Gastritis with hyperacidity

Gastritis - the name of this disease can be encountered in everyday life very often. And there is nothing surprising in this, because according to statistics, almost half of the world's population suffers from gastritis. Inflammation of the gastric mucosa - this is how the term "gastritis" is translated - has been known to medicine for a long time. It is believed that such factors as poor nutrition, bad habits, stress, etc. lead to the development of pathology. Most often, gastritis with high acidity is diagnosed - this version of the disease occurs with increased secretion of acidic gastric juice, which contributes to additional irritation of the mucous tissues and aggravation of clinical symptoms.

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Epidemiology

In developed countries, where there is an opportunity to clearly control the incidence of certain pathologies, gastritis accounts for approximately 85% of all detected gastric pathologies. Gastritis with increased acidity can be found more often than other forms of inflammatory reactions in the gastric walls.

It is assumed that almost half of all adults have the microorganism Helicobacter pylori in their digestive system, in both active and inactive states.

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Causes hyperacid gastritis

As we have already mentioned above, gastritis with high acidity is most often caused by nutritional errors, as well as other possible reasons.

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Risk factors

All risk factors can be conditionally divided into internal and external, depending on the direction of their action.

Internal reasons include:

• disruptions in the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, which lead to increased secretion of gastric juice;
• vascular disorders in the digestive system;
• hereditary factor;
• metabolic disorders, endocrine disorders;
• autoimmune cause of inflammation.

External factors include:

• the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection - a specific microorganism that affects the mucous tissues of the stomach and causes an inflammatory process;
• regular consumption of foods that stimulate the production of gastric acid (fatty, fried foods, alcoholic beverages);
• uncontrolled food intake (alternating periods of hunger and overeating);
• smoking (nicotine resins are an excellent stimulant for the production of hydrochloric acid, especially if you smoke on an empty stomach);
• taking certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• frequent use of “chewing gum” (causes a reflex release of juice in the stomach);
• prolonged periods of hunger, strict diets;
• abuse of alcoholic beverages.

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Pathogenesis

Pathogenetic features of gastritis with increased acidity are complex and depend on the underlying cause that triggered the inflammatory reaction. As a rule, this is a mechanical or chemical damaging effect on the gastric mucosa, which disrupts its regeneration and trophism.

It has been proven that the mucous surface of the stomach is one of the most qualitatively regenerating tissues in the body. Under normal physiological conditions, its cellular structures are exfoliated and regenerate through a constant cycle of 2-6 days. Similar restoration occurs with external damage to the mucous layer, but with constant and regular negative impact, the tissues simply do not have time to recover.

In addition, the speed of recovery is also affected by the quality of blood circulation in the digestive system.

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Symptoms hyperacid gastritis

Gastritis with increased acidity usually manifests itself through symptoms such as pain in the area of the stomach projection, discomfort and a feeling of heaviness, nausea, etc.

The first signs may be painful attacks between meals, a nagging feeling of spasms in the stomach. Heartburn and a sour taste in the mouth may bother you.

• Heartburn is the most typical symptom of gastritis with increased secretion of acid, which enters the esophagus and causes a burning sensation in the chest.
• Nausea in most cases bothers between meals (on an empty stomach), with rare food consumption. Vomiting bothers with the development of mucosal erosions, or with the consumption of an excessive amount of acidic foods.
• Constipation and diarrhea may occur periodically, especially in cases where there is an additional imbalance of microflora in the intestine. Most often, patients complain of constipation, which is accompanied by increased fermentation in the intestine, flatulence and gas release.
• Belching with a sour taste is another typical sign of excess acidity inside the stomach. For example, with reduced acidity, belching with a "rotten" taste occurs, which can be considered one of the distinctive features of these pathologies.
• Coughing with gastritis occurs reflexively, after acid or stomach contents enter the upper respiratory tract. This symptom is not considered characteristic, but it is often reported by patients with hyperacid gastritis.

Gastritis with high acidity during pregnancy

Pregnancy often becomes a kind of catalyst for many chronic diseases in the body. In addition, changes in hormonal levels and the pressure of the growing fetus on the digestive organs can provoke a change in the composition of gastric juice and the development of gastritis.

Additional stress that can contribute to the development of inflammation in the stomach may include:

• severe toxicosis with bouts of nausea and periodic vomiting;
• food intolerance;
• overeating;
• abuse of certain foods;
• constant worries, fears, experiences.

