Erosion of the stomach is a fairly common disease, characterized by the formation of erosion on the surface of the gastric mucosa. These defects appear due to superficial necrosis. When they heal, a connective tissue scar does not form. Stomach erosion is a conditional nosological term that combines chronic recurrent destructive processes in the gastric mucosa. Sometimes it manifests itself as a symptom of gastritis. Therefore, in the literature very often this disease is called erosive gastritis of the stomach.
The main causes of the disease are extreme environmental factors that constantly affect the human body. These stress factors (burns, frostbite, injuries, shock, polytrauma) cause disturbances in the neurohumoral mechanisms of regulation of many organs, in particular, trophic and secretory functions of the stomach and intestines, and reduce the body's resistance. There is also a genetic predisposition to the disease. Gastric erosion can also occur with the use of drugs (nitrofurans, corticosteroids, ethacrylic acid, veroshpiron, tolbutamide), alcohol abuse, as well as diseases of the endocrine system (diabetes mellitus, hyperparathyroidism).
Many believe that erosive gastritis occurs due to the pathogenic effect of campylobacteria (Helicobacter pylori) on the human body. The facts showed that 95% of people with duodenal ulcers were infected with this particular type of campylobacter, but patients with such an ulcer make up only 1-6% of all people infected with this pathogen.
Erosion of the stomach: pathogenesis (development of the disease)
Under the influence of stress factors, complex and interconnected biochemical processes occur in the body, which are accompanied by a violation of the nervous and humoral mechanisms of regulation of the functions of all body systems, and especially the stomach and intestines. The secretion of hormones of the adrenal cortex and histamine increases, which increase the secretion of gastric juice with an increase in its activity of pepsin and the content of free hydrochloric acid. At the same time, the secretion and viscosity of the mucus decreases, which reduces the protective function of the mucous membrane. In addition, spasmodic contractions of the muscles of the stomach and intestines occur, the permeability of capillaries increases, tissue trophism is impaired, which subsequently leads to inflammatory reactions, the formation of erosions and ulcers of the gastric mucosa. The direct effect of harmful toxic substances on the mucous membrane should be taken into account. Thus, in the pathogenesis of gastric erosion, the key link is the mismatch between the barrier function of the mucous membrane and the destructive capacity of the gastric or intestinal contents. Given the number of blood vessels, bleeding forms in the area of the ulcer. With this disease, persistent functional disorders of the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas and other organs and systems develop.
Most often (30–90%) in young people, the disease goes away without specific signs. Sometimes heartburn occurs, belching is acidic, pain in the stomach can extremely rarely occur. The chronic course of erosive gastritis is manifested with characteristic clinical signs. About 80% of patients complain of heartburn, belching, pain in the right hypochondrium, flatulence, diarrhea and constipation.
Those who have been diagnosed with erosive gastritis by doctors must follow a diet designed to reduce the activity of gastric juice. To achieve this goal you need to eat properly. First of all, a diet with erosion of the stomach involves the rejection of coarse fiber foods that are rich in cellulose (radishes, sinewy meat, turnips, bran bread, etc.). Do not eat fried foods. You should refrain from drinking alcohol, soda, citrus fruits, coffee, black bread, as well as cold and hot foods.