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- $Unique_ID{BRK00566}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{What is "Gastritis"?}
- $Subject{stomach belching gastritis Digestive inflammation gastric mucosa
- lining}
- $Volume{I-10}
- $Log{}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- What is "Gastritis"?
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-
- QUESTION: Whenever a co-worker burps or feels queasy, she claims it is a
- serious case of "gastritis". When we suggest that it is just gas or
- indigestion, she insists that it is a disease she has suffered with from
- childhood. We have all checked our home medical advisors, but can't agree on
- a diagnosis for her. Can you define her gastritis for us?
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- ANSWER: Probably not. The term is used in medicine to mean many things
- depending upon your specialty and point of view. Technically the definition
- of gastritis is "an inflammation of the gastric mucosa" or stomach lining.
- However, radiologists evaluating x-rays use the term to diagnose certain
- changes observable in their pictures. A pathologist would use the findings
- seen in tissue samples, and a gastroenterologist would base his usage on
- appearances seen through his gastroscope. I can't make a better diagnosis
- than you without a lot more information, and guess I would just call it "an
- upset stomach" that apparently is upsetting a whole office staff.
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-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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-