Gastritis during pregnancy cannot be a contraindication to bearing a child or labor. The disease can and should be treated by a gastroenterologist, without waiting for the birth of the child. Otherwise, gastritis can become chronic or acquire a lot of unwanted complications.

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Stages

The following stages of gastritis are typically distinguished:

• superficial lesion;
• chronic lesion with damage to the glandular system, without atrophic changes in the organ walls;
• gastritis with signs of dystrophy and necrosis of the mucosa;
• atrophic hyperplastic gastritis;
• hypertrophic lesion.

In addition, gastritis is classified by the nature of the disease process. According to this principle, acute and chronic types of gastritis are distinguished.

• Acute gastritis with high acidity occurs acutely, almost immediately after exposure to a provoking factor, and is accompanied by pronounced symptoms.
• Chronic gastritis with increased acidity, in the vast majority of situations, is the result of untreated acute gastritis. Often the disease occurs with regularly recurring acute pathologies of the stomach, or when ignoring the diet or other recommendations of the doctor. The chronic course is characterized by periodic exacerbations, which proceed as an acute period of the disease.

Any provoking factors can cause an exacerbation of gastritis with high acidity, and even lead to adverse consequences, which we will discuss below.

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Forms

Changes in the level of acidity in the stomach can lead to the development of various forms of the disease:

• Atrophic gastritis with increased acidity is an inflammatory reaction in the stomach, which is accompanied by dystrophic and necrotic changes in the mucous tissue. This type of gastritis is the most insidious, as many doctors consider it one of the precancerous conditions.
• Erosive gastritis with high acidity is a type of inflammatory disease that is accompanied by the formation of small ulcers (erosions) on the surface of the gastric mucosa. Erosive gastritis with high acidity usually has a protracted course and is difficult to treat.
• Reflux gastritis with increased acidity may be the result of improper functioning of the pylorus, in which the contents of the duodenum enter the stomach. This type of gastritis is accompanied by a "reverse flow" of food mixed with enzymes and bile, which leads to additional irritation of the stomach walls.
• Ulcer gastritis with increased acidity is the initial stage of the development of gastric ulcer. If such gastritis is ignored, a full-fledged (not superficial) ulcer is formed.
• Superficial gastritis with increased acidity is also called simple or catarrhal. This type of gastritis is accompanied by superficial damage to the mucous membrane, without the formation of ulcers and erosions. Superficial gastritis is easier to treat than others if you seek medical help in a timely manner.
• Focal atrophic gastritis with increased acidity is characterized by the appearance of areas (foci) of mucous tissue atrophy, that is, cell death. At the same time, healthy areas begin to function more intensively, trying to compensate for the lack of secretion. As a result, the synthesis of hydrochloric acid increases and the degree of acidity in the stomach is disrupted.

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Complications and consequences

Gastritis with high acidity in itself is not as dangerous as its complications, which can be:

• gastric bleeding caused by damage to tissues and the vessels located in them;
• malignant tumors in the stomach;
• anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency as a result of impaired food absorption;
• inflammatory process in the pancreas – pancreatitis;
• peptic ulcer disease associated with the formation of ulcers on damaged mucous membranes.

In addition, gastritis with high acidity can cause constant dyspeptic disorders, bad breath, general weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, and dehydration.

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Diagnostics hyperacid gastritis

Recognition of the disease is based primarily on typical patient complaints, clinically identified symptoms and information obtained after additional research.

Blood tests (general analysis and biochemistry) can indicate the presence of inflammatory pathology in any organ.

Instrumental diagnostics involves the use of the following procedures:

• gastric probing with analysis of gastric secretion for hydrochloric acid concentration;
• pH-metry – assessment of acidity inside the stomach;
• fibrogastroduodenoscopy – examination of the digestive system using a special device equipped with a backlight and a camera.

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Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics are carried out with functional disorders of digestive processes, gastric ulcers, malignant and benign tumors.

The differences between gastritis with high and low acidity are determined mainly by the characteristic complaints of patients:

Gastritis with low acidity	Gastritis with high acidity
Feeling of heaviness in the stomach.	Aching pain after eating and between meals.
Belching with a "rotten" smell.	Belching with a sour aftertaste.
Frequent diarrhea.	Frequent constipation.
Flatulence, increased gas formation.	Heartburn.
Signs of vitamin deficiency: dry skin, brittle nails, etc.	Occasional nausea.
Dull pain in the stomach area.	Hunger "night" pain.

