Few pains are as intense and sharp as stomach pain. When someone has this type of issue, many other problems can arise and seriously affect our health. And one of the main causes of such pain and discomfort in the stomach is the dreaded nervous gastritis. But what is it really? What are its causes? How is this condition treated? Find out everything you need to know about nervous gastritis in today’s article!
What is Nervous Gastritis?
Nervous gastritis is a condition also known as functional dyspepsia, which affects our stomach through inflammation, causing a burning sensation, discomfort, and a feeling of fullness. In addition to being harmful to health, a person with nervous gastritis cannot live normally when pain attacks occur, as they tend to be intense. Before we look into the true causes, symptoms, and treatments for nervous gastritis, it is important to understand that this is a condition surrounded by some controversy, as many believe it cannot be cured or has causes different from those that actually occur. Because of rumors and old beliefs in medicine, many people end up treating it incorrectly and on their own, which is not recommended in any case. We reiterate here, therefore, the importance of understanding what gastritis truly is.
Causes of Nervous Gastritis
Nervous gastritis happens due to the excessive production of stomach acid, the well-known gastric juice. And this can occur for various reasons, the main ones being:
- Bacterial infection
- Infections caused by medications
- Gastroesophageal reflux
It is very common for people to associate other types of stomach pain, such as those caused by stress or anxiety, with nervous gastritis. Although the pain may be similar, gastritis only occurs when there is inflammation. In fact, the term “nervous gastritis” comes from this belief. For a long time, doctors believed this type of illness was truly linked to gastritis. However, this hypothesis is now completely abandoned in medicine, as it is now known that it is much more likely to be caused by bacterial infections.
Symptoms of Nervous Gastritis
Now that you know better what nervous gastritis is and what causes it, it is also important to understand how it manifests in our bodies. The main symptoms of nervous gastritis are:
- Burning sensation in the stomach
- Feeling of fullness even when the stomach is not full
- Frequent burping
- General malaise
- Frequent nausea or even vomiting
- Slow digestion
In cases of nervous gastritis, not all of these symptoms may appear. That’s why it is always important to see a doctor, as only they can provide an accurate diagnosis so you know how to treat this problem. 
Treatment of Nervous Gastritis
First of all, it is important to know that nervous gastritis is a condition that can be cured and its progress can be reversed. However, for this to happen, in addition to the help of a professional who will prescribe the correct medications, it is also important for certain lifestyle habits to be changed, especially dietary ones. Consuming fewer acidic foods or those that stress the stomach is an excellent way to prevent stomach irritation and, with the help of proper medication, helps cure the condition. Some of the foods not recommended for people with nervous gastritis are:
- Sodas
- Fried foods in general
- Fast food
- Coffee
- Alcoholic beverages
- Cheese
- Chocolate
- Lemon and orange juices
On the other hand, some of the foods recommended for people with nervous gastritis are:
- Fish, chicken, and low-fat meats
- Vegetables and greens
- Non-acidic fruits
- Bean broth
- Plain crackers
It is important to note that these foods do not cure nervous gastritis, but they can help a lot with its management, especially when combined with the right medications. The medicines usually prescribed by doctors to treat nervous gastritis are antacids, combined with antibiotics that act directly against the bacteria causing gastritis.
Complications of Nervous Gastritis
Gastritis itself, although very painful, is not a dangerous illness. However, when not properly treated, it can cause various complications that can seriously affect our health, such as:
- Ulcers
- Kidney problems
- Intestinal obstruction
- Lymphoma
In truly severe and extreme cases, a person can even die from complications of gastritis. And although this happens rarely, it is necessary to be aware of all the risks this condition can bring. Nervous gastritis is a disease that involves a lot of misinformation and can cause complications in our lives, especially when not properly treated. That’s why it’s important to have the help of a professional so you undergo the right tests and the progress of your cure can be closely monitored. Taking care of your health is always important, especially when we are talking about a disease that can develop into much more severe conditions.
