Gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa, accompanied by a violation of many functions. The chronic form of the disease is quite common and is characterized by a long course. More than 50% of the population suffers from this problem.
Before determining how to treat chronic gastritis, it is imperative to understand what causes it to develop, the symptomatology and what exactly characterizes this disease.
Feature of the disease
Chronic gastritis according to ICD 10 (K 29.3) is a long-term inflammation of the mucosa that occurs under the influence of chemical, bacterial and mechanical influences. This disease is characterized by the fact that there are serious changes in the composition of the gastric mucosa, as a result of which digestion processes are disrupted.
With the subsequent development of inflammation, the formation of ulcers and erosions is provoked. That is why it is important to know how to properly treat the disease so that it does not develop into a more serious pathology, such as an ulcer or stomach cancer.
People who have this disease know very well what symptoms it provokes. If you experience discomfort in the stomach area, you should immediately contact a gastroenterologist for diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
What are the types
Chronic gastritis according to ICD 10 is divided into several types. The superficial form of the disease has a code K 29.3, atrophic - K 29.4. In addition, other types of chronic gastritis are distinguished, however, they all refer to inflammation of the stomach with a violation of the digestive system, as well as destruction of the mucosa. It proceeds with insufficiently expressed symptoms, however, relapses can periodically occur. There are several different types of this disease, but it is worth noting that there are no specific classification principles. In particular, we can distinguish such types of diseases as:
- atrophic;
- superficial;
- atrophic hyperplastic;
- hypertrophic.
Superficial chronic gastritis occurring at an early stage is diagnosed by gastroscopy. During an exacerbation, there is an expansion of the infiltrate area, necrosis of the epithelium, and the formation of erosions.
When an atrophic form of gastritis occurs, mucosal cells are malnourished, which leads to atrophy of the cells of the stomach and the inner layer. Sometimes cells can die completely, therefore, immediately after the diagnosis is made, complex treatment should be carried out to preventthe occurrence of complications.
Antral gastritis refers to the superficial type and the main cause of its occurrence is the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Inflammation is localized in the antrum and leads to a deterioration in the digestion process.
Erosive gastritis is accompanied by the formation of erosions on the surface of the mucosa. The consumption of alcoholic beverages, bacteria, as well as the intake of certain medications leads to its occurrence. It can provoke stomach bleeding, therefore, it is important to seek medical help in a timely manner.
Reflux gastritis occurs when bile enters the stomach. This happens when the muscles are weakened, and prolonged exposure to bile in this area causes inflammation.
Gastritis with low acidity occurs only in adults and the elderly. The development of the disease can occur in different ways, it all depends on the characteristics of the human body. There are several stages of chronic gastritis, in particular, such as:
- antral;
- polypous;
- focal.
In addition, there may be a course of the disease with normal secretion. This type of chronic gastritis is often observed in children and young people. If not treated in a timely manner, this can lead to the development of an ulcer.
Causes of occurrence
The causes of chronic gastritis in adults and children are divided into endogenous and exogenous. Among the main provoking factors, it is necessary to highlight such as:
- untimely meals;
- overeating or starving;
- improper food intake;
- abuse of spicy, fatty, smoked foods;
- too hot or cold water;
- strong coffee;
- drinking;
- eating poor quality products.
Smoking contributes to the occurrence of inflammation of the mucous membrane, as nicotine provokes a thickening of the walls of the stomach, as well as the occurrence of neoplasms. Even a single dose of the most common "Aspirin" can provoke the formation of petechial hemorrhages and microerosions. Long-term use of certain medications can lead to the development of chronic gastritis.
Endogenous factors can provoke the onset of the disease, in particular, such as:
- anemia;
- kidney failure;
- hereditary factors;
- circulatory disorders;
- allergy;
- cardiovascular disease.
Dystrophic changes in the gastric mucosa occur in case of respiratory diseases. Regardless of the provoking factor, it is important to treat chronic gastritis in a timely manner so as not to provoke complications.
Main symptoms
It is very important to know the main symptoms of chronic gastritis so that you can recognize the course of the disease in a timely manner and treat it. Despite its prevalence, it is very dangerous, because if you do not pay attention to the signs of the course of the disease or try to cure it yourself, then the consequences can bequite difficult.
It is simply impossible to completely cure the disease, therefore, relapses periodically occur. That is why, it is necessary to carry out therapy not only to eliminate the existing symptoms, but also to relieve inflammation. It is very important to understand what are the symptoms of chronic gastritis during remission and during exacerbation.
It is possible to suspect the course of the disease during remission by such signs as:
- heaviness after eating;
- periodic stomach pain;
- loss of appetite;
- heartburn and belching.
Symptoms are mild and often the patient does not pay any attention to them or tries to drown out the pain on his own. If the inflammation has not taken on an extensive character, then the signs of the disease appear periodically and may be associated with food intake. If the number of relapses increases, then we can talk about exacerbation of chronic gastritis.
In this case, the signs manifest themselves in completely different ways and largely depend on the type of course of the disease, its stage, and the condition of the mucosa. It can only be identified by general symptoms, in particular such as:
- pain in the side and stomach area;
- burning in the esophagus;
- nausea;
- vomit;
- burping air.
In addition, bad breath can be a clear sign of a violation in the body. Many note that this condition is observed only during the period of famine.
With low acidity in the stomachlittle hydrochloric acid is formed. As a result of this, it is impossible to fully digest food that falls in a lump on the bottom of the stomach and begins to rot. This leads to symptoms such as:
- rotten taste and bad smell;
- poor appetite;
- nasty burp;
- nausea;
- bloating;
- feeling of hardness in the stomach;
- diarrhea;
- vomiting in difficult cases.
