When To Call A Professional

Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have symptoms of gastritis that awaken you from sleep, prevent you from eating, or interfere with your work or school performance. Call your doctor if you use nonprescription antacids or H2 blockers more than twice each week to treat your symptoms.

Call your doctor immediately if you have severe abdominal pain, blood in your vomit, or stools that look black and tarry.

Prognosis

Once your doctor identifies the cause of your gastritis and begins treatment, the outlook for a full recovery is very good. However, if your gastritis is related to smoking or alcohol use, you must be willing to change your lifestyle to eliminate these irritants.

Additional Info

National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Disorders Office of Communications and Public Liaison Building 31, Room 9A04 31 Center Drive, MSC 2560 Bethesda, MD 20892-2560 Phone: (301) 496-4000 E-Mail: niddk_inquiries@nih.gov http://www.niddk.nih.gov/

American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) P.O. Box 3099 Arlington, VA 22302 http://www.acg.gi.org/