The word "erosion" is of Latin origin and in translation means "to erode." This is, in fact, an ulcer that damages the mucous membranes of organs. In addition to gynecology, erosion of organs can occur in other areas. For example, with frequent regurgitation, heartburn and nausea in a patient, esophageal erosion can be diagnosed. This is the case when, at the slightest suspicion, you need to immediately seek help from doctors, because cells damaged by infection can go to the malignant stage. This applies to all types of erosion, including the stomach. Erosion treatment should be comprehensive and should be carried out under the supervision of a physician.
But the first thing that comes to mind when mentioning the word "erosion" is erosion of the cervix. This is one of the most common diseases in gynecology. Almost one in three women is familiar with cervical erosion, and the number of women with this problem is increasing every year. We will talk more about erosion treatment methods in the article below.
Types of erosion
The cervix can be damaged by erosion in three forms: mild, moderate and severe. More often, the term "erosion" refers to the so-called pseudo-erosion, in which the squamous epithelium is displaced. The risk of cancer with pseudo-erosion is extremely low.
Congenital erosion - occurs in girls of transitional age. Usually, such a pathology does not prevent the girl from becoming pregnant in the future and can disappear on her own during pregnancy or after childbirth.
With true erosion, which is rare, epithelial cells exfoliate and blood is secreted. With uncomplicated forms of the disease, the uterus is able to restore the affected cells and regenerate without additional treatments for erosion. Whatever symptoms of the disease appear, it is necessary to take tests so that the doctor makes a diagnosis.
In addition to gynecology, erosion is found in the gastrointestinal tract:
- Erosion of the esophagus. In this case, the mucous membranes of the esophagus are damaged. This happens under the influence of gastric juice. Over time, the mucosa corrodes and the first symptoms appear.
- Erosion of the stomach. The treatment of this disease is long and directly depends on the type and place of location.
Causes of various erosion
The emergence of cervical erosion can contribute to a number of factors, such as:
- papillomaviruses;
- birth injuries, tears;
- inflammatory processes - vaginosis, thrush, etc.
- sexually transmitted infections;
- syphilis, tuberculosis;
- promiscuous sexual intercourse or too early sexual activity;
- mechanical injury to the cervix, for example, improper use of tampons.
In addition to the above, cervical erosion can occur during periods of immune disorders of the body (pregnancy, abrupt weight gain) and due to endocrine disorders, in particular with hormonal dysfunctions (abortions, miscarriages).
Causes of esophageal erosion:
- inflammation of the esophagus tube;
- deformation of the thoracic spine;
- deficiency of fat, which should be under the diaphragm;
- traumatic injuries;
- chemical or food burns of the esophagus;
- diabetes;
- consequences after surgery, weak muscle tone of the walls.
Note that esophageal erosion can occur in people exposed to daily negative environmental influences. For example, inhalation of particles of welding gas, chemicals, heavy metals.
Causes of stomach erosion:
- chronic disorders;
- operations transferred to the digestive tract;
- emotional experiences;
- chemical and food burns;
- heart failure;
- chronic respiratory failure, as a result of which a sufficient amount of oxygen does not enter the organs;
- Helicobacter pylori bacteria;
- malignant neoplasms.
To understand what served the emergence and progression of the disease is possible only after a thorough examination of the patient.
How to recognize a disease. Symptoms
Regular visits to the gynecologist are very important only because erosion of the cervix often does not manifest itself, that is, the disease proceeds without symptoms. In very rare cases, a woman may complain of abdominal pain, purulent discharge, itching, irritation, brown discharge, discomfort and discomfort during intercourse.
If treatment for cervical erosion is not started, serious complications are likely, such as bleeding that is not associated with menstruation, infertility, and inflammatory processes. With prolonged absence of therapy, erosion can go into the malignant phase.
The clinical picture observed with erosion of the esophagus is similar to erosion of the stomach. Very often, the signs of the disease are quite blurry. And without preliminary research, it is impossible to make an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. Symptoms of erosion of the esophagus and stomach:
- Burning sensation in the lower stomach and esophagus.
- Complicated food intake due to pain and obvious discomfort.
- Any inclinations, turns to the right in a horizontal position cause heartburn.
- Frequent burping and hiccups.
- Profuse salivation, vomiting.
- Dull and sharp abdominal pain.
- A feeling of heaviness, overflow in the abdomen, which takes place in a standing position.
Diagnostics
The doctor will notice erosion of the cervix at the first examination with the help of a gynecological mirror. If the damaged area is small and not very sore, treatment can be prescribed immediately. In the presence of serious complications, the woman will be referred for general blood and urine tests. Then she will be prescribed colposcopy and ultrasound examination. It is possible that a woman may also be prescribed a cytological examination and a biopsy of the uterine cells.
How to diagnose erosion of the digestive tract: the doctor listens carefully to the patient and asks leading questions. In particular, he will be interested in what time of day vomiting occurs, how often painful sensations occur, whether there is a hereditary predisposition to the disease, and so on. Next, general tests and endoscopy are prescribed.
Erosion: how they are treated
It is a mistake to think that erosion can not be treated. Even if it is pseudo-erosion, treatment should be carried out necessarily. There are many ways to treat cervical erosion. Conventionally, they can be divided into medical, surgical and folk. The best option in a particular case will be chosen by the attending physician.
As for the gastrointestinal tract, according to medical reviews, the treatment of esophageal erosion medication has a favorable prognosis. The therapy is based on drugs that neutralize the acidic environment and envelop the mucous membrane of the esophagus tube. With not severe neglect of the disease, therapy lasts 10-12 days. In rare cases, treatment may take up to 2 months.
