Gastritis and acid reflux may seem like the same kind of disorder to people because they have the same basic symptoms: stomach upset and pain. But gastritis can be a much more dangerous problem, and it needs to be treated in different ways than acid reflux would be.

One way to know you're dealing with gastritis instead of acid reflux is if you have more severe symptoms including belching, abdominal bloating, a feeling of

If you have any of these problems, do not attempt to self-diagnose and seek help from your doctor as soon as possible.

Gastritis can be diagnosed through the use of an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, otherwise known as a camera laced down through the mouth to the stomach. Gastritis is caused by an inflammation of the stomach lining, so this is the best way to figure out what is going on.

Your doctor may also take a blood sample, since gastritis can be caused by anemia, or a stool test to check for blood in the stool. Blood is a sign of stomach bleeding, which is quite serious. The stool can also be tested for the presence of a bacteria, Heliobacter pylori, which can also cause the disorder.

Other possible causes for gastritis include overuse of alcohol, prolonged use of aspirin or ibuprofen, or an autoimmune disorder. Sometimes it develops after a major surgery or when the body is recovering from injury, burns, illness or infection.

Depending on the cause of your gastritis, treatment may vary, which is why you need to consult with a doctor before trying any home remedies. If your cause is caused by a bacterial infection, for instance, antibiotics will clear up the problem.

If a overproduction of acid is at the heart of the problem, you may be prescribed acid-reducing medicines. In that case, many of the home remedies that work for acid reflux will be helpful as well. There are all sorts of remedies straight out of the grocery store that will help relieve your symptoms in no time.

It is important, however, not to stop taking a prescribed medicine or alter a course of treatment without talking to your doctor first. Gastritis is a serious condition that can cause real and lasting damage to your stomach, so make sure you work with your doctor to come up with a treatment you can stick with for healing.

About the Author

Joe Barton is an expert in natural remedies for treating heartburn, acid reflux and other gastroespohageal problems. His Reflux Remedy Resource provides useful information to sufferers so they can find relief without drugs. For more information, visit http://www.refluxremedy.com.