Final answer:
Acute and Chronic Gastritis involve inflammation of the stomach lining, which may lead to severe dehydration. Gastric lavage is a procedure that may be used for certain cases of gastritis, helping remove stomach contents and allowing measurement of gastric components to inform treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term Acute and Chronic Gastritis refers to the inflammation of the stomach lining that can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually over time (chronic). When a hospital in western Florida observed a spike in cases showing symptoms similar to acute gastroenteritis, such as emesis and diarrhea, it highlighted the prevalence of gastrointestinal issues in clinical settings. Gastritis can lead to severe dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea. In the chronic form, it can be caused by bacteria like Helicobacter pylori, which survives in the stomach's acidic environment by producing urease. Gastric lavage is a medical procedure that may be used in certain cases of gastritis where it is necessary to wash out the contents of the stomach.
Performing a gastric lavage involves introducing water or a saline solution into the stomach and then removing it, which can help rid the stomach of irritants, toxins or bacteria that are causing the inflammation. This procedure is typically reserved for specific scenarios and requires the skill and knowledge of trained medical personnel. Gastric lavage can also aid in diagnosing gastritis by allowing for the measurement of gastric components such as total chloride occult blood, free HCl lactic acid bile pigments and peptic activity. This can provide insight into the normal functioning of the stomach and inform treatment decisions.