Gastritis Treatment in Los Angeles, CA
Gastritis refers to a group of infections and conditions that cause inflammation in the lining of your stomach. If you suffer from gnawing or burning stomach pain, indigestion, or chronic nausea and vomiting, Farshid Sam Rahbar, MD, FACP, ABIHM, and our team at LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition in Century City can help. We take a holistic approach to diagnosing the cause of your gastritis and creating a comprehensive, patient-focused treatment plan.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Gastritis?
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. It can develop suddenly (acute gastritis) or gradually over months or years (chronic gastritis). Many people experience a gnawing or burning pain in the upper abdomen or severe indigestion, and eating may either worsen or temporarily relieve the discomfort. Without treatment, chronic gastritis can increase the risk of peptic ulcers, bleeding, and, in some cases, stomach cancer. With accurate diagnosis and customized care, the stomach lining can heal.
Symptoms of Gastritis
- Gnawing or burning pain in the upper abdomen
- Indigestion and bloating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feeling uncomfortably full after eating small amounts
- Loss of appetite
- Black or tarry stools or vomiting blood, which require urgent care
What Causes Gastritis?
One of the most common causes is infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium that can damage the stomach lining and lead to ulcers and other upper gastrointestinal disorders. Lifestyle factors can increase vulnerability to this infection. Other contributing factors include:
- Frequent use of pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
- Excessive alcohol use
- Chronic stress
- Autoimmune disorders, including autoimmune gastritis
- Bile reflux, in which bile backs up into the stomach and irritates its lining
- Aging, since the stomach lining naturally thins over time
Gastritis is closely linked with GERD and can also contribute to low stomach acid, nutrient deficiencies, and SIBO.
How Gastritis Is Diagnosed
Dr. Rahbar begins with a thorough history and physical exam. Testing may include breath, stool, or blood testing for H. pylori, an upper endoscopy with biopsies to examine the stomach lining, imaging, and duodenal aspirates when bacterial overgrowth is suspected. For patients with risk factors, we also offer stomach cancer screening.
Integrative Gastritis Treatment
Once the cause is identified, Dr. Rahbar creates a customized plan that blends Western and integrative medicine to heal the stomach and eliminate infection. Treatment may include antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori, medications to reduce or neutralize stomach acid, and adjustments to pain reliever use. Dietary changes to remove irritating foods and alcohol, smaller and more frequent meals, probiotics, and targeted nutraceutical supplements support healing of the stomach lining. Our customized nutrition plans and inflammation control strategies help prevent recurrence and improve long-term digestive health.
Gastritis FAQs
What is the most common cause of gastritis?
H. pylori infection and regular use of NSAID pain relievers such as ibuprofen and aspirin are among the most common causes. Alcohol, stress, bile reflux, and autoimmune conditions can also contribute.
How is H. pylori diagnosed?
H. pylori can be detected with breath, stool, or blood testing, or with biopsies taken during an upper endoscopy.
Can gastritis go away on its own?
Mild acute gastritis may improve once the irritant is removed, but chronic gastritis and H. pylori infection usually require medical treatment to heal fully and prevent complications.
What foods should I avoid with gastritis?
Common irritants include alcohol, spicy foods, fried or fatty foods, coffee, and acidic foods. A customized nutrition plan helps identify your specific triggers.
Is gastritis the same as an ulcer?
No. Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, while an ulcer is an open sore. Untreated gastritis can lead to ulcers.
Can gastritis increase cancer risk?
Certain types of chronic gastritis, especially long-standing H. pylori infection and autoimmune gastritis, can increase stomach cancer risk. Your doctor may recommend stomach cancer screening.
Heal Your Stomach With Expert Care in Los Angeles, CA
If you are concerned about gastritis or live with chronic stomach pain, call LA Integrative Gastroenterology & Nutrition at (310) 289-8000 to schedule an appointment, or continue reading about Lyme disease.