Gastritis

Gastritis

Gastritis - is an inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane of the stomach, which leads to various disorders of the digestive system and digestive problems. Without proper treatment, the acute form of gastritis turns into a chronic form. This, in turn, threatens such dangerous complications as ulcer and ulcer. cancer.

What are the different types of gastritis?

There are two main types of gastritis:

  • Erosive: erosive gastritis causes both inflammation and erosion (wear and tear) of the stomach mucosa. Causes include alcohol, smoking, corticosteroids, viral or bacterial infections, and stress from illness or injury.
  • Non-erosive: inflammation of the gastric mucosa without erosion or damage to the gastric mucosa.

Symptoms of gastritis

Signs and symptoms of gastritis include:

  • A aching or burning pain or ache (indigestion) in the upper abdomen that may increase or decrease with meals.
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • A feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen after a meal

Gastritis does not always cause signs and symptoms.

What causes irritation of the gastric mucosa?

The mucus secreted by the mucous membrane is not immune to anything. There are factors so aggressive that the production of mucus can be disrupted, and stomach acid can begin to attack the walls of the stomach. The following factors can lead to this:

  • infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria,
  • compromised immune system,
  • stress,
  • certain medications such as painkillers.
  • excessive use of alcohol, nicotine and caffeine,
  • hot spices,
  • very acidic foods.

As a result, gastritis occurs. Symptoms of acute gastritis usually appear suddenly. Appropriate treatment, usually with medications that reduce gastric juice production, usually takes a few days, but sometimes it can take up to several weeks to relieve symptoms. Irritation of the gastric mucosa can also become chronic. The first stages of inflammation can often go unnoticed, and the disease can take years to develop until symptoms such as a  peptic ulcer .

Gastritis reduces the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestine, making this vitamin unable to fulfill its important role in blood production.

Gastritis is diagnosed by a gastroenterologist. During the examination, he must check the condition of the mucous membrane of the stomach and find out if there are no changes - redness, swelling and no gastric ulcer. Usually take a sample from the walls of the stomach, which is then sent for histologic examination. A diagnosis of gastritis also confirms the presence of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

How to support the treatment of gastritis?

Certain foods that irritate the stomach can cause additional problems and worsen symptoms. Until the inflammation is cured, stick to the following tips:

  • eat slowly
  • chew thoroughly
  • avoid foods that are too hot or too cold,
  • avoid very sweet, spicy and salty foods,
  • try to eat five small meals a day.

If you have gastritis, choose easily digestible foods and try to avoid:

  • fatty dairy products (such as cheese and cream),
  • fatty, smoked and fried meats and breaded meats, goose and duck meat, and fatty poultry skin,
  • oily fish (e.g. eels, mackerel) and any smoked, pickled or marinated fish and canned fish,
  • fatty sauces (e.g. mayonnaise),
  • fried foods (e.g. French fries),fried foods (e.g. French fries),
  • sweets and cakes,
  • fresh bread and coarse bread made from unsifted flour (instead, eat at least yesterday's bread made from fine whole wheat flour).
  • Fresh vegetables that can cause gas (e.g. cabbage, onions).

Also, try to avoid stimulants:

  • coffee and black tea,
  • alcohol
  • nicotine

Dietary recommendations for gastritis are slightly different from those for diarrhea and other digestive disorders. During the period of the disease, eat nutritious and easily digestible food that does not cause excessive irritation of the gastric mucosa. Particularly recommended foods include rice, boiled potatoes or mashed potatoes, unsalted and seasoned vegetables, and similar dishes high in easily digestible nutrients that do not burden the inflamed mucosa. The following stewed vegetables are considered easily digestible:

  • fennel,
  • carrots
  • green peas,
  • zucchini,
  • tomatoes.

If you have or suspect gastritis, go to the best clinics in Switzerland. Our doctors will diagnose and help you get rid of the disease. You can find a single phone number for consultation in theContacts».

Prevention of gastritis

To reduce the risk of gastritis, it is advisable to observe the following relatively simple rules:

  • Follow a balanced diet based on fresh foods with limited consumption of animal fats and spicy foods.
  • Do not drink alcohol.
  • Take medications only when absolutely necessary.
  • no smoking
  • Avoid stress.