Chronic gastritis is an inflammation produced in the gastric mucosa, that is, the stomach lining that protects the body from the acidity of gastric juices. This condition appears in the patient gradually and can last for months or years, which is called chronic. The reasons that cause it are very varied, but it depends primarily on the lifestyle and the excessive consumption of specific products such as medicines, coffee, or alcohol. In this FastlyHealarticle, you will find everything you need to know about chronic gastritis, its causes, symptoms and treatment.
Table of Contents
Causes of chronic gastritis
The causes of gastritis are numerous. Generally, the condition is due to excessive consumption of alcohol, tobacco, certain foods, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as acetylsalicylic acid or ibuprofen. It can also be caused by trauma, after major surgery in the stomach area, or by germs that cause inflammatory lesions; The most common germ that causes this condition is Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that grows in the lining of the stomach and infects it.
Some less common causes are autoimmune disorders, bile reflux, bile reflux into the stomach, ingestion of corrosive substances, stress, or viral infections such as cytomegalovirus or herpes simplex.
Symptoms of chronic gastritis
It is important to note that some people with gastritis do not suffer from symptoms. If symptoms appear, these are usually pain in the upper abdomen, nausea and vomiting, poor appetite, and frequent heartburn. When gastritis causes bleeding in the stomach lining, dark stools and bloody or lumpy vomit may also appear.
To diagnose chronic gastritis, it is necessary to perform a sample through gastroscopy to check the state of the stomach lining. A complete blood count may also be done to check for anemia or a low blood count, and tests to look for H. pylori bacteria or blood in the stool.
Treatment of chronic gastritis
Treatment will depend on what is causing gastritis. For example, asymptomatic gastritis does not need to be treated. When symptoms appear, it is usually recommended to take less acidic anti-inflammatories and a proper and mild diet that does not irritate the stomach, avoiding spicy or spicy foods, carbonated drinks, liqueurs, coffee, whole milk, or chocolate. It is advisable to opt for fresh fruit such as pineapple and papaya and drink enough water.
When the disease is caused by H. pylori bacteria, it will be necessary to prescribe antibiotics such as proton pump inhibitors, amoxicillin, or clarithromycin. These will eliminate the symptoms and favor the improvement of the patient.
Treatment is generally effective and quickly cures the disease, but the prognosis will also depend on the cause in question. The best recommendation is not to abuse certain medications that can be very aggressive for the stomach and, when necessary, try to prepare the stomach for them.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.