Gastritis or Urdhavaga Amlapitta is a common medical problem among humans. It is actually inflammation of the stomach that may eventually give rise to many life-threatening complications, if not treated in time. Gastritis is not a single disease and the term is actually used to describe a group of conditions characterised by inflammation of the lining of the stomach. The inflammation of gastritis usually results from infection with the same bacterium that causes most stomach ulcers.

There are several factors that contribute to the development of gastritis or Urdhavaga Amlapitta. The most common causes of gastritis include poor or imbalanced diet; a weakening of the immune system brought about by smoking or alcohol abuse; lasting and unresolved stress; etc. It is found that stress creates the ideal conditions for gastritis. Traumatic injury and regular use of certain pain relievers can also contribute to gastritis. Apart from these, excessive alcohol consumption or prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also known as NSAIDs), major surgery, burns, severe infections, infection with bacteria, certain diseases like pernicious anaemia, chronic bile reflux, and certain autoimmune disorders, etc. are also considered probable causes of gastritis.

Gastritis or Urdhavaga Amlapitta can be identified through various signs and symptoms. The most common symptom of gastritis is abdominal upset or pain. A pain or discomfort in the upper part of the belly (abdomen) is sometimes called as dyspepsia. The abdominal pain may be felt after eating and may return later with more severity. The other symptoms of gastritis include a pain behind the sternum (in the centre of the chest), loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, abdominal bloating, etc. Sometimes a person suffering from gastritis may have a feeling of fullness or burning in the upper abdomen as well. Gastritis or Urdhavaga Amlapitta can be diagnosed through the urea breath test, Gastroscopy or Endoscopy, blood test, complete blood count test, a stool test, a biopsy of the gastric lining, etc. Sometimes, the physicians assess the clinical history of the patient for diagnosing gastritis.

There are two types of Gastritis or Urdhavaga Amlapitta. These two types are called as acute gastritis and chronic gastritis and they represent a critical and persistent condition of the disease, respectively. Acute gastritis may occur suddenly and may involve bleeding of the stomach mucosa. This is mainly caused due to damage to the tissue caused by the stomach`s own acid and the bleeding normally lasts not more than 24 hours. The bacteria Helicoacter pylori are the main cause behind 90% of cases of acute gastritis. On the other hand, chronic gastritis involves a long-term inflammation of the mucosal lining of the stomach. Generally, the older people tend to suffer more frequently with chronic gastritis and this inflammatory condition of the upper digestive system can last for years. Among several possible causes, the Helicobacter pylori bacteria are found in 90% of all patients suffering from chronic gastritis.

Various alternative medicinal methods are applied for treatment of Gastritis or Urdhavaga Amlapitta. The traditional medicines like Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Naturopathy, etc. are used quite frequently for curing gastritis. The Ayurvedic medicine utilises the herbs like Chamomile, English mallow, Ginger, Meadowsweet (leaves and flowers), Amla (Indian Gooseberry), Slippery Elm, Licorice, etc. for healing gastritis. In Homoeopathy, the remedies like Nux Vomica, Lycopodium, Phosphorus, Arsenic album, Veratrum album, Bryonia alba, Belladonna, Graphites, Carbo vegetabilis, Argenticum Nitricum, Mercurious, Kali bichromicum, China officinalis, Sulphur, Kali carbonicum, Pulsatilla, Aconite, etc. are considered quite effective in curing gastritis. Apart from these medicines, different home remedies, water treatments or dietary restrictions are also used for treatment of gastritis.

Gastritis or Urdhavaga Amlapitta is sometimes considered as a pre-condition for other severe health disorders like Peptic Ulcer Disease or cancer. Gastritis is caused due to many reasons, can be identified through various signs and symptoms and is treated following different medicinal methods. However, taking preventive actions like reducing alcohol consumption, avoiding hot or spicy foods or foods that trigger attacks, quit smoking, avoiding prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, etc. can help a person to stay away from Gastritis or Urdhavaga Amlapitta.