Chronic gastritis – inflammation of the gastric mucosa, accompanied by structural changes in it, characterized by a wave-like course – alternating periods of remission and exacerbation of the process. Without adequate treatment it progresses and leads to atrophy, dysplasia of the mucosa, becoming the basis for the formation of malignant pathology of the stomach. Appeal to the doctor at the appearance of the first symptoms of chronic gastritis to clarify the diagnosis and treatment will help to improve the quality of your life and avoid the development of dangerous complications.
Causes of chronic gastritis
Chronic gastritis is a multifactorial disease. Its main factor becomes changes in the gastric mucosa through direct or indirect effects. External factors that influence the development of the disease:
- Non-compliance with diet, unbalanced diet, poor chewing, eating behavior;
- Oral health and hygiene problems;
- Alcohol addiction. As a result – hypersecretion of digestive juice, in turn, the alcohol in alcoholic beverages irritates the gastric walls;
- Smoking;
- Long-term use of certain medications;
- Constant high levels of stress;
- Work in harmful industries;
- Allergic diseases leading to gastric hypersecretion.
Internal factors provoking pathology:
- Infections in chronic and acute stages, dental diseases;
- Pathologies of respiratory and circulatory system, insufficient oxygen supply to various tissues of the body;
- Metabolic problems;
- Malfunctions in the excretory system;
- Food allergies;
- Autoimmune pathologies (e.g. Crohn’s disease);
- Pathological increase in the population of Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
Among the pathologies of the GI tract, chronic gastritis occurs in more than 80% of cases. It is most often caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria (80%), autoimmune invariant pathology occurs in 10-15%, the remaining forms account for 5%.
Symptoms
Chronic gastritis runs in a wave-like manner – with alternating periods of remission and exacerbation. In remission, the patient is not bothered by anything or is determined by minimal symptomatology of pathology. All clinical manifestations of the exacerbation of the process can be summarized into three groups:
- pain;
- gastric dyspepsia;
- common signs.
Aching pain is the leading sign of chronic gastritis. It is localized in the upper-central part of the abdomen (epigastrium), occurs immediately or 60-90 minutes after eating.
Symptoms of dyspepsia syndrome (disorders of digestive processes) are:
- with increased stomach acidity – heartburn;
- belching sour or bitter;
- nausea, vomiting;
- decreased appetite;
- feeling of heaviness in the epigastrium after eating.
The general condition of patients with a non-severe course of the disease, as a rule, does not suffer. In severe exacerbations, the patient may complain of weakness, fatigue, weight loss, intolerance to certain products, and he also has signs of impaired metabolism of vitamins and trace elements. If the pathological process involves other digestive organs – hepato-biliary system, pancreas, intestine, it is manifested by the corresponding symptomatology. Constant pain and symptoms of dyspepsia will affect the psycho-emotional state of the patient – there will be tearfulness, irritability, low mood, disturbed sleep.
Treatment of chronic gastritis
The goal of targeted treatment is to eliminate the cause of the pathology and normalize the key functions of the stomach with subsequent prevention of relapses. Complex therapy includes:
- change of daily habits (change of routine behavioral stereotypes related to nutrition, adjustment of physical activity);
- medicines;
- in the phase of quiescence of the inflammatory process – physical procedures;
- stay in the course of sanatorium hospital.
If drug therapy, lifestyle changes and other accompanying recommendations of a complex nature are ineffective, surgical methods should be considered to influence the source of the painful condition.
Nutrition and lifestyle correction
How to treat gastritis besides medications? A balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are mandatory for every patient. Without compliance with the recommendations of taking medication will be less effective, in addition, there is a high probability of a repeated exacerbation.
- Meals should be regular, without prolonged fasting, snacking or overeating. It is recommended to eat food in small portions 5-6 times a day. Thanks to this, you will reduce the load on the stomach, and the gastrointestinal tract will function better.
- Exclude from the menu products that cause irritation of the mucosa. This is spicy, smoked, spicy, acidic dishes, as well as alcohol and caffeine-containing drinks.
- Try to keep the food soft: liquid, pureed, mushy. Do not consume food that is too hot or cold – it is better if it is warm. Preferred methods of cooking – boiling, stewing, baking, as well as food cooked on steam.
- Avoid stress. Nervous tension and anxiety often increase the symptoms of gastritis.
Recommended foods for gastritis:
- Wheat bread, preferably stale bread.
- Milk soups, puree soups or cooked from well-cooked cereals.
- Lean varieties of meat and poultry. Suitable boiled dishes from veal, chicken, rabbit.
- Lean fish – boiled or steamed.
- Dairy products: low-fat kefir, sour milk, pureed cottage cheese.
- Unsharp and unsalted cheese.
- Soft-boiled chicken eggs, steamed omelet.
- Vegetables: potatoes, carrots, beets, green peas.
- Dessert – honey, jam, jam, sweet fruit and berry juices.
What foods should be excluded in the treatment of gastritis:
- rye, fresh bread;
- meat, fish, mushroom broths;
- fatty meats;
- smoked meats, canned foods;
- fatty fish;
- salty and spicy cheese;
- sauerkraut;
- chocolate, pastries, ice cream;
- carbonated drinks.
Conclusion
Chronic gastritis is a serious disease that requires timely diagnosis and a comprehensive approach to treatment. Its causes can be diverse, including improper nutrition, stress, Helicobacter pylori infection and other factors. It is important not only to take medication, but also to follow a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition and avoid factors that aggravate the disease. Timely treatment and lifestyle changes will help control the symptoms of gastritis, prevent exacerbations and improve the patient’s quality of life.