With increased acidity, excessive production of hydrochloric acid is observed. It not only helps to digest food, but also leads to irritation of the gastric mucosa. This is especially dangerous during times of famine. In this case, there is severe pain, an unpleasant sour taste in the mouth and belching, burning in the stomach.
Diagnostics
When dangerous symptoms occur, a comprehensive diagnosis of chronic gastritis is very important, which will help determine the course of a dangerous disease and carry out treatment. To recognize the course of the pathological process, the doctor conducts an external examination of the patient, palpation, determination of acid-forming functions.
Laboratory and instrumental studies are important, including:
- urine and blood tests;
- study of gastric juice;
- radiological examination;
- gastroscopy;
- study of the structure of epithelial cells.
In addition, additional research is required to exclude leakagediseases with similar symptoms.
Feature of treatment
How to treat chronic gastritis will help determine only the attending physician. The most important thing is to stop the progression of the pathological process. Treatment is aimed at getting rid of the symptoms of the disease by:
- medication use;
- folk remedies and techniques;
- following a special diet.
Eating a meal schedule is very important, as is moderate exercise and being active. Sometimes the patient is shown spa treatment and physiotherapy. Surgical intervention is practically not carried out, since therapeutic methods cope well with this disease.
Medicated treatment
Drug treatment of chronic gastritis in each case is selected purely individually. In particular, during the course of a disease with low acidity, the doctor may prescribe medications such as Panzinorm or Pepsidil. These medicines increase the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
With superficial gastritis with high acidity, drugs such as Ajiflux or Maalox are prescribed. In addition, receptor blockers are prescribed, such as Gastromax, inhibitors - Omez.
When the Helicobacter bacterium is detected, antibiotic therapy is indicated, which consists in the simultaneous administration of antibiotics, as well as antisecretory drugs. A very good tool fortreatment of infection is the drug "De-nol". The scheme of therapy implies the use of drugs that normalize the functioning of the digestive organs. These funds include: "Motilium", "Domperidone-stoma".
Folk methods of therapy
Folk treatment of chronic gastritis is used in the treatment of a disease with normal and high acidity. For therapy, various decoctions of medicinal herbs are used. You can make it by taking 1 tsp. chamomile and yarrow flowers. Then pour 250 ml of boiling water over the resulting mixture and leave to infuse overnight. In the morning, strain the finished product and take 3 times a day before eating.
With the help of folk remedies, chronic gastritis with low acidity can be cured. To do this, you can prepare a decoction of a mixture of wormwood, mint, chamomile, St. John's wort and cumin fruits. All medicinal herbs should be taken in equal proportions. Put all this in a deep bowl, pour boiling water over it, and then leave to infuse for 12 hours. Strain the finished product and take 0.5 tbsp. before eating. Such healing remedies can be used at the first signs of the disease.
Features of food
A prerequisite for therapy is to follow a diet for chronic gastritis, which will contribute to a faster recovery. Nutritionists recommend adhering to proper nutrition during relapses and during remission. It will be very useful to consume mashed vegetable soups,boiled or steamed meat, lean fish, and crackers.
Diet for chronic gastritis restricts the intake of foods that can not be eaten in violation of the digestive system, as well as diseases of the stomach and intestines. These include rich broths, smoked meats, fresh pastries, fried eggs, spicy and s alty dishes.
Prophylaxis
When the disease progresses, it is very important to follow special recommendations. Chronic gastritis is quite acute, which is why it is desirable to carry out preventive measures, which include:
- observance of the correct diet;
- quit smoking and alcohol;
- timely sanitation of the oral cavity;
- treating diseases of the digestive system.
When chronic gastritis occurs in adults with low acidity, an annual clinical examination is required. You need to consume food in small portions 5-6 times a day. In this case, you need to chew food very carefully.
Dishes must be in a warm form, and also exclude from the usual diet products that provoke irritation of the mucous membrane. To prevent the development of the disease, it is advisable for people with low acidity to consume foods such as:
- vegetable and cereal soups;
- lean meat;
- omelette;
- porridge.
If a person has high acidity, then you can eat foods such as:
- vegetables cooked oncouple;
- lean meat and fish;
- mashed vegetable soups;
- porridge;
- omelette;
- sweet fruits and berries.
In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to emerging pains in the stomach area in a timely manner and when these symptoms appear, immediately consult a doctor who will help determine the form of the disease and choose the right treatment.
Relapse of the disease
With exacerbation of chronic gastritis, the symptoms largely depend on the type of course of the disease. In addition, the nutrition and lifestyle of the patient is of particular importance. If you follow a special diet, then gastritis occurs in a mild form, without causing much discomfort. However, if in the presence of chronic gastritis the patient consumes alcohol, does not follow the usual diet, then an exacerbation may occur very soon.
This condition can be treated at home, however, strictly under the supervision of a doctor. In especially severe cases, with exacerbation of chronic gastritis, hospitalization of the patient is required, since such a condition can lead to death. Among the main signs of relapse, it is necessary to highlight such as:
- pain in the solar plexus;
- breaking stool;
- heartburn, belching;
- nausea and vomiting;
- general malaise;
- increased salivation.
When an exacerbation of erosive gastritis occurs, in addition to the general symptoms, vomiting with blood impurities is also observed. In addition, a characteristicthere may be dark-colored stools. Stomach bleeding is also possible.
