Exacerbation of chronic gastritis

Gastritis is a chronic disease of the stomach, which leads to disruption of its normal activity. Gastritis in the acute stage causes a lot of discomfort to a person, reduces his/her ability to work. Exacerbation of gastritis is accompanied by pain, digestion disorders, endocrine glands and the entire intestine. Food cannot be digested normally. The danger of gastritis is that the walls of the digestive tract are gradually replaced by fibrous tissue. Gastritis has many complications, in particular, it can develop into an ulcerative form, and subsequently into a stomach ulcer.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ]

Epidemiology

According to statistics, women are more susceptible to gastritis. This is due to the fact that they react more emotionally to various stresses, and are more exposed to nervous and mental overstrain. Gastritis occurs in 78% of the population. People aged 19 to 45 are most susceptible to gastritis. Gastritis occurs in 35% of children.

Seasonal exacerbation of gastritis

Gastritis most often worsens in spring and summer. This is due to the fact that in spring the body is most susceptible to negative environmental factors. At this time the body is weakened, deprived of vitamins. Resistance and immunity are reduced at this time. Against the background of a weakened body, the inflammatory process develops much faster.

In summer, gastritis worsens, because it is at this time that a person is most relaxed, allows himself liberties, and does not follow the regime and diet. No summer is complete without barbecues, alcohol consumption, picnics and hikes, where there are dry snacks, spices, marinades, sauces. Some fresh fruits and vegetables can have an irritating effect on the body. Under the influence of the sun, heat or hypothermia, the body weakens, which also contributes to the development of the inflammatory process. In addition, the risk of intoxication, food poisoning, and dysbacteriosis increases.

[ 7 ], [ 8 ]

Causes gastritis exacerbation

Gastritis can occur for various reasons. First of all, it is an unhealthy diet. Especially dangerous for the stomach is the consumption of spices, spicy foods, marinades and smoked foods. Failure to follow the regimen, snacking on sandwiches and fast foods causes inflammation of the stomach walls. The impact of negative environmental factors, in particular, smoking, stress, nervous tension, overwork contribute to the development of gastrointestinal diseases. Long-term use of medications entails an exacerbation of gastritis.

Some food infections, poisoning, alcohol abuse lead to the development of acute gastritis, which can subsequently become chronic. Exacerbation can be a consequence of recently suffered inflammatory and infectious diseases. Hypothermia, overeating, various intoxications can also result in gastritis. Gastritis often worsens in women during pregnancy as a result of hormonal changes and toxicosis.

[ 9 ], [ 10 ]

Exacerbation of gastritis due to nervousness

Gastritis can become inflamed as a result of stress, prolonged nervous and mental overstrain, overfatigue. This is the so-called psychosomatic pathology, which is no different in symptoms from the acute form. When undergoing treatment, it is important not to be nervous, to eliminate factors that have a stressful effect on the body. It is recommended to get a good rest and strictly adhere to the daily routine.

[ 11 ], [ 12 ], [ 13 ]

Exacerbation of gastritis after binge drinking

Alcohol, especially low-quality alcohol, has an irritating and damaging effect on the body. Alcohol is a toxin that causes inflammation of the stomach and esophagus walls and disrupts normal microflora. Circulatory problems develop, and the mucous membrane becomes thin. As a result, the immunoglobulin content is significantly reduced. The inflammatory process can develop into an ulcerative form, and then into a stomach ulcer.

[ 14 ], [ 15 ]

Exacerbation of gastritis after antibiotics

After taking antibiotics, gastritis may worsen, since antibiotics are strong substances that have a toxic and irritating effect on the walls of the intestines and stomach. In addition, they disrupt the normal microflora, which also leads to an inflammatory process.

[ 16 ], [ 17 ]

Risk factors

The risk group includes people who eat irregularly, work a lot and lead a stressful lifestyle. Eating in a hurry, not following the regime, irrational and inadequate nutrition, lack of hot dishes in the diet are the main risk factors. People who are subject to constant stress and tension are also at risk.

People who abuse alcohol, drink low-quality alcohol, and those who undergo long-term drug therapy are at risk.

[ 18 ], [ 19 ], [ 20 ]

Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis is based on damage to the gastric mucosa by various irritants. First, the mucosa becomes inflamed, then the inflammation spreads to other areas. If left untreated, the inflammation develops into an ulcer, in which the mucosa and muscle layer are depleted, and erosion develops. Then the erosions merge with each other, forming an ulcer.

As a result of inflammation, secretory and contractile activity decreases, and dystrophic processes develop in the mucous membrane and submucous layer. Degeneration of the lining cells also occurs. Accordingly, other functions are also disrupted, in particular, acid production, absorption of vitamins and nutrients.

Bacterial gastritis is also possible, a negative change in the microflora as a whole. The quantitative and qualitative parameters of Helicobacter pylori, which is the causative agent of gastritis, are violated. This is accompanied by inflammation and reflux.

[ 21 ], [ 22 ], [ 23 ], [ 24 ], [ 25 ], [ 26 ]

Symptoms gastritis exacerbation

Pain in the stomach indicates an exacerbation of gastritis. Appetite decreases, a person begins to feel sick, vomiting, and pressure in the stomach area. Belching and vomiting may occur. There is also a burning sensation in the stomach area, an unpleasant smell and taste in the mouth. Especially in the morning. Most often, pain appears after eating, and on an empty stomach. With movement, or in a flat position, the pain intensifies. If you lie down and bend your knees, the pain may decrease slightly.