Treatment hyperacid gastritis

Treatment should always be comprehensive and not limited to taking medications alone. For example, nutrition plays a huge role in the success of gastritis treatment – without this link, the effectiveness of the medications taken can be reduced to zero.

Diet is the basis of gastritis treatment. Medicines only supplement the treatment and prevent the recurrence of the disease.

Treatment regimens for gastritis with high acidity include the prescription of several drugs - usually one from each proposed pharmacological group. These may include:

• painkillers (No-shpa, Drotaverine);
• antacid drugs (magnesium, aluminum preparations);
• proton pump blockers (Omeprazole, Omez);
• antibiotics that are aimed at destroying Helicobacter pylori (Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin).

For example, if Helicobacter is detected, the following treatment regimens can be used:

1. For 7 days: 20 mg omeprazole, 1 g amoxicillin, 500 mg clarithromycin – twice a day.
2. For 14 days: up to 40 mg omeprazole, 750 mg amoxicillin – twice daily. Or 40 mg omeprazole once daily and 500 mg clarithromycin three times daily.

Patients with gastritis against the background of increased acidity need to understand that treatment should be carried out precisely during the period of exacerbation of the disease. If you take medications frequently and chaotically, you can completely disrupt the process of hydrochloric acid production, which can cause the development of mucosal atrophy and even malignant neoplasms.

• De-nol is a medicine that provides protection for the gastric mucosa. De-nol is taken 1 tablet 4 times a day, shortly before meals and immediately before going to bed. Duration of treatment is 1-2 months. The drug accumulates in the body, so its long-term use should be agreed with a doctor.
• Hilak forte is a probiotic that normalizes the balance of intestinal flora. At the same time, this drug eliminates digestive disorders and regulates the acidity of gastric juice. Hilak forte is used on average 50 drops in the morning, before lunch and before dinner, pre-diluted in a small amount of liquid. Hilak forte is safe and can be used even by pregnant patients.
• Omeprazole (Omez) is an antiulcer drug, a proton pump blocker. It is prescribed for serious damage to the mucous membrane, as well as for the prevention of ulcer formation. The dosage of the drug is selected individually, from 10 to 60 mg once a day.
• Ranitidine (Zantac) is an antiulcer histamine receptor blocker that is used 2 times a day at 150 mg. Treatment continues for 1-2 months. The most common side effects of the drug include dyspepsia, fatigue, headaches, tinnitus, joint and muscle pain.
• Nolpaza (Controlok) is one of the drugs, proton pump blockers. The standard prescription for the drug is 40 mg per day, for 1-2 months. For elderly patients, the course of treatment is shortened to one week. Taking the drug may be accompanied by abdominal pain, headache, dizziness.
• Allochol is a drug that improves liver function. It can be used as an auxiliary agent, 1 tablet three times a day. The standard course of therapy is 1-2 months, with the possibility of repeating after 3 months. Long-term use of the drug can cause diarrhea.
• Linex is a remedy for normalizing the balance of intestinal microflora. It is used to improve bowel function, since increased acidity often disrupts the biobalance. The drug is taken after meals, 2 capsules three times a day. Linex is usually well tolerated, side effects are rare.
• Ursosan (Ursofalk) is a remedy for protecting and improving liver function. Ursosan is especially relevant for the treatment of reflux gastritis - it is taken 1 capsule daily, at night. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor and can range from 2 weeks to six months. Sometimes, when taking it, side effects may develop in the form of constipation, diarrhea, back pain, exacerbation of psoriasis.
• Ascorbic acid is a well-known vitamin C, which is necessary for normal tissue regeneration processes. Ascorbic acid pills are taken after meals, 1-2 pieces per day. Do not take more than 1 g of the drug daily, as this may cause increased heartburn and diarrhea.
• Phosphalugel is an antacid based on aluminum phosphate, which effectively eliminates heartburn and reduces increased acidity. The gel can be taken 1-2 sachets up to 3 times a day. As a rule, the drug is well tolerated, and only occasionally can cause constipation.
• Activated carbon will provide additional help with digestive disorders and increased gas formation. The drug should not be used if ulcers or bleeding occur in the stomach. The standard dose is 250-750 mg three times a day.
• Valerian (tincture of valerian root) will help with insomnia and spasmodic pain in the stomach associated with gastritis. The tincture is taken before meals, 25 drops up to 4 times a day. During treatment with the drug, fatigue and drowsiness may be present.
• Enterosgel is an enterosorbent drug, the use of which is appropriate for intestinal infections, intoxications, poisoning. Enterosgel is taken orally between meals, with water, approximately 1.5 tablespoons three times a day. The drug rarely causes the development of side effects and is well tolerated by patients.
• Trimedat (Neobutin) is a medication that is prescribed to normalize peristalsis of the digestive system. The usual dosage of Trimedat is 100-200 mg three times a day. Sometimes this drug causes allergies.
• Folic acid is often necessary for the treatment of chronic gastritis, which is accompanied by a violation of the absorption of substances necessary for the body. As a rule, it is enough to take 5 mg of folic acid per day for treatment, if there is no allergy to this drug.
• Trichopolum (Metronidazole) is a drug for the treatment of Helicobacter infection, which is prescribed in combination with antibiotics such as Amoxicillin. Trichopolum is taken 2 tablets three times a day for a week. Trichopolum is not used during pregnancy and lactation, as well as in case of a tendency to allergy to the drug.

