Let's think about how often a person in his life faced one or another discomfort in his stomach? A huge number of times, is not it? And how many cases when you simply did not attach any significance to this? The answer to this question is quite obvious. This article describes cases in which abdominal pain occurs. The issue of gastritis, its consequences, how long the symptoms last during an attack of gastritis, as well as methods of dealing with them and treatment, are also examined in detail.
Theory
As you know, the stomach is divided into zones - 4 quadrants (2 above and below). Quadrants are divided into areas: epigastric (epigastrium, right and left hypochondrium), mesogastric (umbilical region, left and right side), hypogastric (suprapubic, right and left iliac). Depending on where the pain is localized, what is its intensity, nature and frequency of manifestations, a certain disease can be judged. This is what we will discuss in detail below.
Types of gastritis
Pain in the epigastric and mesogastric regions is a symptom of diseases such as gastritis, GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), duodenitis, gastroduodenitis, gastric ulcer and (or) duodenal bulb. Less commonly, pain occurs with pancreatitis, cholecystitis and gallstone disease. Let us consider in more detail the diseases of the abdominal organs and the characteristic of pain in the acute period.
Acute gastritis
In acute gastritis, the pains are acute. They are often paroxysmal, worse on an empty stomach. There is nausea, 1-2-fold vomiting, stool disorder in the form of constipation. With gastritis with increased secretion of hydrochloric acid, heartburn, sour taste is added.
GERD
This disease is characterized by symptoms of gastritis, which is accompanied by a burning sensation in the throat, sore throat, hoarseness, burping air, regurgitation of a small amount of food eaten. The pains are acute, intense, piercing in nature. They can be either localized or spilled throughout the abdominal wall. It is important to note the fact that pain intensifies in the evening and at night, as well as during fasting. The pain is slightly reduced 5 minutes after eating. Vomiting in patients occurs from one to several times and is accompanied by nausea.
Important! If red blood is found in the vomit, this is a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding. In this case, immediately call the medical team to hospitalize in the hospital.
Acute gastroduodenitis
In the acute period, the characteristics of pain are the same as with gastritis. Pain with these diseases has several localizations: epigastric, mesogastric, pain in the right hypochondrium. Pain in the right hypochondrium occurs with a disease such as gallstone disease. It happens with cholecystitis, gastroduodenitis and duodenitis. In the acute period, the pain is pronounced, intense, paroxysmal in nature. At the same time, it is difficult for a person to find a comfortable position. The pain radiates to the lumbar, epigastric, mesogastric regions. Often it can be noted the irradiation of pain in the right hand, the neck area on the right. When the bile ducts are blocked, the skin changes color to icteric, and the sclera of the eyes becomes icteric. With these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor immediately. Symptoms such as repeated vomiting mixed with bile are usually present.
Causes of Gastritis
The main reason for the appearance of gastritis in our time are eating disorders: starvation, eating spicy, acidic foods, eating in cafes and various eateries, lack of a regimen. Another important cause of gastritis is Helicobacter pylori. It is transmitted by contact from a sick person to a healthy person through saliva, cutlery and household appliances. From the above, the following conclusions can be drawn: to avoid gastritis, follow a diet, eat rationally, eat only high-quality, fresh products from trusted stores. I would like to note the importance of cooking. Patients with gastritis should avoid a large number of spices, spicy foods, fried and fatty foods.
Symptoms of Gastritis
Symptoms of gastritis are quite difficult to recognize due to the fact that many people even with severe pain try not to pay attention to it. Some take the onset of gastritis as simple indigestion. Manifestations of gastritis are very individual for each person, therefore, it is impossible to identify for sure the signs. Symptoms themselves are divided according to the type of disease. Among the common signs, it is worth highlighting the appearance of an unpleasant taste in the mouth, nausea, dizziness, impaired stool. With an acute attack of gastritis, the temperature can rise to 40 degrees, there are signs of nausea, as well as loose stools. In chronic gastritis, there are signs of constipation, impaired appetite, increased salivation and belching.
Effects
Gastritis is not a dangerous disease, but it can lead to the following diseases:
- Acute pancreatitis. The pain in acute pancreatitis is constant and intense. It is important to note that the pain in pancreatitis is shingles and captures the epigastric region, right and left hypochondria, lower back. Indomitable vomiting (vomiting "fountain"), which does not bring relief. Multiple mushy stools also occur. In acute pancreatitis, emergency medical care is required. Sometimes doctors recommend hospitalization in a hospital.
- Acute appendicitis. The development of symptoms in acute appendicitis is different. The first option is a gradually increasing pain in the epigastric region. After a short period of time, the pain sensation shifts to the right iliac region. The pain gradually becomes more intense, constant. It decreases slightly if you lie on the right side in the fetal position. Symptoms are accompanied by nausea, a single vomiting, a rise in temperature to 37.5 degrees. The second option is a rapidly growing pain in the right iliac region. In any of these cases, self-medication should not be performed. The only right decision would be to call an ambulance. Acute appendicitis requires surgical treatment
- Intestinal obstruction. Pain with intestinal obstruction is cramping. They can be either blunt or sharp. There is a delay in bowel movement for more than 3 days, there is no discharge of gases, characterized by increased flatulence. Often there is nausea, vomiting, which subsequently brings slight relief to the patient. With the above symptoms, you must urgently seek medical help.
- Sigmoiditis. The pain with inflammation of the sigmoid colon is piercing, cramping in nature. Flatulence, nausea, vomiting, tenesmus (urge to defecate) are disturbing patients. In the stool, you can notice an admixture of mucus, blood. Sigmoiditis requires special attention and treatment, as can be caused not only by functional disorders, but also have an infectious etiology.
What to do with an attack of gastritis
At the first symptoms, you need to call a doctor, as well as provide first aid to the victim. How to relieve pain with an attack of gastritis? The first thing that torments the victim is bouts of pain in the abdomen. Among medications, it is worth highlighting the enveloping groups of drugs that will help protect the walls of the stomach, as well as antispasmodics that will help to avoid nausea attacks. How to relieve an attack of gastritis at home? It is worth considering that sometimes in our medicine cabinet this group of drugs may not appear. A glass of water in which a teaspoon of sugar and salt is diluted can help restore the acid balance of the stomach. The taste is unpleasant, but it will help restore the acid-base balance.
Treatment
Treatment of gastritis attacks is aimed at eliminating the cause of this disease. In these cases, you need to visit a doctor and identify the cause. Among the drugs, several groups can be distinguished: antibiotics, enveloping agents, antisecretory, antispasmodics, as well as antiemetics, which help relieve the first symptoms of an attack of gastritis.
Gastritis Prevention
Gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Gastritis is divided into two types: with increased or decreased secretion of hydrochloric acid. Symptoms of each of them differ from each other. In gastritis with high acidity, heartburn, pain in the epigastric region, belching with an acidic taste, nausea, loss of appetite, constipation, rumbling in the stomach area predominate. In gastritis with low acidity, as a rule, there is a feeling of heaviness, belching with “rotten eggs”. In this case, the pains are dull, aching, and the person has constipation.
Nutrition for gastritis
Nutrition should be varied and healthy. Do not abuse alcohol and smoking. If possible, it is necessary to abandon bad habits and lead a healthy lifestyle. In the event that a Helicobacter pylori bacterium is found in one of the family members, it is recommended that everyone who lives with him is examined. The patient needs to allocate individual dishes and personal hygiene products. By adhering to our recommendations, you will significantly reduce the risk of encountering a disease such as gastritis.