Gastritis is a long-running disease that manifests itself in changes in the mucous membrane of an inflammatory, as well as often dystrophic, nature. It becomes a cause of impaired regeneration and atrophy of epithelial cells, as well as the replacement of healthy glands with fibrous tissue.
But what is atrophic gastritis? What are its symptoms, causes, how to treat it, what could be the consequences? That’s what this is about now.
Characterization of the disease and etiology
Before proceeding to the consideration of the symptoms of atrophic gastritis, it is worthwhile to talk about what it generally is.
So, this is one of the most dangerous forms of the disease in question. It is diagnosed if a person has inflammatory processes in the pancreas and in the mucous membrane. Also, during the course of this disease, the cells that are responsible for the production of gastric juice cease to function normally. Because of this, glands producing hydrochloric acid and enzymes die in the future.
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 reasons why this disease occurs include the following:
- Lack of balanced and normalized nutrition.
- Addiction to alcoholic beverages.
- Mental and nervous overstrain.
- Smoking.
- Disorders of the endocrine system.
- Hereditary predisposition.
Any of the above leads to a violation of the integrity of the mucous membrane, and its inflammation becomes a consequence of this. 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 healthy areas (compensation mechanism).
But these changes cannot be noticed. The more obvious symptoms of atrophic gastritis include:
- Discomfort in the epigastric region (upper, middle region under the ribs).
- Pain and burning after eating.
- Feeling of heaviness and nausea. Appear even after a light bite.
These signs are characterized by the initial form of the disease. If you ignore 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.
- Strengthening of a pain syndrome.
- Weight loss.
- Constant weakness.
- Low-grade fever.
- Increased secretion of hydrochloric acid and its entry into the lumen of the stomach.
- Increased total acidity.
Moreover, during this period, a person is particularly susceptible to the influence of Helicobacter pylori, a conditionally pathogenic bacterium. For this microorganism, increased acidity is an ideal habitat.
In a small amount, bacteria cannot harm, but in such good conditions they multiply rapidly, which leads to negative consequences. After all, the vital products of bacteria are cytotoxins that increase inflammation of the mucosa.
In addition, against the background of a weakened defense of the body, Helicobacter pylori get deeper, as a result of which the cells of the tissues of the stomach and its glands are poisoned. Because of this, an ulcer often occurs.
Other alarms
It is important to make a reservation 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.
This causes the onset of symptoms due to a lack of these elements in the body. They are manifested in the following:
- Burning in the mouth.
- Dyspnea.
- Drowsiness.
- Fatigue.
- Lethargy.
- Pallor of mucous membranes and skin.
- Violation of the sensitivity of the limbs.
- Pain in the tongue, accompanied by a change in its color.
- Fragility of nails and dry hair.
- Chest pain.
- "Air" burping.
- Instability of the stool (constipation can be replaced by diarrhea).
After an external examination, it is possible to detect fingerprints and plaque in the tongue . Also, bad breath, a similar taste, as well as hypersalivation (increased salivation) are often observed.
The symptoms of atrophic gastritis of the stomach cannot be ignored. This is fraught with serious consequences. Some patients go to the doctor even when their acidity decreases to alchemy (that is, the acid in the stomach is completely absent).
Effects
Before proceeding to consider the principles of eliminating symptoms and treating atrophic gastritis with folk and medical means, it is necessary to list the consequences of ignoring the disease. These include:
- Violation of the digestive processes. The neglected state leads to the development of dysbiosis.
- Anemia, vitamin deficiency, asthenia.
- The occurrence of fermentation and rotting in the stomach.
- Frequent vomiting, the appearance of blood in the saliva.
- Permanent dehydration.
- The formation of ulcerative lesions.
- Decreased secretory function, loss of interest in food, development of exhaustion, which turns into cachexia.
- The formation in the gastric walls of multiple follicles from lymphoid tissue.
- Joining a secondary infection. Phlegmonous gastritis is possible.
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 are listed above. This, of course, is done by the doctor - he prescribes drugs suitable for the patient in his particular case, and always those that sparingly affect the stomach.
As a rule, the choice is made in favor of such drugs:
- "Flemoxin Solutab." Penicillin antibiotic 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 indicated 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 12 years old, the minimum patient weight is 40 kg. For patients with moderate severity of health, the norm is 750 mg. The dosage is divided into three doses. If the lesion is severe, you need to take 500 mg 3 times a day. Therapy usually lasts from 5 to 14 days.
- Ospamox. It is approximately 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 most effective in eliminating symptoms and treating focal atrophic gastritis. And reviews allow us to verify this. There are also drugs "Gonoform", "Amosin", "Amoksikar", "Grunamoks", "Amoxicillin", "Ecobol" and other antibiotics, but which gastroenterologist will have to be treated exactly.
Proton pump inhibitors
They are also prescribed to eliminate unpleasant symptoms and treat focal atrophic gastritis. Reviews allow you to make sure that these drugs help to quickly get rid of pathologies of the mucous membrane that have arisen due to impaired acidity. They reduce the production of hydrochloric acid by blocking the proton pump in parietal cells.
The best means of this group are the following antisecretory drugs:
- Omeprazole. As a rule, the daily dose is 20 mg. In severe cases and with exacerbation, it is doubled. It is best to take the remedy at night. Be sure to drink tablets with plenty of water. The treatment lasts from 14 to 30 days.
- "Bioprazole". One capsule per day is enough, which contains just 20 mg of the active substance. It is worth noting that this drug is absorbed very quickly in the stomach.
- Omezol. A mildly acting drug that is prescribed even with a duodenal ulcer. One tablet contains 40 mg of the active substance, so the doctor will individually prescribe the dosage. As a rule, one piece per day is enough.
- "Control". An inhibitor whose main active ingredient is pantoprazole. It especially consists in a gentle effect on the mucous membrane of the stomach. Therefore, the course of treatment is usually long. This is necessary to prevent relapse.
- "Nolpaza." The drug is similar in action to the “Control”. But it is forbidden to accept people under 18 years of age. An analogue is a medication called "Ultra". Any of the drugs is taken in the morning, the dosage is determined by the doctor.
In addition to these 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 what determines the minimum dosage). And rabeprazole agents are usually indicated for ulcers.
Other drugs
In addition to the above, there are many other medicines that help eliminate symptoms and treat atrophic gastritis.
The reviews of people who have mastered this disease make it possible to verify that recovery is faster if you combine the use of these drugs with enzymes. With this ailment, one of two things can be assigned:
- Pancreatin. It consists of proteases, lipase and amylase. These enzymes contribute to the easy absorption 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.
- Enzystal. This combined preparation has a lipolytic, proteolytic and amylolytic effect. It also promotes rapid digestion, and also stimulates the release of enzymes in the small intestine, stomach, pancreas, and the production of bile. The tool should be taken either with food, or immediately after it. Allowed to use the drug from six years. Children under 12 are shown 1 tablet three times a day. Everyone older than 3.
In addition to enzymes, you may have to take H2-histamine receptor blockers. They also help 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. Symptoms of the disease subside significantly after the start of vitamin B12 intake.
It can be used intravenously, subcutaneously, intralumbally and intramuscularly. If a patient is diagnosed with iron deficiency or posthemorrhagic anemia, then he will need to take 30-100 mcg three times a week.
Fittings
Since we are talking about the symptoms and treatment of atrophic gastritis, folk remedies, which are also used by many in the treatment process, should also be considered. Here are some effective 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 to low heat. Drink the resulting broth in three doses - each time after a meal.
- In equal proportions mix the leaves of plantain, St. John's wort and chamomile. Pour a glass of boiling water. Wrap a towel for an hour and let it brew. Then strain and drink in 4 divided doses with equal time intervals between them.
- Combine the same amount of plantain leaf, wormwood and burdock grass, 1-2 tbsp. l collection pour boiling water in a thermos. Leave to insist for the night. Drink the whole composition over the next day.
- Rinse the fresh parsley roots thoroughly and dry, then chop. Take 3 tbsp. l mass and pour a glass of boiling water. Leave to insist for the night. Then you can take 1 tbsp. l before eating.
- Grind calamus root. Take 20 grams and pour vodka (100 ml). Let it brew for 2 weeks, then filter and squeeze the composition. Drink 15 drops before meals. You can breed them in a small amount of water (enough 1 tbsp. L.).
Before taking any folk remedy, you need to consult your doctor. If you believe the reviews, the symptoms of atrophic gastritis eliminate these drugs, but they can also cause even more irritation of the stomach, if you overdo it with their intake.
Diet
Talking about the symptoms and treatment of atrophic gastritis, the diet also needs to be noted with attention. Since with the disease of a focal form in the stomach, zones are formed that cease to fulfill the secretory function, a person should take care of a sparing diet.
The patient is prescribed a diet No. 1a. All foods that can cause an increase in secretory activity or thermal, chemical and mechanical irritations of the mucosa will have to be excluded from the diet.
A strict thermal regime is established - food and drink should not be colder than +40 ° C and not hotter than +50 ° C. The menu includes only jelly, mashed potatoes, soufflés, steam cutlets, grated soups and cereals. Before cooking, it is imperative to clean the meat from skin, tendons, films and fascia, and also soak for a long time in water.
Here's what you can eat:
- Yesterday or dried bread (1st and 2nd grade), inedible cookies.
- Turkey, beef, chicken, veal, rabbit.
- Cod, perch, zander, hake.
- Steam omelet or soft-boiled eggs.
- Cream, milk, steamed souffle or cottage cheese casserole.
- Buckwheat, rice, semolina porridge.
- Oatmeal.
- Boiled vegetables (baked or grated).
- Fruits in the form of jelly, mousse or jelly.
- Milk soups with oat, pearl barley, rice groats.
You can refill food with a small amount of olive oil or unsalted butter. Drinking juices from sweet fruits with the addition of water and decoctions based on bran and rose hips are allowed.