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 prolonged course. More than 50% of the population suffers from this problem.
Before determining how to treat chronic gastritis, it is necessary to understand what causes its development, the peculiarity of symptoms, and what exactly this disease is characterized by.
Disease feature
Chronic gastritis according to ICD 10 (K 29.3) is a prolonged inflammation of the mucosa that occurs under the influence of chemical, bacterial and mechanical influences. This disease is characterized by the fact that serious changes occur in the composition of the gastric mucosa, as a result of which digestion processes are disturbed.
With the subsequent development of inflammation, the formation of ulcers and erosion is provoked. That is why it is important to know how to properly treat a disease so that it does not develop into a more serious pathology, for example, an ulcer or cancer of the stomach.
People who have this disease know very well what symptoms it provokes. In the event that there was an unpleasant sensation in the stomach, then you should immediately consult a gastroenterologist for diagnostics 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 of K 29.3, atrophic - K 29.4. In addition, other types of chronic gastritis are isolated, however, all of them relate to inflammation of the stomach with a violation of the digestive system, as well as the destruction of the mucosa. It proceeds with insufficiently expressed symptoms, however, relapses may periodically occur. There are several different types of this disease, but it is worth noting that certain classification principles do not exist. In particular, it is possible to distinguish such types of disease as:
- atrophic;
- surface;
- atrophic hyperplastic;
- hypertrophic.
Superficial chronic gastritis, proceeding at an early stage, is diagnosed by gastroscopy. During an exacerbation, an expansion of the area of infiltrate, necrosis of the epithelium, and the formation of erosion are observed.
When the atrophic form of gastritis occurs, the nutrition of the mucous cells is disturbed, which leads to atrophy of the cells of the stomach and inner layer. Sometimes cells can die completely, therefore, immediately after a diagnosis, complex treatment should be carried out to prevent complications.
Antral gastritis is a superficial type and the main cause of its occurrence is the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. Inflammation in the antrum is localized and leads to a deterioration in the digestive process.
Erosive gastritis is accompanied by the formation of erosion on the surface of the mucosa. The consumption of alcoholic beverages, bacteria, as well as the intake of certain medications leads to its occurrence. He is able to provoke gastric bleeding, therefore, it is important to seek the help of a doctor in a timely manner.
Reflux gastritis occurs when bile enters the stomach. This occurs if 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:
In addition, the course of the disease with normal secretion can be observed. This type of chronic gastritis is often observed in children and young people. If treatment is not done in a timely manner, then 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 distinguish such as:
- untimely food intake;
- overeating or starvation;
- improper food intake;
- abuse of spicy, fatty, smoked dishes;
- too hot or cold water;
- strong coffee;
- alcohol consumption;
- the use of low-quality products.
The occurrence of inflammation of the mucosa is facilitated by tobacco smoking, since nicotine provokes a thickening of the walls of the stomach, as well as the occurrence of neoplasms. Even a single dose of the usual “Aspirin” can provoke the formation of pinpoint hemorrhages and microerosion. Prolonged use of certain medications can lead to the development of chronic gastritis.
Endogenous factors, in particular, such as:
- anemia;
- renal failure;
- hereditary factors;
- circulatory disturbance;
- allergy;
- cardiovascular diseases.
Dystrophic changes in the gastric mucosa occur in the case of respiratory diseases. Regardless of the provoking factor, it is important to timely treat chronic gastritis so as not to provoke complications.
The 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 disease or try to cure it yourself, the consequences can be quite complex.
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 the period of remission by such signs as:
- heaviness after eating;
- periodic pain in the stomach;
- 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 their own. If the inflammation has not taken an extensive character, then the signs of the disease periodically appear and may be associated with food intake. If the number of relapses increases, then we can talk about an exacerbation of chronic gastritis.
In this case, the symptoms appear completely differently and largely depend on the type of course of the disease, its stage, as well as the state of the mucosa. It can be determined only by general symptoms, in particular such as:
- pain in the side and stomach;
- burning in the esophagus;
- nausea;
- vomiting
- belching with air.
In addition, an unpleasant odor in the mouth can be a bright sign of the occurrence of a violation in the body. Many note that such a condition is observed only during the period of hunger.
