What Causes Gastritis Flair Up?

Posted on Tue, 14 Oct 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 14 Oct 2014 Answered on

Thu, 6 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I recently had a gastritis flair up ... It has now gone back to normal . But for the last week and 1/2 I had these lower left back spasms that come on like a wave and then leave . The strange thing is the are very infrequent ... They come then might not come back for several hours . If I am out and keeping my mine occupied or have a few drinks to unwind ... I wont have any spasms for a day or so . But they do come back eventually . I have had x-rays taken , a sonagram done and nothing has come back unusual . The scan did show I have a lot of gas in my body . I do have issues with Gerd .. I am overweight .. And have recently gone on a high fiber diet . What do you think could be the cause of this ? ...thank you for your imput .

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Probably Gastritis, But Needs evaluation

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in

Here are few observations which need consideration for management :

1] All your reports are normal except excessive gas
2] You are known case of Gerd
3] You are obese
4] You consume alcohol to relieve stress which actually aggravates gastritis
5] You are under stress as you need alcohol to divert your mind

Here are few suggestions :
1] Avoid spicy, fermented meals
2] Do not have heavy meals
3] Avoid smoking and alcohol
4] Wear loose clothes
5] Do not stoop
6] Do not lift heavy weights
7] Raise the head end of your bed
8] If Obese lose weight
9] If under stress - Manage stress levels by meditation and exercise

Get an Upper GI Endoscopy done, A liver function test, serum amylase and serum lipase

And in the mean time start a proton pump inhibitor twice a day before breakfast and before dinner

Hope this helps
Do write back in case of concern

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (9 minutes later)

I have had an upper GI test done .., also had the liver function tests and the pancreas tests done ... They were nornal ... except for the liver .. I have a slight fatty liver and eas told to lose weight and watch my diet .

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Avoid Alcohol & Reduce Weight

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for your followup

With all these reports as normal, you are a lucky man, yet take this as a warning bell and follow your consultant

Your consultant is right, reduce weight, watch your diet and avoid alcohol

Also when there is a flareup take Liq Sucralfate two tsf four times a day

Hope this clear your doubts
Wishing you a healthy life ahead

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (12 minutes later)

Do you think this lower left spasms might be caused from the Fatty liver ?

Answered by Dr. Ajit Naniksingh Kukreja (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Apparently No

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in again

The lower left spasms could be because of associated collitis

So keep a watch, if they continue add a probiotic twice a day and may be if needed go for a stool report

And get back to me with the reports
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari