Gastritis is a complex and dangerous disease from which many people suffer. It is characterized by the course of inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
Symptoms of gastritis are often similar to other diseases of the digestive system. Distinguish between acute and chronic course of a pathological condition. They are equally dangerous with the likelihood of bleeding and ulceration. In some cases, the disease occurs when exposed to certain chemicals or pathogens.
Symptoms and treatment of gastritis in adults can be very different, however, if there are the slightest signs of malaise, you need to see a doctor to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe adequate therapy.
Disease feature
Gastritis is a pathological condition in which inflammation of the gastric mucosa is observed. It is very important to determine the main cause of this pathology, since it largely depends on how successful the treatment is.
For an accurate understanding of what exactly this disease is, you need to know how the stomach works and what physiological features it has. This is a hollow organ involved in one of the stages of digestion. Food enters it from the esophagus, passing through a particular cardiac sphincter.
After the digested food leaves the stomach, it enters the duodenal cavity. The work of this organ is very simple, and all the food that enters it is processed by the secreted gastric juice. However, muscle activity depends on many different factors. It is with the incorrect and irregular work of the stomach that many gastritis is associated.
Main types
Now doctors distinguish many different types of gastritis in adults, the symptoms and treatment of which are somewhat different. In addition, there are also several stages and forms of their development. That is why, before prescribing therapy, the doctor must determine the type of this disease. According to the speed of development, an acute and chronic form is distinguished.
Acute gastritis is characterized by a sharp increase in the symptoms of stomach inflammation, which occurs within a few hours or days. In this case, the signs may vary, it all depends on the characteristics of the pathology.
Chronic gastritis can develop over several years and is characterized by minor painful sensations, as well as a violation of digestion processes. It is possible to determine its presence only during a comprehensive diagnosis. In addition, the disease can occur with periods of exacerbation and remission. In this case, the patient may not have any symptoms of gastritis.
Depending on the volume of tissue damage, such forms are distinguished as:
- catarrhal;
- atrophic;
- erosive;
- phlegmonous;
- autoimmune;
- hypertrophic;
- allergic.
The catarrhal form is characterized by the fact that only the surface layer of the mucosa is involved in the pathological process. The functioning of the stomach in this case changes only slightly. It can occur due to periodic adherence to a strict diet, abuse of alcohol or spicy foods, food poisoning. However, after eliminating the provoking factor, the mucosa is restored on its own.
With an erosive form, inflammation covers completely the entire mucosa and even partially the muscle layer. Among the main symptoms of gastritis can be identified the occurrence of pain, nausea and pain. In this case, the mucous membrane becomes edematous and acquires a red color. In addition, small erosions form on the surface of the stomach. After treatment, scar formation is possible.
Phlegmonous type is characterized by the fact that all layers of the stomach are affected, which leads to the formation of very deep defects and the rapid penetration of the infection deep into the walls of the stomach. This form is very rapid and threatens the life of the patient. In order to prevent complications, treatment is required in a hospital setting.
Symptoms and treatment of atrophic gastritis largely depend on the characteristics of the course of this disease. It is worth noting that this form occurs mainly due to the prolonged course of inflammation. As a result of this, self-renewal of the mucosa is significantly impeded, which leads to its thinning, up to complete atrophy.
The autoimmune type develops because the immune system begins to destroy some cells of the stomach, as it perceives them as foreign. As a result of this, persistent and prolonged inflammation develops, gradually leading to mucosal atrophy.
The hypertrophic type of the disease leads to proliferation of the gastric mucosa, which significantly increases the risk of malignant tumors. Allergic gastritis develops mainly in those who suffer from food allergies. In addition, it can occur with parasitic damage to the digestive system.
Causes of occurrence
Before identifying the symptoms and treatment of gastritis in adults, you need to understand exactly what causes can trigger the onset of the disease. It can develop under the influence of one or several factors at once, which may include such factors as:
- the presence of certain bacteria;
- autoimmune reactions;
- violation of the passage of food;
- allergy;
- excessive use of medications;
- violation of diet;
- smoking;
- alcohol abuse.
In addition, internal factors can provoke the development of the disease, which include chronic foci of infection, metabolic disorders and diseases of the endocrine system.
Signs of illness
Symptoms of gastritis largely depend on the form of the course of the disease and the degree of damage to the gastric mucosa. Catarrhal type of inflammation is the most common. The first symptomatology is observed literally a few hours after the exposure to a provoking factor. Among the main signs, the presence of painful sensations, a feeling of fullness of the stomach, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, can be distinguished. With the progression of the disorder and the presence of complications, a slight increase in temperature is possible. In addition, the patient develops weakness, dizziness and health deteriorates sharply.
Often there are no symptoms with gastritis with high acidity, treatment should be carried out only during an exacerbation, when painful sensations arise. The pain is aching and not acute. In addition, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach may be observed. Signs of the course of the disease are mainly observed after eating food. It may also be a hungry pain, however, it is more intense.
Symptoms of gastritis with acidity can also worsen if the pathological process additionally affects the intestines. In this case, the patient has constipation, pain sensations become more extensive and spread to the peritoneum. In this case, the functioning of the digestive system is disrupted. There may be heartburn, sour belching, the appearance of an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth. Symptoms of gastritis with high acidity are characterized by the fact that periods of exacerbations and remissions occur. During an exacerbation, all signs are especially acute, it is at this time that the presence of the disease can be suspected. At the initial stage of the course of the disease, the symptoms of gastritis in adults practically do not appear and are practically not noticeable to the patient himself.
The acute form of the disease is characterized by the fact that acute pain, nausea and vomiting are immediately observed. In addition, the patient may have bloating. If you do not conduct timely treatment, then it can develop into chronic gastritis, alternating with periods of exacerbation and remission. In addition, against its background, an ulcer can occur and gradually turn into cancer.
Symptoms of gastritis in adults, occurring in a chronic form, are expressed as:
- feelings of fullness and heaviness after eating;
- nausea
- painful sensations;
- loss of appetite;
- weight loss;
- diarrhea or constipation;
- bad taste in the mouth;
- weakness, drowsiness, irritability;
- rumbling in the abdomen and bloating;
- anemia
- belching with an unpleasant aftertaste.
If the first signs of the disease occur, you should definitely contact your gastroenterologist for a comprehensive diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Diagnostics
Regardless of the symptoms of gastritis in adults, treatment of the disease begins with a comprehensive diagnosis, which will determine the nature of the disease. The doctor initially conducts an examination of a patient who, during an exacerbation period, is forced to sit leaning forward to reduce intra-abdominal pressure. In addition, palpation of the abdomen is required, as this allows you to assess the intensity of pain.
When conducting an examination, it is important to determine the level of acidity of the stomach. This can be done in several ways, however, the method of sounding with the intake of gastric juice is most often used. If for some reason this is prohibited, an acid test is performed. The patient needs to take special medications, and after a while urine is taken to determine the level of acidity.
Since often the disease occurs due to the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the body, a laboratory study of feces is required to detect it. The doctor may also prescribe a respiratory test. In order to choose the most appropriate treatment for gastritis in adults, the symptoms must be taken into account, as they can indicate the form of the disease, which is why the doctor conducts a patient survey to draw up an anamnesis.
A visual examination of the gastric mucosa, which is carried out using a fibrogastroscope, is also required. This device allows you to conduct a comprehensive examination, as the resulting image is transmitted to the monitor.
Treatment feature
When determining the cause of the disease, it is necessary to take into account the signs of gastritis of the stomach. Symptoms can have different intensities, on which the therapy depends. Treatment involves the use of medications, folk remedies, as well as following a special diet. Medicines help eliminate pathogens, lower acidity and reduce its negative effect on the mucosa.
Often used such groups of drugs as:
- antibiotics
- inhibitors;
- calcium supplements;
- histamine blockers;
- antacids.
If signs of gastritis appear during pregnancy, the symptoms can be eliminated with the help of proven folk remedies and methods, since during this period many drugs are strictly contraindicated. However, you first need to consult a doctor who will help you choose the safest remedy for a woman and a baby. In addition, it is very important to follow the basic rules of nutrition.
Drug therapy
Regardless of the existing symptoms of gastritis in adults, treatment is primarily aimed at reducing the acidity level of gastric juice. For this, the doctor prescribes such medications as “Fosfalugel”, “Famotidine”, “Atropine”, “Astrin”, “Omeprazole”. Antacids can be presented in the form of syrups, gels and tablets. After penetration into the lumen of the stomach, neutralization of hydrochloric acid and a rapid decrease in the level of Ph of the stomach occur. As a result of this, the environment becomes less aggressive, which allows the stomach to recover quickly. In addition, this reduces the activity of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Such drugs form a protective layer, which for a long time can interfere with the contact of the damaged mucosa with gastric juice.
To normalize the digestive function, enzyme-containing drugs are prescribed, in particular, such as Festal, Digestal, Festal, Mezim Forte.
When a disease with high acidity provoked by bacteria occurs, therapy is prescribed with the use of antibiotics, in particular, such as Pilorid, Clarithromycin, Amoxicillin. Antibacterial therapy is often required in case of a severe course of the disease, accompanied by toxic infections. Basically, in this case, the treatment is carried out in a hospital setting.
If acidity is lowered, then to normalize the digestion processes, replacement therapy is required by using polyenzyme preparations, in particular, such as Penzistal, Enzistal, and Abomin. In the presence of nausea, you can use such drugs as “Tsizaprid”, “Tserukal”, “Domperidon”.
Often, exacerbation of gastritis, the symptoms of which cause a lot of discomfort, is associated with a violation of the emotional background as a result of stress and overwork. That is why you need to stabilize your emotional state and strengthen the nervous system. For this, sedatives are prescribed. In some cases, a psychological consultation may be required.
Dieting
Regardless of which specific symptoms of gastritis are observed, diet is a very important component of absolutely any treatment. With exacerbations, the food consumed should be as gentle as possible, warm, grated and without spices. Initially, you can limit your intake of oatmeal to water, boiled rice or mashed potatoes. Gradually, as symptoms decrease, you can introduce meat products.
During remission, the most important thing is to eat regularly, without making significant breaks. All meals should be regular, and it is also important to exclude harmful foods from your diet.
It is advisable to consume milk or dairy products daily, and alcohol should be eliminated completely. With low acidity, stimulation of the stomach is required, and this can only be achieved with proper nutrition. To do this, you need to include in the diet fresh vegetables and fruits, meat dishes, various pickles.
The treatment and diet, which is developed individually by a nutritionist, will help to eliminate the symptoms of gastritis, depending on the characteristics of the course of the disease and the possible presence of complications. From drinks allowed stewed fruit, weak tea, fruit drinks and jelly, as well as mineral water. Apples will be very useful from fruits, however, they must be ripe and sweet. During the period of exacerbation, they can be consumed in a baked, grated form, without a peel. If acidity is lowered, it is recommended to consume apples with a slight acidity.
Bananas are contraindicated only if gastritis is accompanied by bloating. This fruit contains fiber, which has a good effect on the affected mucosa, and is also well absorbed and contains a number of useful trace elements.
Childhood illness
Symptoms of gastritis in children are often not too pronounced and are masked by the course of other diseases and health problems. Inflammation of the gastric mucosa in a child occurs for the same reasons as in an adult. Such types of disease are distinguished as:
- acute;
- primary;
- secondary;
- chronic.
Most often, it appears at the age of 5-7 and 9-13 years. After puberty, girls mostly suffer from this disease. The acute form of gastritis often develops against the background of overeating, consumption of poor-quality food, as well as poisoning by poor-quality food. Often this leads to the consumption of foods high in allergens.
In addition, gastritis may occur when taking certain medications that adversely affect the gastric mucosa, as well as poorly tolerated childhood infections.
In young children, signs of the course of the disease are not pronounced enough and often they can manifest themselves only in the form of a slight malaise and intoxication. Often, the parents begin to worry about the nausea and vomiting of the child. In this state, he does not behave as actively as usual, refuses food. Increased salivation and thirst may also be observed.
With a severe course of the disease in a child, the temperature can rise, the pulse quickens, and consciousness becomes confused. In older children, the symptoms and treatment of gastritis are exactly the same as in adults. Be sure to provide a gentle diet. In addition, the doctor prescribes medication.
Prophylaxis
The main prevention of gastritis is proper nutrition. It is important to consume only healthy and wholesome food, properly distributing its receptions. Nutrition must be balanced and contain all the substances useful to the body. The most important thing is not to overeat, which is why you need to eat in small portions.
The last meal should be no later than 4 hours before bedtime.It is best to eat at the same time, as this will allow the stomach to tune in to normal digestion of food. It is advisable to exclude from your usual diet harmful foods that are very difficult to digest.
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Possible complications
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- internal bleeding;
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- anemia;
- pancreatitis
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In addition, anorexia can be observed, which provokes metabolic disorders, loss of appetite, as well as significant depletion of the body. When conducting improper and inadequate treatment, gastric ulcer occurs, and progression of damage to the walls of the stomach is also possible. With the onset of a chronic form of gastritis, there is a high risk of developing malignant tumors.