Causes, symptoms and treatment of gastritis

How does gastritis occur?

The stomach has a protective lining of mucus - the mucosa. This lining protects the stomach from stomach acid that digests food. When certain factors damage or weaken this protective lining, the lining becomes inflamed and gastritis occurs. The bacteria called Helicobacter pylori is the most common cause of gastritis.

Eerosive gastritis is a less common form. It usually does not cause severe inflammation, but can lead to bleeding and ulcers in the stomach lining. Left untreated, gastritis can lead to anemia from bleeding, as well as vitamin and mineral deficiencies or ulcers. Because of these potential complications, it is essential to see your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of gastritis in order to receive appropriate treatment.

Gastritis symptoms

Gastritis does not always cause visible symptoms. Many people with gastritis have no symptoms at all. However, pain usually occurs at some point. The most common symptom for gastritis is pain in the upper abdomen, just below the breastbone. Other gastritis symptoms include:

• nausea and vomiting;
• fullness in the upper abdomen, especially after meals;
• indigestion;
• decreased or loss of appetite;

If you have erosive gastritis, you may have different symptoms including:

• black, tar-like stools;
• bloody or coffee-colored vomit.

Causes of gastritis

Some causes of gastritis may include:

• pylori infection- chronic gastritis usually results from Helicobacter pylori infection - 90% of cases;
• Increased use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can increase the concentration of acidic gastric juices produced in the stomach, and the increased acidity can inflame and damage the stomach lining;
• Increased alcohol consumption - long-term increased alcohol consumption in particular can damage the lining of the stomach, making it more sensitive and prone to damage;
• autoimmune conditions - for example, in those with autoimmune atrophic gastritis, the immune system attacks the stomach lining;
• stomach injuries - physical trauma or damage to the stomach lining can also lead to gastritis.

Food factors do not usually cause gastritis, but food allergies and celiac disease can contribute to it.

Some risk factors for gastritis include:

• smoking;
• high stress levels;
• history of chronic vomiting;
• vitamin B12 deficiency.

Gastritis treatment

Treatment for gastritis varies depending on the cause. Some drugs kill bacteria, while others relieve symptoms such as indigestion. If you have gastritis caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or other medications, it is recommended that you avoid these drugs to relieve symptoms.

Here are the main medicines for gastritis:

• antibiotics - to treat the bacterial infection responsible;
• antacids - these can neutralize stomach acid;
• proton pump inhibitors - such as omeprazole, pantoprazole, esomeprazole or lansoprazole - which reduce the amount of acid produced by the stomach;
• H2 blockers - like ranitidine - which decrease stomach acid production.

Antacids for gastritis

Antacids are usually used as the first treatment for gastritis to reduce the amount of stomach acid. In this way, they can promote healing. An example of an antacid for gastritis includes Gaviscon, an effective reflux suppressant that forms a protective coating on the stomach contents, thereby reducing symptoms. Dicarbocalm antacid also quickly and effectively relieves symptoms of excess gastric acid, as it is based on calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate and magnesium trisilicate.

Other medicines recommended for gastritis

If treatment with antacids is not enough, a drug called an H2 blocker may be recommended. An alternative drug that may be used is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). Probiotics may also be recommended to restore the flora. These can improve digestion and support transit.

Different types of protective supplements can also be useful, protecting the stomach from irritants and keeping the gastric lining functional and healthy. For example, Healthy Stomach from Fares contains natural extracts of marigold, patlagina, sunflower, licorice, etc., with anti-inflammatory, healing and protective effects. A similar product with a protective action is Helicostop from Fares, which inhibits the growth of H. pylori in the gastric mucosa, practically a natural antibacterial effect.

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Helicostop, D91, 63 capsules, Fares

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In addition, one can also consume tea for gastritis. Such teas can relieve some digestive symptoms and have a protective effect on the gastric lining. They may include herbs such as marigold, mousetail, licorice, anise, sunflower, etc. - digestive teas.

Gastritis diet

• Avoid hot and spicy, irritating, acidic, fried or fatty foods.
• Eat smaller and more frequent meals instead of heavy meals.
• Limit and avoid alcohol.
• Quit smoking. Quitting smoking can reduce irritation in the lining of the stomach, promoting healing.
• An anti-inflammatory diet is usually recommended as a regimen for gastritis. Gastritis refers to inflammation of the lining of the stomach, so a diet that helps minimize inflammation can provide relief over time.

Diet doesn't generally cause chronic gastritis, but eating certain foods can worsen symptoms - foods that are fried, spicy, very acidic. On the other hand, foods that can help relieve the symptoms of gastritis (gastritis foods) include high-fiber foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, low-fat, low-acid foods.

How can gastritis be prevented?

There are some measures that can reduce the risk of gastritis:

• Pay attention to hygiene measures to reduce the risk of pylori infection.
• Avoid known triggers as appropriate. Avoid fried, fatty or highly acidic foods.
• Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
• Manage stress effectively.
• Avoid excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Pylori is one of the main causes of gastritis, but most people don't know they are infected. The bacteria are easily transmitted. You can reduce the risk of infection by practicing good hygiene, especially hand washing.