What is the recommended treatment for acute gastritis?

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From the Guidelines

For patients with bad gastritis, it is essential to focus on a diet that reduces stomach acid production and avoids irritants, while also considering medications such as proton pump inhibitors, H-2 blockers, and sucralfate as recommended by recent guidelines 1. When managing acute gastritis, the goal is to alleviate symptoms, promote healing, and prevent future episodes.

  • Key dietary recommendations include:
    • Avoiding spicy, fatty, and high-fiber foods that can irritate the stomach lining
    • Eating smaller, more frequent meals to reduce symptoms of bloating and discomfort
    • Incorporating foods that are low in acid, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet), which can help settle the stomach
    • Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other non-irritating fluids
  • In addition to dietary changes, medications play a crucial role in treating acute gastritis, as noted in a study published in Genetics in Medicine 1, which suggests the use of proton pump inhibitors, H-2 blockers, and sucralfate for symptom relief and healing.
  • It is also important to avoid irritants such as alcohol, NSAIDs, and smoking, which can exacerbate inflammation and hinder the healing process.
  • While specific foods to eat for bad gastritis are not extensively outlined in the provided evidence, the focus on reducing stomach acid and avoiding irritants guides both dietary and medicinal treatment approaches, aiming to improve morbidity, mortality, and quality of life outcomes.

From the FDA Drug Label

Concomitant antacids should be given as needed for pain relief to patients with active duodenal ulcer; active, benign gastric ulcer; hypersecretory states; GERD; and erosive esophagitis.

The recommended treatment for acute gastritis includes the use of antacids for pain relief, as stated in the drug label. However, the label does not provide information on specific foods to eat that are good for bad gastritis.

  • The label mentions the treatment of conditions such as duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, and GERD, but does not provide dietary recommendations.
  • It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice on managing acute gastritis, including dietary guidance 2.

From the Research

Treatment for Acute Gastritis

The recommended treatment for acute gastritis includes the use of proton pump inhibitors, histamine H2 receptor inhibitors, and antacids 3. However, these treatments have been linked to various side effects.

Alternative Therapies

Research has been conducted on alternative therapeutics using food or food-based products, with 28 clinical studies evaluating the effectiveness of:

  • Garlic
  • Turmeric
  • Red peppers
  • Broccoli sprouts
  • Cranberry juice
  • Honey
  • Oils
  • Probiotics contained in different foods, such as juices, yogurt, and cheese 3

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors, such as lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole, have been shown to be effective in treating acid-related gastrointestinal disorders, including gastro-oesophaeal reflux and peptic ulcer disease 4, 5. These inhibitors work by inhibiting gastric acid secretion via inhibition of gastric hydrogen/potassium adenosine triphosphatase (H+,K(+)-ATPase) 4.

Prevention and Treatment of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Induced Side-Effects

Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole and lansoprazole, have been shown to be effective in healing gastric and duodenal ulcers in patients continuing to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 6. Additionally, misoprostol has been shown to be effective in preventing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastroduodenal lesions 6.

Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Proton Pump Inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, and pantoprazole, have been shown to possess antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori and may also exert an anti-inflammatory effect by interfering with the cellular immune response to infection 7.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Use of food and food-derived products in the treatment of gastritis: A systematic review.

Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 2023

Research

Lansoprazole: a proton pump inhibitor.

The Annals of pharmacotherapy, 1996

Research

The choice of proton pump inhibitor: does it matter?

Basic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology, 2004

Research

Prophylaxis and treatment of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced upper gastrointestinal side-effects.

Digestive and liver disease : official journal of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology and the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver, 2001

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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