Chronic gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric lining that lasts more than three months and, in many cases, does not cause symptoms. This inflammation has a very slow progression, occurring most often in the elderly who take medications daily, resulting in irritation and continuous inflammation of the stomach.
However, chronic gastritis can also occur in people who have an infection with a type of bacteria in their stomach, usually H. pylori, or who consume excessive alcohol, for example.
- Although in most cases chronic gastritis does not have very specific symptoms.
- Some people may experience mild pain in the upper abdomen.
- Especially when they don’t eat for a long time.
- Diagnosis can be made by a gastroenterologist based on symptoms.
- But also the result of an exam called digestive endoscopy.
- Which allows to visualize the internal walls of the stomach.
- Check how digestive endoscopy is performed and what the preparation is.
In many cases, as a very slow-moving disease, chronic gastritis does not cause specific symptoms. However, people with symptoms usually report abdominal discomfort, associated with other symptoms listed below. Check your symptoms:
In addition, chronic gastritis can lead to the formation of stomach ulcers, which are very painful sores that cause symptoms such as a full stomach, pain and burns in the middle of the abdomen. Find out what the symptoms of gastric ulcer are.
Diagnosing chronic gastritis isn’t always easy, as it’s a condition that usually doesn’t cause symptoms. However, for people who refer to a certain type of discomfort, the doctor usually begins by requesting an endoscopy, which is an examination through which it is possible to observe the inside of the stomach walls, allowing to see if there is inflammation. .
In case of inflammation, your doctor usually evaluates the person’s history to determine if there is any type of medication or habit that may cause this change. In addition, during the endoscopy exam, it is also common for your doctor to take samples for laboratory testing in case of H. pylori infection.
Chronic gastritis can be classified by the stage of inflammation or the part of the stomach that has been affected.
Depending on the stage of inflammation, chronic gastritis can be classified into:
For the part of the stomach that has been affected, chronic gastritis may include:
Depending on the type of gastritis, the gastroenterologist may determine the best form of treatment.
The treatment of chronic gastritis is established by the gastroenterologist and includes the use of drugs that inhibit the production of acid such as omeprazole and ranitidine, which will form a protective layer in the stomach wall, preventing gastric suction from causing inflammation and ulcers. Gastric. See what remedies are used for gastritis.
In addition, it is necessary to have a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole foods easily digestible, avoiding foods high in fats, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, as they increase inflammation of the stomach. Here’s what the plan should look like:
Here are some additional tips on what the diet for gastritis and ulcer should look like.
People with unhealthy stomach health habits, such as
In addition, having a very stressful lifestyle or having an autoimmune disease can also lead to changes in the functioning of the immune system that eventually prevent stomach cells from protecting thee, being more affected by stomach acid.