Gastritis — what is it?
Gastritis is a condition where the stomach lining is damaged and inflamed, leading to changes in tissues, disruption of regenerative processes, and even a reduction in the number of lining cells.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of gastritis can vary depending on the acidity level in the stomach. Acute or exacerbated chronic gastritis is often accompanied by:
- Abdominal pain: felt as constant dull pain or occasional cramping.
- Heartburn: when acid rises back into the esophagus.
- Nausea and vomiting: the body tries to get rid of excess acid.
- Abdominal bloating: due to increased gas in the intestines.
- Changes in appetite: from increased to decreased, depending on acidity.
What happens in chronic gastritis?
Chronic gastritis often goes unnoticed but can cause unstable stools, increased gas, and constant heaviness in the abdomen.
Causes of gastritis
Gastritis is a complex disease caused by the influence of numerous external and internal factors.
Exogenous causes (external):
1. Food products: Spicy, acidic, pickled, fatty, and fried foods in large quantities can negatively affect the stomach lining. Alcohol and alcoholic beverages are particularly harmful.
2. Chemical substances: Acute gastritis can occur with the penetration of aggressive acids and alkalis into the stomach. Certain medications such as corticosteroids, aspirin, certain antibiotics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also damage the lining. The impact of nicotine when smoking also negatively affects the lining.
3. Violation of the diet: Excess stomach acid can occur when food does not enter the stomach on time, especially with irregular eating.
4. Impaired chewing process: Dental problems hinder thorough chewing, complicating the process of digestion.
Endogenous causes (within the body):
1. Autoimmune processes: When the immune system attacks the stomach lining, inflammatory processes occur, leading to tissue dystrophy and anemia.
2. Helicobacter pylori infection: Bacteria like Helicobacter pylori can cause inflammation by releasing toxins into the stomach.
3. Reflux gastritis: The constant reflux of bile and pancreatic juice from the duodenum into the stomach can cause inflammation.
Gastritis is often caused by several factors simultaneously, and understanding all the reasons contributes to effective treatment.
Type of Gastritis:
In gastroenterology, over ten types of gastritis are distinguished. The correct identification of its type determines the effectiveness of prescribed therapy:
- Chronic
- Atrophic
- Acute
- Erosive
- Mucous
- Superficial
- Fibrinous
- Antral
- Catarrhal
- Subatrophic
Gastritis treatment requires a comprehensive approach, including not only drug therapy but also lifestyle and dietary corrections.
Diet for gastritis:
- High-acidity gastritis: Fractional nutrition is recommended, excluding alcohol, spicy, and fried foods, pickled products, acidic foods, and fatty broths. Foods should be lightly cooked and unprocessed during exacerbation.
- Low-acidity gastritis: Stomach activity needs to be stimulated. For this, it is recommended to include hearty meat broths, bread with bran or rye flour, and plenty of fresh vegetables in the diet.
Lifestyle with gastritis:
- Avoid harmful habits: Smoking and alcohol consumption should be completely eliminated.
- Manage stress: Avoid stressful situations, maintain a normal sleep pattern, and regulate daily routines. Engage in sports and creative activities.
- Control medication intake: It is crucial to monitor the use of drugs that can cause drug-induced gastritis, such as antipyretics, pain relievers, antibiotics, and hormonal drugs.
Treatment of gastritis with folk remedies:
- Folk remedies are actively used in comprehensive therapy, especially during the recovery and regeneration stage.
- Some recommendations include cucumber and carrot juice, shepherd's purse, potato juice, sea buckthorn, olive, and flaxseed oil, as well as various herbal infusions and teas.
Conclusion:
Gastritis not only causes discomfort but can also pose a danger, leading to the formation of malignant tumors. Therefore, it is essential not only to treat but also to prevent the disease by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet.