Very often, doctors in their clinical practice diagnose atrophic gastritis. However, medicine has not yet reached a consensus on whether this disease is an independent disease or whether it is a consequence of another variety.
Let's try to figure out what lies behind the disease "atrophic gastritis"?
The stomach is the first of the organs of the digestive tract, so a failure in its work necessarily affects the entire digestion process, paralyzing the activity of the large and small intestines, liver and pancreas.
Atrophic gastritis, which has already become chronic, is often considered a precancerous condition in the stomach, because against its background, such changes as intestinal metaplasia and gastric mucosa dysplasia , which, in the end, turn into tumors, are often formed.
Chronic atrophic gastritis is a thinning of the gastric mucosa, which helps to reduce the number of glands and the formation of secretory insufficiency in the stomach. The mucous layer is significantly reduced.
The main symptom of this type of gastritis is that after eating, heaviness appears in the stomach, there is a feeling of overflow in it after eating.
The causes of the appearance of atrophic gastritis in a person are not fully identified. It is generally accepted that such a development is provoked by damage to the gastric mucosa as a result of constant overeating, the presence of sharp, acidic foods in the diet, eating enough rough food, etc. The course of this disease is necessarily accompanied by a lack of secretory production of immunoglobulin A, the formation of antibodies to the main element of the protective reaction of the stomach, which begin to destroy the cells of the glands in the stomach. And as a result of all these processes, atrophy of the mucosa begins.
Typically, patients with this diagnosis complain more about heaviness in the stomach, because there are very few pains. But immediately after eating, an eructation begins, which is usually accompanied by a rotten or bitter aftertaste. Gradually, a decrease in appetite, heartburn after each meal, weakness, dizziness or sweating, and with a marked decrease in secretory functions in the stomach, a person begins to lose weight significantly.
Gradually, a violation of the absorption process in the stomach and intestines of the nutrients necessary for the body begins, vision is impaired due to a lack of vitamin A, drying of the skin, hair loss, and brittle nails appear.
The diagnosis of atrophic gastritis is made on the basis of fluoroscopy, histological tests and gastroscopy. Probe and intragastric diagnosis must be performed.
Treatment of atrophic gastritis is purely individual, because it depends on the stage of the disease.
First of all, the patient is prescribed proper nutrition. The diet for atrophic gastritis should contain such food that will be sparing for the gastric mucosa. It will be steamed food, chopped and not containing any coarse fibers. Hot or cold food is completely ruled out - it should only be warm.
Needless to say, of course, it will be said that spicy, sour, smoked, salted and fried foods are completely excluded from the diet. Carbonated drinks, alcohol, sweets, chocolate, baked goods, canned goods, pickles are also not allowed to eat. Instead, they need a large number of cereals, thick soups on a weak broth, boiled meat and fish, boiled vegetables.
It is completely necessary to refuse coffee and strong tea, replacing them with mineral still water, cocoa, and jelly.
Medicines for atrophic processes in the stomach are prescribed by a doctor, and with them - vitamin preparations containing folic acid and B12.