Gastritis is a long-term disease that manifests itself in changes in the mucous membrane of an inflammatory, and often dystrophic nature. It causes disruption of regeneration and atrophy of epithelial cells, as well as replacement of he althy glands with fibrous tissue.
But what is atrophic gastritis? What are its symptoms, causes, how to treat it, what could be the consequences? This is what we will talk about now.
Characteristics of the disease and etiology
Before we turn to the consideration of the symptoms of atrophic gastritis, it is worth talking about what it is in general.
So, this is one of the most dangerous forms of the disease in question. It is diagnosed in the event that a person has inflammatory processes in the pancreas and in the mucous membrane. Also during thisdiseases stop the normal functioning of the cells that are responsible for the production of gastric juice. Because of this, the glands that produce hydrochloric acid and enzymes subsequently die.
Atrophic gastritis often spreads to the entire stomach, and not just to part of the organ. Also, it is this disease that often causes a precancerous condition.
The causes of this disease include the following:
- Lack of a balanced and rationed diet.
- Addiction to alcoholic beverages.
- Psychic and nervous strain.
- Smoking.
- Disorders of the endocrine system.
- Hereditary predisposition.
Any of the above first leads to a violation of the integrity of the mucous membrane, and the result of this is its inflammation. Then the disease begins to develop rapidly.
Signs
The main symptom of focal atrophic gastritis is the formation of local inflammation in the wall of the stomach, accompanied by increased function of its he althy areas (compensation mechanism).
But these changes cannot be noticed. More obvious symptoms of atrophic gastritis include:
- Discomfort in the epigastric region (upper, middle area under the ribs).
- Pain and burning after eating.
- Feeling of heaviness and nausea. Appear even after a light snack.
Such signs characterize the initial form of the disease. If aignore them and do not go to the doctor for treatment, the symptoms of atrophic gastritis of the stomach will not only intensify, but also be supplemented by such manifestations:
- Loss of appetite.
- Heartburn.
- Intensification of pain.
- Weight loss.
- Permanent weakness.
- Subfebrile temperature.
- Increased secretion of hydrochloric acid and its entry into the lumen of the stomach.
- Increase in total acidity.
Moreover, during this period, a person is especially susceptible to the influence of Helicobacter pylori, a conditionally pathogenic bacterium. For this microorganism, hyperacidity is an ideal habitat.
In a small amount, bacteria can not harm, but in such good conditions they multiply rapidly, which leads to negative consequences. After all, the waste products of bacteria are cytotoxins that increase inflammation of the mucosa.
In addition, against the background of weakened defenses of the body, Helicobacter pylori gets deep into the body, as a result of which the cells of the tissues of the stomach and its glands are poisoned. This often results in an ulcer.
Other alarms
It is important to note that the above symptoms of atrophic gastritis are not observed in all patients. But each of them has disorders associated with the process of absorption of various substances (vitamins, iron, etc.), as a result of which anemic syndrome begins to develop.
It causes symptomscaused by a lack of these elements in the body. They appear as follows:
- Burning in the mouth.
- Shortness of breath.
- Drowsy.
- Fatigue.
- Apathy.
- Paleness of mucous membranes and skin.
- Violation of the sensitivity of the limbs.
- Pain in the tongue, accompanied by a change in its color.
- Brittle nails and dry hair.
- Chest pain.
- Aerial burp.
- Instability of the stool (constipation may alternate with diarrhea).
After an external examination, it is possible to detect teeth marks and plaque on the tongue. It is also common to experience bad breath, a similar taste, and hypersalivation (increased salivation).
You can not ignore the symptoms of atrophic gastritis of the stomach. This is fraught with serious consequences. Some patients go to the doctor already when their acidity is reduced to alchemy (that is, the acid in the stomach is completely absent).
Consequences
Before we turn to the principles of eliminating symptoms and treating atrophic gastritis with folk and medical remedies, we must also list the consequences that result from ignoring the disease. These include:
- Violation of digestive processes. A neglected state leads to the development of dysbacteriosis.
- Anemia, beriberi, asthenia.
- The occurrence of fermentation and putrefaction processes in the stomach.
