Chronic gastritis: causes, symptoms and treatment & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What is chronic gastritis?

Chronic gastritis is inflammation of the stomach that initially has mild symptoms, the day it gets worse. The condition is characterized by abdominal pain in the upper part (stomach area) that is dull and doesn't go away. In some cases, chronic gastritis can be painless.

Chronic gastritis can also cause you to feel full even after eating a small amount of food. Inflammation of the stomach can be caused by a bacterial infection, excessive alcohol consumption, taking certain drugs, chronic stress, or other immune system problems.

Chronic gastritis that lasts for a long time can erode the lining of the stomach and can lead to metaplasia or dysplasia. This condition is a precancerous cell that can lead to cancer if left untreated.

Chronic gastritis usually improves with treatment, but requires constant monitoring.

How common is this condition?

Chronic gastritis is quite common, but the total number of cases is not as much as acute gastritis.

You can reduce your chances of experiencing it by avoiding certain risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of chronic gastritis?

There are many signs and symptoms of chronic gastritis. However, some people with this condition don't always cause symptoms initially. When it is severe, then the symptoms appear.

Symptoms of chronic gastritis that may occur are:

• Upper stomach pain
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Gag
• Burping
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

There may be signs and symptoms of chronic gastritis not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

According to the Medical University of South Carolina if this acute gastric inflammation gets worse, your stomach will lose its ability to produce acid. In addition, the stomach will also find it difficult to absorb important nutrients, such as vitamin B12.

When should I see a doctor?

Early diagnosis and treatment can stop this condition from worsening and prevent other medical emergencies, so talk to your doctor right away to prevent this serious condition.

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

Cause

What causes chronic gastritis?

Chronic gastritis consists of various types, called types A, B, and C. This division is based on the underlying cause of chronic gastritis.

To be clearer, the types of chronic gastritis that refer to the cause are:

Type A

Chronic gastric inflammation of this type is caused by the immune system destroying healthy stomach cells. The immune system should work to protect stomach cells from threatening foreign substances, such as germs.

However, the immune system mistakes healthy stomach cells as a threat and ends up attacking healthy stomach cells. Once the stomach becomes inflamed, this condition can increase the risk of vitamin deficiency, anemia, and cancer.

Type B

This type is the most common type. Long-term type B gastritis is caused by a bacterial infection Helicobacter pylori and can cause stomach ulcers, intestinal ulcers, and cancer.

These bacteria do exist in your intestines and are generally harmless. However, if these bacteria multiply without control, they can cause infection of the lining of the stomach and duodenum.

About 50% of the world's population is infected with H. pylori,. H. pylori infection is very high in Asia and developing countries.

Type C

This type is caused by chemical irritants such as NSAID pain relievers or alcohol. This condition can also cause erosion and bleeding of the stomach lining.

Other types of gastritis include giant hypertrophic gastritis , which can be related to protein deficiency. There is also eosinophilic gastritis , which can occur with allergic conditions such as asthma or eczema.

Triggers

What puts me at risk for chronic gastritis?

Various factors that can trigger gastritis to last in the long term are:

• Long-term use of certain drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen
• Excess alcohol consumption
• H. pylori bacterial infection
• Certain diseases, such as diabetes or kidney failure
• Weakened immune system
• The intense stress that doesn't go away that also attacks the immune system
• Bile that rises to the stomach
• A diet high in fat and high in salt
• Smoke
• A stressful lifestyle or traumatic experience can also decrease the stomach's ability to protect itself
  

Diagnosis and Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is chronic gastritis diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects you have chronic gastritis, a physical exam and some of the tests that will be recommended are:

Bacterial test

The H. pylori test can confirm whether there are active H. pylori bacteria in your body or not. To find out, bacteria detection can be done with blood tests, stool tests, and breath tests.

The type of test you have depends on your situation. H. pylori can be detected in a blood test, in a stool test or by a breath test.

In the breath test, you will be asked to drink a small glass of liquid containing radioactive carbon. Then blow air into a container and then seal the container. If you are infected with H. pylori, the breath sample will contain radioactive carbon.

Endoscopy

This test is done to look for signs of inflammation, including chronic gastritis. The doctor will use a flexible tube equipped with a small camera through the throat, esophagus, stomach and small intestine.

When the doctor finds a suspicious area, the doctor will take a tissue sample in the area for a biopsy. A biopsy is a follow-up examination to determine the presence of H.pylori in the lining of the stomach which is causing chronic gastritis.

Imaging test

This test is done to detect abnormalities that occur in the digestive tract with the help of X rays. With this test, you will see a picture of the inflamed condition of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine.

How is this condition handled?

Symptoms of chronic gastritis can be relieved by following a doctor's treatment and making lifestyle changes to be healthier.

Drugs

Doctors can give drugs to reduce stomach acid. Medicines to treat gastric inflammation that are commonly used in cases of chronic gastritis are:

• Antacids, including calcium carbonate
• H2 antagonists, such as ranitidine
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPI drugs), such as omeprazole
• Reducing or stopping aspirin and similar medications is recommended to reduce stomach irritation

Symptoms of chronic gastritis usually take longer to disappear. Without treatment, this condition can continue to appear for years.

Improve diet

Your doctor may recommend dietary changes to reduce stomach irritation. Things to avoid if you have chronic gastritis are:

• Eat lots of salt-rich foods
• Often eat fatty foods
• Drink alcohol, including beer and wine
• Eat lots of red meat and preserved meat

Foods that are recommended for people with chronic gastritis are:

• All fruits and vegetables
• Foods that are high in probiotics, such as yogurt and kefir
• Lean meats, such as chicken, turkey and fish
• Vegetable-based protein such as beans and tofu
• Whole grain pasta, rice, and bread
  

Prevention

What can I do at home to prevent or treat chronic gastritis?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with chronic gastritis are:

• Pay attention to the diet according to the doctor's recommendations.
• If you feel stressed, find out how to calm your mind, for example taking up a hobby.
• Limit alcohol and consumption of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin can also prevent this condition.
• Quit smoking and drinks containing soda.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.