Applied therapy for erosion of the stomach
Throughout the treatment, the doctor evaluates the condition of the patient’s gastric mucosa using endoscopy. Prescribed drugs depend on the form of the disease. In cases where erosion of the stomach does not occur on its own, but against the background of other pathologies, for example, inflammation or oncology, therapy is aimed primarily at curing the root cause. Surgical intervention is indicated for advanced cases or in the presence of internal hemorrhage. In this case, the affected area is completely removed.
During treatment, an important diet plays an important role. The patient will have to give up many familiar products. Even the temperature of cooked food can harm the patient. The patient must adhere to proper nutrition for at least two months.
Products such as carbonated drinks, alcohol, caffeine, spices and hot sauces, citrus fruits, pickles and smoked foods are completely removed from the diet.
Surgical intervention for cervical erosion
- Cryodestruction. In this case, the affected area is exposed to liquid nitrogen, thereby literally “freezing” diseased cells. The advantages of this procedure are many: it does not leave scars, is painless, and new cells appear in place of the removed cells.
- Laser erosion cauterization. With laser coagulation, the risk of complications is practically absent. This is one of the most popular treatments for erosion.
- Diathermocoagulation is an outdated method, but it has still not been abandoned due to its high efficiency. The eroded area is removed by current. The disadvantages of this procedure: scarring, soreness, complicates the process of childbirth, a high probability of infection.
- Cauterization of erosion by radio waves. A fairly painless and bloodless method. Radio wave erosion treatment is suitable for those planning a pregnancy and natural birth.
- Chemical exposure to erosion center. In this case, anesthesia is not required, the canal is not deformed, and scars do not appear.
Medical methods for cervical erosion
Before deciding on surgical intervention, it does not hurt to start trying to get rid of erosion with the help of tablets and suppositories. In addition, the use of suppositories, if it does not cure the disease, will at least relieve inflammation and prepare the site of localization for further surgery. So, what the current pharmaceutical companies offer to get rid of cervical erosion:
- "Vagotil." Available in the form of a solution, used topically as douching. In addition to erosion, Vagotil is prescribed in the presence of difficult to heal wounds, bleeding after a biopsy, and complications after electrocoagulation. Contraindicated in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- "Hexicon" - vaginal suppositories. It has anti-inflammatory antiseptic effect. It is usually prescribed before and after surgery, suitable for pregnant women and women during lactation.
- "Solkovagin" is a drug in the form of a solution. Used for topical use in cases of benign tumors on the cervix. The drug does not affect healthy cells in any way and thereby does no harm. There are contraindications.
Naturally, there are other drugs in the fight against erosion. Despite the fact that many funds can be bought without a prescription, you should still not self-medicate and rely on information from commercials. Any drugs must be agreed with the doctor.
Treatment of erosion folk remedies
Doctors do not deny the effectiveness of traditional medicine in the treatment of various erosions. The only thing is that you need to carefully monitor the dosage, method of storage and proper use. The essence of therapy is douching with medicinal decoctions or the insertion of tampons.
Recipes for decoction douching:
- About 20 minutes, boil 2 tbsp. l daisies in a liter of water. Insist 20-30 minutes, strain. The solution is ready.
- Boil in a water bath 2 tbsp. l crushed frankincense leaves in 200 ml of water. Cool, strain, use as directed.
By the same principle, you can prepare decoctions of the roots of celandine, eucalyptus leaves, calendula flowers, calamus root.
The use of tampons moistened with oil or ointment is a great way to treat at home. This method has virtually no side effects, with the exception of allergic reactions to individual products. Well established: sea buckthorn oil, onion juice, ointment based on petroleum jelly and propolis, aloe juice.
Folk remedies for esophageal erosion
What to consider? When treating esophageal erosion, one should be extremely careful and consult with a gastroenterologist on any issues, first of all. Otherwise, you can easily harm the body and, instead of alleviating the condition, get additional problems.
The safest methods for esophageal erosion:
- Take 50 ml of freshly squeezed potato juice daily 20-30 minutes before a meal. The course of admission is 8 weeks.
- Take 70 ml of carrot juice twice a day. You can make a carrot and potato shake.
- A teaspoon of sea buckthorn oil 20 minutes before meals 2 times a day will restore the walls of the esophagus. Take up to 8 weeks.
- Flax seeds insist 30 minutes in boiled water at the rate of 1:30. Drink the resulting mucus 1 teaspoon per day. This is an excellent tool, not inferior in effectiveness to known drugs.
- A tablespoon of a mixture of herbs (dill, St. John's wort, chamomile, calendula, linden flowers, valerian root, immortelle, fennel) pour a glass of boiling water and insist. Drink 3-4 times a day for 50 ml.
Preventive measures
Observing simple rules, you can avoid the occurrence of pathology. No one is safe from cervical erosion, but its occurrence is often not accidental and compliance with preventive measures will never be superfluous. What do we have to do:
- carefully monitor personal hygiene;
- in case of any unpleasant symptoms, such as burning, itching, soreness or discomfort, immediately consult a gynecologist for help;
- even in the absence of complaints do not forget to attend a antenatal clinic 2 times a year.
As for esophageal erosion, the following rules should be adhered to as prevention and treatment of pathology:
- try to eat food slowly, chewing thoroughly;
- completely abandon alcohol;
- exclude from the diet very hard foods that can scratch the esophagus;
- during periods of exacerbation, products causing gas formation are prohibited;
- All dishes on the patient's menu should be cooked without frying, that is, steamed, baked or cooked.
As you can see, erosion of any organ can take place for a long time without any visible symptoms. Therefore, it is so important to undergo a medical examination and timely diagnose the presence of diseases. Remember that erosion must be treated in any case, even if it does not cause discomfort to the patient, because there is always a risk of the affected cells becoming malignant.