$Unique_ID{BRK00066}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{Can Gastritis be Caused by Infection?}
$Subject{gastritis ulcer infection cancer}
$Volume{I-10, A-10}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Can Gastritis be Caused by Infection?


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QUESTION:  Can gastritis be caused by infection?  I always thought it was from
food.

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ANSWER:  Gastritis can actually be caused by a number of things.  As you
suggest, it can develop from eating foods that injure the mucosal lining of
the stomach.  It can also result from drug use, smoking, and alcohol which can
damage and inflame the gastric mucosa.  However, the condition can also be
caused by factors totally unrelated to diet.  The reflux of intestinal
contents into the stomach has been a determined cause of gastritis.
Immunologic and genetic factors are proven contributors as well.  And, in
answer to your question, gastritis can be the result of certain viral and
bacterial infections.
     In simple terms, gastritis involves inflammation and the possible wearing
away of gastric mucosa.  It is frequently associated with ulcer disease, and
in severe cases, with gastric carcinoma.  Two main types exist:  Type A, which
involves the stomach and develops after age 50 in association with a type of
anemia, and Type B, which involves the gastric antrum and is usually
accompanied by gastric or duodenal ulcers.
     Addressing your concern on the link between infection and gastritis, it
has been discovered that most patients suffering from Type B gastritis are
infected with C pylori bacteria, leading experts to believe that C pylori is a
major causative agent.  When C pylori is treated, mucosal inflammation
decreases and function improves.  Since gastritis has long been an enigma as a
disease, its association with C pylori has researchers hopeful that once a
cure for C pylori infection is found, we will finally gain a handle on
treating gastritis.
     Unfortunately, there is no reliable cure of C pylori infection available
as yet.  Bismuth compounds, such as Pepto-Bismol, suppress the infection and
gastritis, but C pylori organisms reappear once the drug is discontinued.
Moreover, there are many cases of C pylori infection where no gastritis is
evident, implying that even if it plays an important contributing role in the
development of gastritis, C pylori may not be the total answer in itself.
     In the meantime, extensive research is still being done to find ways to
help patients suffering from gastritis.  In cases where food or toxic agents
are the cause, a controlled diet can offer relief, and a doctor's consultation
is advised.  Cures for more complicated gastric conditions will hopefully be
available in the near future.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
