Gastritis is inflammation of the mucosa of the stomach. Patients present with epigastric pain and burning, early satiety and anaemia. In severe cases patients can present with melaena (black coloured stools). Always consider and rule out cardiac etiology for vulnerable patients.
Medications:
- Start with tab. Pantakind 40 (Pantoprazole 40 mg) 1 tablet once a day on empty stomach for 4 weeks.
For Helicobacter Pylori infection
- Tab. Pantocid HP (Amoxicillin 750 mg, Pantoprazole 40 mg, Clarithromycin 500 mg) twice a day for 14 days AND
- Tab. Flagyl (Metronidazole 400 mg) 1 tablet twice a day for 14 days.
- After 14 days – tab. Pantakind 20 (Pantoprazole 20 mg) 1 tablet once a day at bedtime for next 6 weeks.
Supplementary treatment:
- Syrup Gelusil MPS (Aluminium hydroxide, Magnesium hydroxide, Dimethicone) 15 mls upto three times per day.
General advice:
- Advice bland diet
- Avoid large meals, fatty and spicy foods, hot beverages, carbonated drinks, alcohol, tobacco, smoking, onion, garlic.
- Advice reduction of physical and emotional stress.
- Avoid medicines like aspirin, NSAIDs, bisphosphonate, corticosteroids, acarbose, metformin, iron supplements and orlistat.
Investigations:
- Stool test or serum test of Helicobacter Pylori.
Referral:
Consider referring patients to gastroenterologist if there is inadequate response to above therapies or if patient presents with additional complications.