- Frequent vomiting, blood in saliva.
- Permanent dehydration.
- Formation of ulcersdefeats.
- Decrease in secretory function, loss of interest in food, development of exhaustion, which turns into cachexia.
- Formation in the gastric walls of multiple follicles from lymphoid tissue.
- Accession of a secondary infection. Possible phlegmonous gastritis.
It is impossible not to mention that with this disease there is a risk of internal gastric bleeding. This complication poses a serious threat to life.
Antibiotics
It is very important to choose the right treatment for atrophic gastritis of the stomach, the symptoms and causes of which were listed above. This, of course, is the responsibility of the doctor - he prescribes drugs that are suitable for the patient in his particular case, and always those that are gentle on the stomach.
As a rule, the choice is made in favor of these drugs:
- "Flemoxin Solutab". Penicillin antibiotic of bactericidal action. It can be used from 6 months (but for babies - only in the form of a suspension). The daily dosage for an adult is 1000 - 1500 mg. The specified volume should be divided into morning and evening receptions. As a rule, this antibiotic is combined in combination therapy. It must be taken for at least 10 days.
- "Panklav". A broad spectrum penicillin antibiotic. It can be taken only from the age of 12, the minimum patient weight is 40 kg. For patients with a moderate degree of he alth, the norm is 750 mg. The dosage is divided into three doses. If athe lesion is severe, you need to take 500 mg 3 times a day. Therapy lasts, as a rule, from 5 to 14 days.
- Ospamox. It is about the same as the first antibiotic listed. The dosage is similar, 1000-1500 mg / day. In severe cases, it should be increased to 3 g. Ospamox is taken with meals to reduce the negative effects of the drug on the stomach. The duration of therapy is determined individually, but it is at least 7 days.
These drugs are the most effective in eliminating symptoms and treating focal atrophic gastritis. And the reviews make sure of that. There are also drugs Gonoform, Amosin, Amoxicar, Grunamox, Amoxicillin, Ecobol and other antibiotics, but the gastroenterologist will determine which one will have to be treated.
Proton pump inhibitors
They are also prescribed to eliminate unpleasant symptoms and treat focal atrophic gastritis. Reviews make sure that these drugs help to quickly get rid of mucosal pathologies that have arisen due to disturbed acidity. They reduce the production of hydrochloric acid by blocking the proton pump in the parietal cells.
The best means of this group are such antisecretory drugs:
- "Omeprazole". As a rule, the daily dose is 20 mg. In severe cases and during exacerbation, it is doubled. It is best to take the remedy at night. Be sure to take the tablets with plenty of water. Therapy lasts from 14up to 30 days.
- "Bioprazole". One capsule per day is enough, which contains just 20 mg of active ingredient. It is worth noting that this drug is very quickly absorbed in the stomach.
- "Omezol". A mildly acting drug that is prescribed even for duodenal ulcers. One tablet contains 40 mg of the active ingredient, so the doctor will individually prescribe the dosage. As a rule, one piece per day is sufficient.
- Controllock. An inhibitor whose main active ingredient is pantoprazole. It especially lies in the gentle effect on the gastric mucosa. Therefore, the course of treatment is usually long. This is necessary to prevent relapses.
- "Nolpaza". The drug is similar in action to Controllock. But it is forbidden to take it to people under 18 years of age. The analogue is a medication called "Ultera". Any of the drugs is taken in the morning, the dosage is determined by the doctor.
In addition to the listed funds, there are also tablets based on rabeprazole and esomeprazole. They are also prescribed to relieve symptoms and treat atrophic gastritis in adults. Preparations with esomeprazole are special in that their components remain in the human body for a long time (this is the reason for the minimum dosages). And rabeprazole drugs are usually indicated for ulcers.
Other drugs
In addition to the above, there are many other medicines that help eliminate the symptoms and treat atrophic gastritis.
Reviews of people who coped withthis disease, make sure that recovery occurs faster if you combine the intake of these drugs with enzymes. With this ailment, one of two can be assigned:
- "Pancreatin". It consists of proteases, lipase and amylase. These enzymes promote easy digestion of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, as a result of which they are absorbed faster. Also, the drug compensates for pancreatic insufficiency and improves the digestive process. A person needs to drink 150,000 units, divided into 3-4 uses.
