditions, such as stomach ulcers or peptic ulcers and stomach bleeding.
- Symptoms of gastritis may include upper abdominal pain, bloating, belching, and nausea.
- Autoimmune atrophic gastritis can impede the body's iron absorption and affect vitamin B12 absorption, leading to anemia.
- Autoimmune atrophic gastritis and H. pylori gastritis might require endoscopy and tissue biopsy for a definitive diagnosis.
- Reactive gastritis, caused by substances like NSAIDs, affects approximately 10% of people in the US and is the most common cause of stomach ulcers.
- Other gastritis causes include radiation exposure, eosinophilic gastritis, and physical trauma to the stomach lining.
- Factors that heighten gastritis risk include smoking, stress, excessive alcohol or cocaine use, foreign object swallowing, and chronic vomiting.
- Other risk factors include vitamin B12 deficiency, routine NSAID use, regular prescription steroid use, chemotherapy, certain supplements, radiation exposure, bile reflux, autoimmune conditions, and specific diseases like Crohn's, tuberculosis, and syphilis.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms like rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, and black or bloody stool.
- Science and medicine have made significant strides in understanding, predicting, and managing various gastrointestinal health problems.
- In addition to gastritis, COPD is a common respiratory-condition that impacts millions worldwide.
- COPD symptoms include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest.
- COPD is usually caused by smoking, air pollution, or occupational dust inhalation.
- Therapies and treatments for COPD range from lifestyle changes, medication, to oxygen therapy and lung transplants.
- Dry skin is a common condition affecting numerous individuals, from skin-care enthusiasts to those with psoriasis.
- Skin-care routines involving moisturizers and hydrating products can alleviate dry skin.
- Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance or lack of insulin production.
- Factors contributing to type 2 diabetes include genetic predisposition, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity.
- Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, maintaining a balanced diet, and exercise are crucial for managing type 2 diabetes.
- Macular degeneration is an age-related eye-health issue that affects the central part of the retina, leading to vision loss.
- Age, genetics, smoking, and sun exposure are the main risk factors for macular degeneration.
- Regular eye examinations, an eye-healthy diet, and lifestyle changes can help slow progression and reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
- Hearing loss is another common chronic disease, particularly in older adults.
- Loud noises, genetics, aging, and certain medications may cause hearing loss.
- Hearing aids, cochlear implants, and various therapies can assist in managing hearing loss.
- The intersection of health and wellness, fitness, and exercise, autoimmune disorders, climate change, mental health, skin-care, and countless other aspects forms the intricate landscape of the healthcare industry today.