Antacids for gastritis with high acidity

Antacids are medications that create protection on the mucous membrane, which prevents the negative impact of irritating components of bile and gastric juice. Antacids prevent heartburn, the formation of erosions on the surface of the gastric mucosa. Modern drugs lead to the neutralization of hydrochloric acid and the formation of insoluble salts that are excreted from the body with feces.

• Almagel is an antacid in the form of a suspension, which is taken orally one hour after meals and at night, 5-10 ml up to 4 times a day. With prolonged use, Almagel can cause constipation and a metallic taste in the mouth.
• Smecta is an antidiarrheal drug that also effectively eliminates heartburn and bloating. Smecta is taken after meals, no more than 3 sachets per day. Treatment should be continued for no more than a week in a row: otherwise, constipation may occur.
• Maalox is an antacid in the form of a suspension with a mint flavor. The drug is effective against heartburn, sour belching, stomach pain. Usually, 15 ml of the drug is taken between meals and at night, but not more than 90 ml of suspension per day.

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Enzymes for gastritis with high acidity

Enzyme preparations are more appropriate for gastritis with low acidity or atrophic gastritis. However, in some cases, with a decrease in the enzymatic activity of the digestive system, such preparations can also be prescribed to patients with increased stomach acidity.

When treating chronic gastritis, it is recommended to take enzymes in the form of gelatin capsules. Such drugs bypass the stomach and dissolve in the intestines, thus simulating the natural digestive process.

• Pancreatin – used for chronic pancreatitis, inflammatory-dystrophic changes in the stomach. Standard dosage – 150,000 IU daily. Pancreatin is not recommended for use in acute pancreatitis.
• Mezim is an enzyme preparation based on pancreatin, a de facto analogue of the drug Pancreatin. Usually take 1-2 tablets before meals, with a small amount of liquid.
• Festal is an enzyme preparation based on pancreatin, which can be used for disorders of the processes of formation and secretion of bile, for chronic gastritis, duodenitis, cholecystitis. Adult patients take 1-2 dragees up to 3 times a day.

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Antibiotics for gastritis with high acidity

The main treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection in gastritis with high acidity is carried out with drugs from the following groups:

• clarithromycin preparations (Binoclair, Clarexide);
• amoxicillin preparations (Amoxil, Amoxiclav);
• omeprazole preparations (Omez, Promez, etc.).

In order to achieve the optimal effect in treatment, antibiotics are combined with a drug such as Metronidazole: this is the only way to completely get rid of Helicobacter, because this bacterium is extremely resistant to antibiotic therapy.

The dose of antibiotics and the duration of the treatment course are determined by the doctor, who takes into account the age, condition of the patient, as well as the presence of additional pathologies of the digestive organs.

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Immunomodulators for gastritis with high acidity

Immunomodulators are drugs that improve and activate the immune system by interacting with its cells. As a rule, immunomodulators are prescribed as part of a complex treatment simultaneously with antibiotics.

The use of immunomodulatory drugs should be carried out under the control of the blood picture, taking into account the dynamics of the disease.

The most common and safe immunomodulators are:

• Echinacea extract;
• ginseng tincture;
• lemongrass tincture;
• Rhodiola rosea;
• mistletoe.

Immunomodulators should be prescribed only by a doctor, since only he can assess the appropriateness of taking these medications, as well as monitor their effect on the body.

Vitamins

For complete and rapid restoration of the gastric mucosa and for normalizing increased acidity, a sufficient amount of ascorbic acid, vitamin PP, A and B vitamins is required.

