Darrick Robles Gastritis is an inflammatory disease of the gastric mucosa. It can be either acute or chronic and is caused by various factors (often bacterial). Left untreated, gastritis can lead to several complications such as B. lead to a gastric ulcer disease.
Definition
Acute gastritis can be triggered by various factors. Omission of the triggering factors usually leads to spontaneous healing. Triggers include excessive alcohol consumption, bacteria, regular use of painkillers, food poisoning and stress.
Chronic gastritis is classified into several types depending on the underlying cause:
- Type A is autoimmune gastritis
- Type B is bacterial gastritis
- Type C is chemical gastritis
- Rare special forms such as B. Crohn’s gastritis
In Germany, bacterial gastritis (type B) caused by an infection with “Helicobacter Pylori” is the most common type of gastric inflammation.
Symptoms of gastritis
The symptoms of gastritis are often non-specific and the disease usually progresses without symptoms. In some cases, those affected complain of abdominal pain, increased belching, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
cause of gastritis
Bacterial colonization of the stomach with a pathogen called “Helicobacter Pylori” is the most common cause of gastritis. The bacteria penetrate the stomach lining and cause inflammation. In advanced stages, this can lead to a stomach ulcer.
Regular use of so-called “common painkillers” (e.g. aspirin or ibuprofen), smoking or high alcohol consumption can also cause “type C” gastritis.
duration of the complaints
Acute gastritis can last for several weeks.
Chronic gastritis can last for months to years if left untreated.
Diagnosis (how can a doctor diagnose gastritis)
The doctor takes a detailed medical history of the type and duration of the symptoms and the regular intake of medication. Other diagnostic measures include a gastroscopy (endoscopy), a biopsy from the gastric mucosa, stool or breath tests. In special cases, a laboratory medical examination should be carried out.
When do I have to go to the doctor
If you experience abdominal pain, vomiting, or changes in stool (bloody or black stools), you should consult a doctor.
treatment of gastritis
Treatment of gastritis depends on the cause of the disease. If the inflammation of the gastric mucosa was triggered by excessive consumption of painkillers, you should no longer take them. Alcohol and smoking should also be avoided in gastritis.
Bacterial inflammation of the stomach caused by Helicobacter Pylori infection is often treated with a combination of antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (stomach acid blockers).
In individual cases, therapy with proton pump inhibitors (stomach acid blockers) alone can alleviate the symptoms and protect against complications.
gastritis and food
It is not yet clear whether certain foods increase the risk of gastritis. However, chronic types of gastritis can prevent the absorption of iron and vitamin B12 in the intestine. Vitamin B12 or iron deficiency leads to anemia. Therefore, the doctor can prescribe iron or vitamin supplements for gastritis.
This is how Med-Healths can help with gastritis
You can tell the doctor about your complaints via our video consultation hours. Based on specific questions, the doctor will help you to find out whether it could be an acute or chronic form of gastritis. He can suggest a therapy plan for you and, if further examinations are necessary, issue a referral to a gastrologist.
