The lifestyle of a modern person in a metropolis is quite active. It requires a strong nervous system and a healthy stomach that can digest everything. Otherwise, the possibility of getting one of the most common diseases of middle-aged and older people – gastritis – increases.
How the Disease Appears?
For many, this usually happens: drink a cup of coffee or strong tea instead of breakfast and run to work. Another option is a cigarette, repeatedly smoked on an empty stomach, while the stomach needs food by the hour and a full diet. Problems with regular meals are typical for students who are always in a hurry, snacking on the go.
Managers who find it difficult to tear themselves away from work or the computer in order to have a full meal also belong to people who are at risk of developing gastritis. And many women who are constantly in an unequal struggle with excess weight, and having excellent health, often purposefully enter the risk zone. As a result, such applicants can get a disease for the sake of a beautiful figure, while sacrificing their health.
Importantly! The body has a reserve of strength, which is especially quickly spent at a young age. However, he can give a sudden and harsh response to the neglect of the diet. As a result, when a patient comes in with malaise or pain, the doctor may make a disappointing diagnosis – gastritis.
Features and Characteristic
The definition of “gastritis” is as old as the world. It comes from the Latin word Gastro (“stomach”) and the particle -itis (“inflamed”). The disease is characterized by several types of processes. These are catarrh of the stomach (a condition in which the mucous membrane of the digestive organ is inflamed) and direct gastritis (aggravation that proceeds as inflammation of the muscular and submucosal tissues of the stomach).
In addition to the localization classification, two main forms of gastritis are distinguished:
Acute (first stage). This is a disease that can occur suddenly. It flows quickly. As a trigger of the disease, alcohol, spicy food, food, and other poisonings, the pathogen Helicobacter pylori act. Inflammation is characterized by sharp, unbearable pain in the stomach, which can begin after the next meal (about 40 minutes) and lasts for several hours.
Chronic form (second stage). This is a gradually increasing condition. It worsens if it is not treated at the first stage. It is characterized by significant disturbances in the production of gastric juice. There is a change in its acidity (possible decrease or increase), and deterioration of digestion. There is an increase in atrophic (irreversible) processes in cells and tissues.
Gastritis is characterized by the condition of the patient, in which the mucous membrane of the stomach loses its ability to self-restore, as a result, the digestion process is disturbed. Food is no longer digested at the former rate. It is poorly or not at all assimilated by the body, and fermentation processes and flatulence are observed.
The acidity of gastric juice is mixed. The patient ceases to receive the substances necessary for life (proteins, vitamins, trace elements, etc.) in the proper amount, metabolism is disturbed, and weight changes. As a result – poor health, loss of energy, and pain.
The Value and Influence of the Acid Level of Gastric Juice
Inflammation of the stomach happens when the acid level is low. This is a condition in which the body does not have enough of the enzyme that breaks down food and fights pathogenic microflora inside the stomach. It is characterized by an increase in the level of pathogenic bacteria that cause inflammation of the organ. Food is slowly and poorly digested. An unpleasant, putrid smell from the mouth, belching, bloating, and flatulence are observed.
Experts also diagnose gastritis with an increased level of acid and offer taking over the counter gastrointestinal medications. Secretion production is dangerous because its excessive amount can “eat away” the walls of the stomach, forming erosion, microcracks, and ulcers. This pathology is characterized by a sour taste in the mouth, belching while eating, and frequent heartburn. There may be severe pain in the stomach before swallowing food, or during sleep.
Causes of Gastritis
The disease can occur with a gradual increase or as a result of bacterial infection. There are a number of important factors that contribute to the occurrence of gastritis. Including:
- the presence of the causative agent Helicobacter pylori;
- violation and lack of a proper diet (food temperature is too low/high);
- inferior, monotonous, low-quality food (fast food, semi-finished products);
- a state of chronic stress;
- bad habits, diets;
- genetic or congenital (morphological) human diseases.
It is very important to consult a specialist in a timely manner, to prevent neglected disease states.
Symptoms of the Disease
You should consult a doctor if one or more factors are identified:
- discomfort (before, during, or after eating);
- heartburn, burning in the esophagus, belching;
- pain (acute, chronic) in the stomach, girdle, back, and behind the sternum;
- frequent nausea, vomiting, flatulence, flatulence;
- sour taste, unpleasant (musty) smell from the mouth;
- “hungry” pains, heaviness, feeling of fullness;
- plaque on the surface of the tongue characteristic of inflammation;
- lack of appetite, weakness in the body, premature satiety with food;
- intestinal imbalance (constipation or diarrhea, blood in stool).
The presence of the listed symptoms is a serious reason to consult a family doctor for a referral to a gastroenterologist. The diagnosis is made by a specialist on the basis of a set of examinations (general tests of blood, feces, and urease test).
In some cases, fibrogastroscopy is prescribed, which determines the presence or absence of the causative agent Helicobacter pylori. Depending on the results, the type of future treatment is chosen. The basis is a complex medication approach with adherence to a suitable diet.
Features of Treatment for Gastritis
If Helicobacter pylori, which causes bacterial infections, is found, then, firstly, the therapy of gastritis will begin with the appointment of antibiotics. Depending on the degree of danger of the identified pathology, an adequate drug will be used (for example, Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin).
It is important to consolidate the healing effect after the medical measures have been carried out. For this, you should follow a suitable diet, as well as a healthy lifestyle.
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