With low acidity, little hydrochloric acid is formed in the stomach. As a result of this, it is impossible to fully digest food that lumps on the bottom of the stomach and begins to rot. This leads to the appearance of symptoms such as:
- smack of rot and unpleasant odor;
- poor appetite;
- unpleasant burping;
- nausea;
- bloating;
- a 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 digest food, but also leads to irritation of the gastric mucosa. This is especially dangerous in times of famine. In this case, severe pain, an unpleasant taste of sour in the mouth and belching, burning in the stomach are observed.
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 conduct treatment. To recognize the course of the pathological process, the doctor conducts an external examination of the patient, palpation, determination of acid-forming functions.
Of great importance are laboratory and instrumental studies, including:
- urine and blood tests;
- studies of gastric juice;
- X-ray examination;
- gastroscopy;
- study of the structure of epithelial cells.
In addition, additional research is required to exclude the occurrence of diseases with similar symptoms.
Treatment feature
How to treat chronic gastritis will help determine only the attending doctor. 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:
- the use of medications;
- folk remedies and techniques;
- adherence to a special diet.
It is very important to make a meal schedule, as well as moderate physical activity and active life. Sometimes the patient is shown spa treatment and physiotherapy. Surgical intervention is practically not carried out, since therapeutic methods cope well with this disease.
Drug treatment
Drug treatment of chronic gastritis in each individual case is selected purely individually. In particular, when a disease with low acidity occurs, the doctor may prescribe such medications as Panzinorm or Pepsidil. These drugs increase the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
For superficial gastritis with high acidity, drugs such as Agiflux or Maalox are prescribed. In addition, receptor blockers, such as Gastromax, and Omez inhibitors, are prescribed.
If the Helicobacter bacteria is detected, antibiotic therapy is indicated, which consists in the simultaneous administration of antibiotics, as well as antisecretory drugs. A very good remedy for treating infection is the drug De-nol. The treatment regimen implies the use of drugs that normalize the functioning of the digestive organs. Such funds include: Motilium, Domperidon-Stoma.
Alternative methods of therapy
Alternative treatment of chronic gastritis is used when treating a disease with normal and high acidity. For the treatment, various decoctions of medicinal herbs are used. You can make it by taking 1 tsp. chamomile and yarrow flowers. Then pour the resulting mixture into 250 ml of boiling water and leave to infuse overnight. In the morning, strain the finished product and take 3 times a day until food is consumed.
With the help of folk remedies, chronic gastritis with low acidity can be cured. To do this, you can prepare a decoction from a mixture of wormwood, mint, chamomile, St. John's wort and caraway seeds. All herbs must be taken in equal proportions. All this is put in a deep bowl, pour boiling water, and then leave to infuse for 12 hours. Finished product strain and take 0.5 tbsp. before eating food. Such healing agents can be used when the first signs of the disease occur.
Power Features
A prerequisite for conducting 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 remissions. Very useful will be the consumption of mashed vegetable soups, boiled or steamed meat, low-fat varieties of fish, as well as crackers.
A diet for chronic gastritis limits the consumption of foods that can not be eaten with disorders 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 salty dishes.
Prophylaxis
With the course of the disease, 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:
- compliance with the correct diet;
- refusal of smoking and alcohol;
- timely rehabilitation of the oral cavity;
- the treatment of diseases of the digestive system.
When chronic gastritis occurs in adults with low acidity, an annual medical examination is required. You need to consume food in small portions 5-6 times a day. At the same time, you need to chew food very carefully.
Dishes must be in a warm form, and also exclude from the usual diet foods that provoke irritation of the mucous membrane. In order 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:
- steamed vegetables;
- lean meat and fish;
- mashed vegetable soups;
- cereals;
- omelette;
- sweet fruits and berries.
In addition, you need to pay attention to the arising pains in the stomach area in a timely manner and, when this symptomatology appears, immediately consult a doctor who will help determine the form of the disease and choose the right treatment.
Relapse disease
With an 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 are of particular importance. If you adhere to a special diet, then gastritis proceeds 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 aggravation can occur very soon.
A similar 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 distinguish such as:
- pain in the solar plexus;
- violation of the stool;
- heartburn, belching;
- nausea and vomiting;
- general malaise;
- increased salivation.
When an exacerbation of erosive gastritis proceeds to general symptoms, vomiting with impurities of blood is also observed. In addition, feces of a dark color may be a characteristic feature. Gastric bleeding is also possible.