Abstract
Utilizing a fake case study, this paper will work to describe the condition of a 50 year old man suffering from substernal pain for the past five months. The paper will work to provide an explanation for his condition, and the reasons that this has been identified as his current condition. It will include whether or not this is acute or chronic gastritis, the factors that may have led to the development of gastritis, the investigations that should be performed, and the appropriate method of treating the patient.
Keywords: gastritis, diagnosis, development, investigation, treatment methods
 
Gastrointestinal Disorders
A 50 year old male has been suffering from substernal pain for the past five months, including upon waking up in the morning. He lost his job approximately one year ago and suffered from depression as a result. He currently consumes between twelve and sixteen cans of beer per day, having lost his appetite and stating that eating aggravates the pain he feels. Given the patient’s symptomology, it may be stated that it is most likely that he has chronic gastritis. Acute gastritis is a sudden inflammation of the stomach lining, coming on sharply and without real warning, while chronic gastritis starts gradually and persists for a longer duration of time, over the course of months, as the patient is presenting (Khan, 2007).

Order Now
Use code: HELLO100 at checkout

Different factors lead to gastritis, not a disease in and of itself, but a grouping of various conditions; gastritis may develop as a result of medication, alcohol consumption, the consumption of corrosive substances, stress, or infections (Khan, 2007). In the patient’s case it was likely brought on as a result of the depression felt after the loss of his job in combination with the excessive alcohol consumption; it is most likely the continued excessive amounts of alcohol that have caused the condition to persist for this long. Tests for gastritis include testing for H. pylori, a bacterium that can be tested for in either stool or blood samples, endoscopies, or x-rays (Mayo Clinic, 2013).

To treat the patient for this condition, antibiotics may be prescribed as a means of killing the bacterium H. pylori (Mayo Clinic, 2013). Medications to reduce acid production, medications that block acid production, promoting healing, or antacids may also be prescribed to the individual as a means of treating his condition (Mayo Clinic, 2013). It would also be recommended that he cut back on his alcohol consumption.

    References
  • Khan, R. (2007). Gastritis – Acute and Chronic Gastritis – Cause, Treatment, Homeopathy Medicine. [online] Retrieved from: http://health.hpathy.com/gastritis-symptoms-treatment-cure.asp [Accessed: 7 Dec 2013].
  • Mayo Clinic (2013). Gastritis: Treatments and drugs – MayoClinic.com. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastritis/DS00488/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs [Accessed: 7 Dec 2013].
  • Mayo Clinic (2011). Gastritis: Tests and diagnosis – MayoClinic.com. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gastritis/DS00488/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis [Accessed: 7 Dec 2013].