Difference Between Gastritis and Gastroenteritis

There are many people who use the terms gastroenteritis and gastritis interchangeably, because deep down they are unaware that they are two different conditions that do not affect those who present them in the same way.

If you also have doubts about it or you entered here hoping to find a little more information about this topic, then keep reading, because below we will explain what the difference between gastroenteritis and gastritis is.

STOMACH FLU  Difference Between Gastritis and Gastroenteritis

The gastroenteritis is a type of infection in the gastrointestinal tract mainly characterized by causing severe pain in the central part of the abdomen and also by diarrhea abundant.

It can have various causes, such as: rotavirus, salmonella, cholera, among others. Patients who are affected by this problem often report severe pain in the center of the abdomen and severe diarrhea. Gastroenteritis spreads through the ingestion of certain foods or water that is not well cared for and through contact with fecal matter, for this reason it is important to have a good sanitary and hygienic practice in order to prevent this type of infection.

Gastroenteritis can cause major problems for children and the elderly. Furthermore, due to dehydration as a result of diarrhea; patients generally require rehydration therapy. Antibiotics are also used to avoid more serious complications and relieve pain.

It is important that people with gastroenteritis eat a good and balanced diet while they are affected by this problem.

GASTRITIS

In another order, gastritis is nothing more than inflammation of the gastric mucosa. It causes pain and burning in the epigastrium because the inner layers that are responsible for protecting the stomach are exposed to gastric juice.

The  Helicobacter pylori  is usually the main causative organism of this disease , since this kind of bacteria colonizes the gastric mucosa; which leads to an increase in the predisposition to suffer from gastritis. In addition to the body, poor eating habits and eating times, excessive coffee, alcohol and smoking have been mentioned as risk factors that can lead to gastritis. Likewise, anti-inflammatories such as Apiarian and Diclofenac are also a frequent cause of this problem.

Finally, in the worst cases, people can develop gastric ulcers, gastric carcinomas and even perforations. Treatment for gastritis is based on avoiding risk factors and the use of some specialized medications.