Erosive gastritis is a form of inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal system, in which defects (erosions) of different depth and volume are formed on the mucous membrane of the stomach. Clinically accompanied by abdominal pain, periodic nausea, vomiting, heartburn and other symptoms. In some cases, it proceeds without pronounced signs. If untreated, erosive gastritis can lead to gastric ulceration, gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia and other dangerous conditions.
Symptoms
The initial stages of the erosive form of gastritis are rarely accompanied by obvious symptoms. Some patients note morning sickness, which quickly passes. Others complain of minor and short-term pain in the stomach region, mainly after eating or exercise.
With extensive defects, the symptomatology is brighter. The key signs of erosive gastritis are considered:
- bitterness, unpleasant taste in the mouth;
- frequent belching of air, sometimes with food or gastric juice;
- regular rumbling, rumbling in the abdomen;
- periodic stool disorders (constipation, diarrhea);
- increased gas formation;
- abdominal bloating;
- nausea;
- heaviness, a feeling of pressure and pressure, especially after eating, drinking;
- frequent heartburn.
In hemorrhagic type of erosive gastritis, dark-colored vomiting resembling coffee grounds may be observed. Sometimes the color of stools changes, fecal masses acquire a black tint. In case of extensive gastrointestinal bleeding, symptoms of hemorrhagic shock may increase: weakness, impaired consciousness and coordination, repeated vomiting, including feces and blood, bile.
Causes of the development of erosive gastritis
Triggers for the formation of pathology can become:
- Long-term intake of potent medications, especially when used irrationally or incorrectly, exceeding the dosage, etc.;
- long-term smoking;
- frequent consumption of strong alcoholic beverages;
- Helicobacter infection;
- severe stressful situations.
Risk factors are considered to be:
- Chronic autoimmune and endocrine pathologies, in particular, diabetes mellitus, hyperparathyroidism;
- traumatic damage to the stomach, for example, during endoscopic examination, insertion of nasogastric tube, as a result of penetrating wound;
- thermal and chemical burns of the organ mucosa;
- chronic inflammatory diseases of the GI tract (Crohn’s disease).
The development of erosive gastritis can lead to repeated infectious pathologies of the digestive tract and parasitic diseases (giardiasis, salmonellosis, dysentery, rotavirus infection). Predisposing factors experts also consider prolonged presence in conditions of stress, severe mental disorders, reflux disease.
Treatment of erosive gastritis
The treatment protocol depends on the form, stage, severity of the disease and the general level of health of the patient. A number of medications are prescribed, the effect of which is aimed at reducing the inflammatory process, healing of mucous membranes, stop bleeding, etc. among them may be:
- anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents;
- antacids;
- proton pump inhibitors;
- antispasmodics;
- gastroprotectants;
- prokinetics;
- enzymes.
The patient is prescribed a strict diet with a fractional diet, limitation of physical exertion.
In urgent conditions, no improvement from conservative treatment, in severe forms of erosive gastritis of the antral part of the stomach, surgical intervention is indicated. In case of extensive gastrointestinal bleeding, electrocoagulation or endoscopic clipping of bleeding vessels is performed. If the thickness of the erosion is more than 2 mm, there are signs of thickening of the mucosal and submucosal layers of the gastric membrane, the method of endoscopic resection of the affected area is used.
Prevention of erosive gastritis
In order to prevent erosive gastritis, experts strongly recommend:
- not to smoke;
- dosage the use of strong alcoholic beverages;
- watch your diet, avoiding overeating, excessively spicy and acidic food;
- proper handling of food before eating;
- observe personal hygiene;
- control chronic diseases;
- do not use medicines of any effect without the direct instruction of a doctor;
- adhere to the dosage and regimen of medications.
It is also desirable to avoid stressful situations, physical overload, give the body adequate rest, refuse strict diets and fasting.
Rehabilitation
After surgical treatment of erosive gastritis, the patient remains in the hospital for 3-7 days after discharge is necessary:
- adhere to a fractional diet (up to 7 times a day in small portions);
- exclude fried, salty, pickled, spicy, smoked, acidic foods, alcohol, carbonated drinks;
- observe the drinking regime;
- take prescribed medications;
- limit physical and mental stress;
- minimize contact with strangers.
The doctor will appoint a date for a control visit and preventive examination. One month after surgery, provided that remission is achieved, spa treatment can be recommended.
Long-term management and lifestyle adjustments
Managing erosive gastritis doesn’t end with treatment; maintaining long-term health requires significant lifestyle changes. Patients must adhere to a balanced diet, avoid triggers like alcohol, spicy foods, and smoking, and make time for regular stress management. Regular follow-up visits to the doctor are crucial to monitor the condition’s progression, ensuring timely interventions if necessary. Incorporating light physical activity and improving sleep hygiene can also contribute to overall gastric health and help prevent future flare-ups. By making these adjustments, patients can significantly improve their quality of life and reduce the risk of complications associated with erosive gastritis.
Conclusion
Erosive gastritis is a serious inflammatory disease that can lead to complications if not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. It is important to realize that the main risk factors are poor diet, stress, infectious diseases and alcohol and smoking abuse. Treatment of erosive gastritis includes drug therapy, strict diet and, in some cases, surgical intervention. To successfully prevent the disease, it is necessary to follow the doctor’s recommendations, avoid stress and follow a healthy lifestyle. Regular medical examinations and health monitoring will help to avoid serious consequences and ensure quality recovery after treatment.
