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How do I Relieve Gastritis Pain?

Anna T.
Anna T.

Gastritis pain is often relieved with the use of medications that reduce acid levels in the stomach. Most pain relating to this condition is caused by the inflammation of the stomach lining, which creates a painful, burning sensation. Anti-inflammatory drugs, like aspirin and ibuprofen, may occasionally worsen the pain, so they are typically not used. Antacids, acid blockers, and proton pump inhibitors are often either prescribed by a medical professional or purchased over the counter to help control the condition. There are also some home remedies that may help control this type of pain.

Most people can ease their minor gastritis pain by using antacids. These medicines work by neutralizing the acid present in the stomach, which may reduce the burning sensation many sufferers experience. Very severe gastritis may not be responsive to over-the-counter antacids, and if you experience no relief after taking one, you should see a medical professional before increasing the dosage. Taking too many antacids over a short period of time can cause other problems, including severe constipation and kidney damage.

Antacids can alleviate gastritis pain.
Antacids can alleviate gastritis pain.

If you do not find relief from antacid use, you may benefit from taking acid blockers. These may be either prescribed by a healthcare professional or purchased over the counter. Most acid blockers contain cimetidine or famotidine, which are chemicals that lessen the amount of acid your stomach produces. Over-the-counter acid blockers generally work well for most people, but stronger prescription medicines may be necessary for treating very severe gastritis.

Some people find that licorice offers relief from gastritis pain.
Some people find that licorice offers relief from gastritis pain.

Proton pump inhibitors are other medications that you can use to treat gastritis pain. There are many popular brand-name products available over the counter at most drug stores as well as prescribed brands. These may be extremely beneficial for treating gastritis that is not responsive to any other medication. Your stomach has tiny pumps inside its cells that produce acid, and this medication shuts them down temporarily, which can provide pain relief.

An illustration of a human stomach, including the stomach lining, which becomes inflamed in those with gastritis.
An illustration of a human stomach, including the stomach lining, which becomes inflamed in those with gastritis.

In addition to medications, there are things you can do at home to help relieve this condition. Drinking lots of water is very important when your stomach is secreting excess acid, and it is also a good idea to avoid dairy products, which may actually increase the amount of acid in your stomach and cause more pain. It is also a good idea to sleep with your head elevated rather than lying flat because this will put gravity on your side. When you sit up, it is harder for the acid in your stomach to travel upward and cause you discomfort. It may also help to chew some licorice about 30 minutes before each meal you eat because it has some natural acid-fighting properties.

Discussion Comments

venus666

According to the research, Helicobacter Pylori is the culprit of gastric disease. So testing for HP plays a vital role in curing gastric disease. a blood test is an effective way to test for HP. Utilize the H pylori antigen to the test and you can have a chance to cure gastric disease.

anon341045

I have had gastritis for four years. Nothing seems to be helping. I took dexilant and that helped for a while. I now have nausea every night after about four hours.

I think I should see my doctor again, but it's very frustrating. He just says I'll live.

anon325049

I hope this can help anyone battling with gastritis.

I tried some different remedies to ease the pain, but what really annihilated my Gastritis was simple: taking Tylenol!

I did some research and any other pain reliever has a decent chance of further inflaming your stomach and making the problem worse. Seriously, try Tylenol. I went to bed after taking some and woke up cured!

healthy4life

I prop my head up on two pillows at night when I have abdominal pain and acid reflux. This makes all the acid drain back down the way it came.

I used to lie down and get horrible heartburn. The acid would creep into my throat, and I would have to get up and chew on a cracker and drink some water to get the horrible taste and burning sensation out of my throat. Now, all I need is to be propped up while sleeping.

wavy58

@cloudel – Oh, I can't do without my frozen yogurt and ice cream! Pizza also gives me stomach and abdominal pain, but I can't stop eating it.

So, I just take antacids whenever I have to have these foods. I take the kind that is chewable.

These antacids used to be so chalky that I couldn't stand them. Then, the company started making them fruit-flavored, and they are so much better now. I actually enjoy eating them!

Within a few minutes of eating an antacid, I feel relief. I keep some in my purse for emergencies when I'm away from home.

cloudel

Antacids are great for relieving gastritis, but once you have it under control, you can take steps to prevent it from coming back. I finally learned what foods to avoid, and now, I rarely have heartburn.

Spicy Mexican food always caused me to have stomach pains and bloating. My stomach would burn, but I would also feel really full of gas.

Also, milk causes me to have heartburn. Yogurt does this, too.

As long as I keep these foods out of my diet, I'm fine. I don't miss the spicy foods at all, but I do miss my frozen yogurt sometimes. So, I've started pureeing fruit and freezing it as a substitute.

kylee07drg

I'd never heard of a proton pump inhibitor before reading this article. It sounds like a great way to get to the heart of the problem.

Gastritis related abdominal pain is all about acid, either too much of it or the flow of it in the wrong direction. If you could cut it off at the source, or rather slow down its source, you would be more likely to get relief than if you simply took antacids.

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    • Antacids can alleviate gastritis pain.
      By: ckellyphoto
      Antacids can alleviate gastritis pain.
    • Some people find that licorice offers relief from gastritis pain.
      By: scis65
      Some people find that licorice offers relief from gastritis pain.
    • An illustration of a human stomach, including the stomach lining, which becomes inflamed in those with gastritis.
      By: pixologic
      An illustration of a human stomach, including the stomach lining, which becomes inflamed in those with gastritis.
    • Symptoms of gastritis may include severe abdominal pain and cramping.
      By: nebari
      Symptoms of gastritis may include severe abdominal pain and cramping.
    • Ibuprofen can worsen gastritis pain.
      By: Bob Rannells
      Ibuprofen can worsen gastritis pain.