GASTRITIS (Neo-Lat., from Gk. yacrrhp, gas tar, stomach). A disease in which the mucous membrane of the stomach is the scat of disordered action accompanied by inflammation. Acute gas tritis may be of three forms: (1) Acute ca tarrhal gastritis, in which there is a feeling of fullness, production of gas in the stomach, nau sea, slight pain, severe headache, often rise of temperature, possibly vomiting, diarrhoea or con stipation, with furred tongue. It is caused by errors in diet, such as excessive quantities of food, ice-cold drinks, spiced or fermented food, or alcoholic beverages. It is very common, and, except in the aged, has a favorable prognosis. Emptying the stomach by washing with a tube or pump is good treatment in some instances. Some aperient is generally very desirable, and the stomach should be rested for about three days. (2) Toxic, gastritis is caused by alcohol, phosphorus, arsenic, corrosive sublimate, chlorate of potash, mineral acids, caustic alkalies, etc. The symptoms are as given for acute catarrhal gastritis with vomiting of blood, torturing thirst, small pulse, cyanosis, cold perspiration, and even coma and death in grave cases. The treatment
consists in antidoting the poison taken, and in some cases washing the stomach. (3) Purulent or phlegnionous gastritis, in which variety small abscesses form in the submucous or muscular layer of the stomach walls. After dyspeptic symptoms for several days, burning pain, thirst, revulsion against food, fever reaching 103° to 105° F., small, irregular pulse, vomiting of mucus and bile, and generally diarrhoea follow. Death gen erally supervenes in from four days to two weeks.
In chronic gastritis the symptoms are as in the acute catarrhal form, persisting permanently, with constipation alternating with diarrhoea, pyrosis, scanty urine, cold hands and feet, coated tongue. There is generally a decrease in the secretion of gastric juice, and low acidity, as learned from a test meal. Diet and hygiene, oc casional lavage, intragastric electrization, certain mineral waters, and very little drugging, help many cases to enjoy life for years.