13 May 2024

Stomach Ulcers and GERD: What's the Difference?

Gastritis, medically known as gastritis, is an inflammation of the stomach lining caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori.

Causes:
Gastritis is not only caused by delayed meals but can also be triggered by stress, alcohol consumption, smoking, intake of high-caffeine beverages, autoimmune diseases, certain medications, and bacterial infections. These factors can lead to inflammation of the stomach lining.
GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is caused by a weakened lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. Common triggers include overeating, lying down after meals, medications with side effects like palpitations, and abdominal pressure from a hiatal hernia.

Symptoms:
Both gastritis and GERD have abdominal pain as a common symptom, but they exhibit distinct characteristics.
For gastritis, common symptoms include bloating, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, dark-colored stools, epigastric pain, and vomiting blood in severe cases.
Patients with GERD often experience heart palpitations, a burning sensation in the esophagus, vomiting, chest pain, coughing, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing.

Diagnosis:
The severity of both gastritis and GERD can be determined through endoscopy and X-ray examinations. To undergo an endoscopy, a referral from an internal medicine specialist is required.

Treatment:
While gastritis and GERD differ in severity, they share similarities in the medications prescribed.
Commonly prescribed medications include:

• Antibiotics to kill bacteria.

• Antacids containing calcium carbonate to neutralize stomach acid.

• Histamine blockers to reduce stomach acid production.

• Proton pump inhibitors to alleviate stomach pain caused by acid.
  For GERD patients, baclofen may be prescribed to reduce esophageal pain caused by acid reflux.

Prevention:
To prevent recurrence of gastritis and GERD, the following measures are recommended:

• Avoid spicy, fatty, or acidic foods.

• Limit fried foods.

• Avoid high-caffeine beverages (coffee, tea), alcohol, and soda.

• Eat small, frequent meals.

• Avoid lying down immediately after eating.

• Manage stress effectively.
  If symptoms of gastritis or GERD recur, consult an internal medicine specialist promptly.

Reviewed by: dr. Innosensius Ibnu Ishwara, M.K.K.

Source: Mitra Keluarga Hospital Health Article

Photo: freepik.com