Inflammation of the gastric mucosa (gastritis) – causes, symptoms & therapy

Typ-C-Gastritis

Type C gastritis is in turn a chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa caused by the damaging effects of drugs such as so-called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( aspirin , ibuprofen , diclofenac , etc.) or corticosteroids (cortisone, etc.). Rising bile acid from the duodenum can also damage the gastric mucosa over a long period of time and lead to gastritis.

symptoms and course

Typical symptoms of gastritis:

• Vomit

• nausea

• loss of appetite

• stomach pain

• burping

• fullness

• Diarrhea

• gas

Inflammation of the gastric mucosa manifests itself through a variety of symptoms. The exact nature of the symptoms depends on how far the disease has progressed and whether the inflammation is acute or chronic.

Acute inflammation of the gastric mucosa usually manifests itself through typical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and abdominal pain. The latter occur particularly in the upper abdomen and are aggravated by pressure on the region, as well as by eating. Often there is also an unpleasant taste in the mouth, which is accompanied by frequent belching.

In the case of chronic gastritis, there may be no symptoms at first, as the disease often progresses very slowly. If symptoms do occur, they are usually more diffuse symptoms such as flatulence, a feeling of fullness or diarrhea. For this reason, many of those affected do not even know that they are suffering from gastric mucosal inflammation until it is diagnosed by the doctor.

If there is an acute inflammation of the gastric mucosa, it can usually be treated quite quickly, provided the patient follows a lifestyle that is gentle on the stomach in addition to drug therapy. If left untreated for a long time, it can develop into chronic gastritis. This is usually more difficult to treat and therefore much more time-consuming. In the worst case, chronic gastritis can permanently damage the stomach.

Diagnose

If there is a suspicion of gastritis, the doctor treating you will first have a detailed discussion with the patient. In the course of this, topics such as how long the symptoms have existed, when they occur and how exactly they are expressed are discussed. The medical history and the eating and living habits of the person concerned should also be taken into account. Next, the doctor feels the abdomen. If there is pressure pain in the upper abdomen, this already indicates gastritis.

An additional ultrasound examination can substantiate this suspicion. X-rays of the abdomen are only made in certain individual cases. A gastroscopy , a gastroscopy , is more likely to be performed . An endoscope is inserted through the throat and esophagus into the stomach. This process enables the doctor treating you to take a closer look at the gastric mucosa.

Irritation or inflammation is clearly visible in this way, as are other abnormalities. The upper section of the duodenum can also be examined and ruled out as the cause of the symptoms. If necessary, a tissue sample can also be taken for later examination in the laboratory. In case of doubt, a blood test provides information about the presence of antibodies or certain pathogens. If a stool test is also carried out, the doctor can see exactly whether there is blood in the stool.

treatment and therapy

The treatment of gastric mucosal inflammation varies depending on the cause of the disease. In principle, the gastric acid can be switched off or neutralized with medication. Older medications are antacids, such as sucralfate or hydrotalcide, which chemically buffer and neutralize stomach acid. Antihistamines such as ranitidine can be used to interfere with acid production.

However, the best risk-benefit ratio here is provided by the proton pump inhibitors, which are now “state of the art” and have largely supplanted the other drugs: substances such as omeprazole effectively block the production of gastric acid , thereby protecting the mucous membrane and giving it time to recover and regeneration. In addition, symptoms such as heartburn are noticeably alleviated.

In principle, in all forms of gastritis, triggering noxae should be avoided. This means, for example, not taking stomach-damaging medicines or excessive consumption of stimulants. In the case of type A gastritis, lifelong drug substitution of vitamin B-12 may be necessary.

Type B gastritis is easy to treat: With a comprehensive eradication therapy (2 antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor simultaneously for seven days), the Helicobacter bacterium is eradicated in the majority of cases and only rarely returns, the symptoms should subside within a few Days recede and the affected person can be considered cured. Various combinations of antibiotics can be used for eradication (eg the “French Triple” with proton pump inhibitor, clarithromycin and amoxicillin).

prevention

There is a lot that can be done to prevent gastric mucosal inflammation here, especially given the fact that many people suffer from latent gastric mucosal irritation – usually without causing any symptoms or discomfort.

The culprit here is – as so often – the lifestyle of modern people in the western world with consequent unhealthy overeating and excessive stress.Small meals instead of big feasts – treat your stomach to rest (and hunger). Do not “throw in” painkillers indiscriminately – aspirin is the exact opposite of a proton pump inhibitor in terms of its mechanism of action, so it has a negative effect on every stomach.

Do not lie down on a full stomach, this can prevent reflux (and heartburn). And best of all: Regular mealtimes and clear rules, for example not eating after 10 p.m.

By the way, according to the current state of affairs, there is hardly any herb against the initial infection with Helicobacter. However, the occurrence of symptoms can often be prevented with the above behavior.