Possible Aspirin Induced Gastritis

I started taking daily aspirin for a couple months for cardio reasons.  Then I started feeling kind of naseous every day, off and on.  I stopped the aspirin and my doctor thinks I could have aspirin induced gastritis.  She put me on two Priolosec per day.  So I've been off the aspirin for three weeks and on the Prilosec for two weeks and haven't improved.  My doctor said it wouldn't improve overnight and could take "a while".

Two questions:

1. If it is because of the aspirin, how long should I wait before expecting improvement?  Would it typically improve in a few days, weeks or months?

2. If it doesn't improve in the timeframe suggested by your answer to question 1, what should be my next step?

Thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) Improvement from gastritis can take in the order weeks.  It can vary from patient to patient.

2) If the aspirin is leading to the gastritis, taking it in conjunction with omeprazole may be needed.  Another option to be explored is taking the aspirin with food, or changing to Plavix.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.


This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com