1. Take the Tummy Trouble Quiz
2. Digestive Disease Myths Slideshow Pictures
3. Heartburn? Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid Slideshow

Medical Author:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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Medical Editor:

Bhupinder Anand, MD

The safest treatment is to avoid substances that trigger gastritis symptoms.

• Almost all health care practitioners would recommend this as the first step in preventing gastritis.
• First, the patient has to identify the triggers of gastritis.
• Most people are aware of their triggers before seeking medical care.
• If a person does not know what triggers their gastritis, a health care practitioner can assist them in determining the triggers.

Common avoidable triggers of gastritis symptoms include the following. See the "Causes" for a more complete list.

• Certain medications and chemicals
• Cigarette smoking
• Alcohol
• Coffee and other beverages that contain caffeine, such as cola and tea

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See the Entire Gastritis Topic Guide »