- Enzistal. This combination drug has lipolytic, proteolytic and amylolytic effects. It also promotes rapid digestion, and also stimulates the secretion of enzymes in the small intestine, stomach, pancreas, and bile production. The drug should be taken either during meals or immediately after it. It is allowed to use the drug from the age of six. Children under 12 are shown 1 tablet three times a day. Everyone who is older - 3.
In addition to enzymes, you may need to take H2-histamine receptor blockers. They also help to eliminate the symptoms of focal atrophic gastritis.
The best option is Famotidine. It inhibits the production of hydrochloric acid, increases the pH and reduces the activity of pepsin. It is enough to take 20 mg twice a day.
Vitamins
In addition to these drugs, doctors often prescribe cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12). It is indispensable in the treatment and prevention of anemia that occurs with focal and antral atrophic gastritis. The symptoms of the disease subside significantly after the start of vitamin B12 intake.
It can be used intravenously, subcutaneously, intralumbarly and intramuscularly. If a patient is diagnosed with iron deficiency or post-hemorrhagic anemia, then he will need to take 30-100 micrograms three times a week.
Phytogatherings
Since we are talking about the symptoms and treatment of atrophic gastritis, folk remedies, which are also used by many in the course of therapy, should also be considered. Here are some actionable recipes:
- Mix elderberry and chamomile (20 g each), lemon balm and peppermint (15 g each), fennel and linden flowers (10 g each), 1 tbsp. l. collection pour boiling water (300 ml) and send for 10 minutes on low heat. Drink the resulting broth in three doses - each time after a meal.
- In equal proportions, mix plantain leaves, St. John's wort and chamomile. Pour in a glass of boiling water. Wrap with a towel for an hour and let it brew. Then strain and drink in 4 doses with equal time intervals between them.
- Combine the same amount of plantain leaf, herb wormwood and burdock, 1-2 tbsp. l. collection pour boiling water in a thermos. Leave to infuse overnight. Drink the entire composition over the next day.
- Rinse fresh parsley roots thoroughly and dry, then chop. Take 3 tbsp. l. mass and pour a glass of boiling water. Leave to infuse overnight. Then you can take 1 tbsp. l. before meals.
- Chop calamus root. Take 20 grams and pour vodka (100 ml). Give 2brew for weeks, then filter and squeeze out the composition. Drink 15 drops before meals. You can dilute them in a small amount of water (1 tbsp is enough).
Before you take any folk remedy, you should consult your doctor. If you believe the reviews, these drugs eliminate the symptoms of atrophic gastritis, but they can also cause even more severe stomach irritation if you overdo it with their intake.
Eating mode
When talking about the symptoms and treatment of atrophic gastritis, the diet should also be noted with attention. Since, with a focal form of disease, zones are formed in the stomach that cease to perform a secretory function, a person should take care of a sparing diet.
The patient is prescribed diet 1a. It will be necessary to exclude from the diet all products that can cause an increase in secretory activity or thermal, chemical and mechanical irritation of the mucous membrane.
A strict thermal regime has been established - food and drink should not be colder than +40 °C and not hotter than +50 °C. The menu includes only kissels, mashed potatoes, soufflés, steam cutlets, grated soups and cereals. Before cooking, the meat must be cleaned of skin, tendons, films and fascia, and also soaked in water for a long time.
Here's what you can eat:
- Yesterday's or dried bread (grades 1 and 2), lean biscuits.
- Turkey, beef, chicken, veal, rabbit.
- Cod, perch, zander, hake.
- Steam omelet or soft-boiled eggs.
- Cream,milk, steamed soufflé or cottage cheese casserole.
- Buckwheat, rice, semolina porridge.
- Tolokno.
- Boiled vegetables (baked or grated).
- Fruits in the form of jelly, mousse or jelly.
- Milk soups with oatmeal, pearl barley, rice groats.
You can season your food with a little olive oil or uns alted butter. It is allowed to drink juices from sweet fruits with the addition of water and decoctions based on bran and rose hips.