The main symptom of an exacerbation is pain in the epigastric region, which is especially intense after eating and when a feeling of hunger appears.

How long does a stomach attack last?

An exacerbation of the stomach can last from 5 days to a month, depending on what measures are taken for treatment. If treatment is started in a timely manner, the exacerbation can be stopped in 3-5 days.

[ 27 ], [ 28 ]

Pain during exacerbation of gastritis

The pain occurs as a result of damage to the stomach. In this case, an intense inflammatory process develops, the microflora is disrupted. When deeper layers located under the mucous membrane are damaged, the pain intensifies.

Exacerbation of reflux gastritis

Reflux may occur during exacerbation of gastritis. This is a condition in which the normal functioning of the pylorus of the stomach is disrupted. In this case, gastric juice and stomach contents are thrown into the esophagus. This is accompanied by a burning sensation, pain and heartburn. The danger of this condition is that gastric juice contains hydrochloric acid. When it is thrown into the esophagus, it is chemically burned. It is also possible that the contents of the duodenum are thrown into the stomach, which is accompanied by similar pathologies and sensations.

Reflux gastritis is accompanied by a sharp decrease in body weight, vomiting with attacks and spasms, severe nausea. An unpleasant sensation and a feeling of bitterness arise in the mouth. Bloating, flatulence and stool disorders may occur. Treatment of reflux gastritis is no different from the treatment of other types of gastritis, while it is necessary to follow a gentle diet.

[ 29 ], [ 30 ], [ 31 ], [ 32 ]

Diagnostics gastritis exacerbation

In order to diagnose gastritis, a comprehensive examination must be carried out. General examination, physical examination, and collection of anamnesis of life and disease are used. Based on the analysis of these primary data, the doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis.

To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to prescribe laboratory and instrumental studies. Differential diagnostics is carried out, which makes it possible to differentiate gastritis from other diseases with similar symptoms, as well as to determine the type of gastritis.

To establish a diagnosis, a general blood and urine test, a biochemical blood test are performed. A comprehensive stool test is performed: the presence of occult blood is determined, a coprological study is performed. A study is performed on the content of an infectious agent, helminths and on dysbacteriosis.

The main method of instrumental diagnostics is gastroscopy, which gives the most complete clinical picture of the pathology. The advantage of this procedure is that it allows you to study the walls of the esophagus and stomach in detail, and determine the stage and form of the disease. If necessary, you can take a scraping to determine Helicobacter pylori, which is the causative agent of gastritis. Also, during the study, you can take a biopsy for further histological examination.

If necessary, ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and X-ray examination can be performed to obtain additional information.

[ 33 ], [ 34 ], [ 35 ], [ 36 ]

Differential diagnosis

Gastritis is differentiated from gastric and duodenal ulcers. In this case, gastroscopy or X-ray examination is performed. Most doctors prefer gastroscopy, since this method is more informative.

In order to differentiate gastritis from stomach cancer, a gastroscopy is also performed, during which a tissue sample is taken for further histological examination. Additionally, a blood test is performed to identify tumor markers that indicate the development of a malignant process.

Treatment gastritis exacerbation

Treatment of gastritis exacerbation should be comprehensive. A mandatory condition is adherence to a gentle diet, proper nutrition. Medication therapy and physiotherapy procedures are prescribed. Additionally, folk and homeopathic remedies can be used.

Prevention

Prevention comes down to the complete elimination of factors that can provoke the development of gastritis: bad habits, stress, poor nutrition.

It is important to completely reconsider your lifestyle, in particular, your attitude to nutrition. You need to follow a daily routine and diet, be sure to eat wholesome and healthy food. Products should only be fresh. Steamed and boiled products should predominate in the diet. You can stew products. It is better to forget about frying and smoking, spices, sauces, mayonnaise too. Salted and pickled products should be excluded. Eat small portions, eat first courses daily. Completely exclude sandwiches and fast food. Drink alcohol in moderation, and only high-quality.

You need to develop a habit of drinking mineral water, herbal infusions, rose hips, and oats throughout the day. Infusions provide reliable prevention of relapses. In the morning, you need to drink a glass of mineral water (on an empty stomach). You also need to avoid stress. To do this, it is recommended to do therapeutic exercise, breathing exercises, and relaxation practices.

[ 37 ], [ 38 ], [ 39 ]

Forecast

If you follow the doctor's recommendations, maintain a proper diet, and take prescribed medications, the prognosis may be favorable: exacerbation of gastritis passes into the remission stage. If you do not follow the treatment regimen and diet, gastritis in the exacerbation stage can easily develop into ulcerative gastritis, and then into an ulcer.

Sick leave for exacerbation of gastritis

In case of inpatient treatment, a sick leave is given for three weeks. In case of home treatment, it is necessary to visit the doctor periodically. When remission occurs, the sick leave is closed. It can last from 3 days to 21 days.

[ 40 ], [ 41 ], [ 42 ]