Vitamin A ensures normal processes of cell division and growth, strengthens the immune defense of the stomach. This vitamin is considered fat-soluble, so it should be taken with products that contain fats. For example, it is known that a large amount of vitamin A is found in carrots: for full absorption of nutrients, carrot dishes are recommended to be seasoned with vegetable oil.

Nicotinic acid improves blood circulation in the tissues of the digestive system, which leads to accelerated healing of the inflamed mucous membrane.

B vitamins are involved in all metabolic processes.

Ascorbic acid strengthens the immune system, accelerates the healing of ulcers and other damage to the integrity of the mucous membrane.

In addition, with increased acid secretion, the presence of vitamin U in the body is very important, which is contained in sufficient quantities in white cabbage. Vitamin U stabilizes the secretion of hydrochloric acid and accelerates the healing of damaged mucous tissues.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy methods are used after the acute stage has ended – mainly to prevent relapse of the disease and accelerate the healing of the mucous membrane.

For gastritis with high acidity, it is important to use electrophoresis with novocaine, platyphylline or antispasmodics, as well as applications with paraffin, ozokerite, and therapeutic mud.

Additionally, ultrasound therapy, UHF therapy and other procedures can be prescribed.

Physiotherapeutic methods eliminate spasms of the smooth muscles of the stomach, relieve pain, improve blood circulation in the epigastric region, and accelerate the recovery process.

The most relevant treatment is physiotherapy for chronic gastritis.

Folk treatment of gastritis with high acidity

Folk recipes for gastritis with high acidity provide for the use of plants with enveloping properties. In most cases, they use chamomile, dandelion, plantain leaves, fireweed, calendula, coltsfoot. Infusions, decoctions, and teas are prepared from the listed herbs.

In addition to herbs, for increased acidity it is useful to consume honey, carrot and potato juices.

In the early stages of the disease, folk remedies combined with diet can lead to a complete cure for gastritis. But in the case of moderate and severe inflammatory processes, it is necessary to include drug therapy.

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Surgical treatment

Surgical interventions for gastritis with increased acidity - laparotomy and gastric resection - can be prescribed only for the chronic form of pathology with suspected malignancy. Most often, surgery is performed for polyps in the stomach, as well as for rigid and hypertrophic gastritis.

Common acute gastritis with high acidity is usually treated conservatively, with the use of certain medications, against the background of proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.

Massage for gastritis with high acidity

For gastritis with high acidity, massage should be performed softly, shallowly, gently, without intense shaking movements. The massage session should not last more than 15 minutes. The course of treatment involves 14 procedures, once every two days.

Massage of the epigastric zone begins with circular stroking, after which soft rubbing and rake-like stroking from the left upwards are added.

The massage is completed with stroking movements from left to right and downwards towards the sigmoid colon area.

Shaking, active vibration, jolting and intense rubbing are not recommended.

Massages are performed outside the acute stage, between meals.

Gymnastics for gastritis with high acidity

Sometimes specialists name the scourge of big city dwellers – physical inactivity – as the cause of gastritis with high acidity. Not only digestive processes, but also the condition of the whole organism can suffer from a lack of physical and motor activity. Of course, the loads should not be excessive – it is harmful. But dosed motor activity is just right.

The essence of such treatment is that intensive work of muscles leads to acceleration of metabolic processes, improvement of energy exchange in cells, and establishment of the evacuation function of the intestine.

Gymnastic exercises are performed outside of an exacerbation of the disease, starting with light loads, gradually increasing the intensity of the exercises.

For gastritis with high acidity, exercises are performed at a slow pace, repeating monotonous movements several times - this approach has a decreasing effect on acidity.

It is advisable to combine gymnastics with breathing exercises to relaxing music. It is better not to do exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles or to reduce them to a minimum.

Yoga for gastritis with high acidity

If you perform the following exercises (asanas) daily for 8-10 minutes, you can eliminate the negative manifestations of gastritis with high acidity, and even get rid of it completely.

1. Gehujang asana: lie on your stomach, place your hands palms down at chest level. Leaning on your hands, lift yourself up, bend at the waist and throw your head back. Return to the initial position. Repeat the asana about 5 times.
2. Dhanur asana: lie on your back, bend your knees, and rest your feet on the floor. Grab your ankles with your hands, arch your back, trying to tense the abdominal muscles. At first, you can spread your legs at the knees.
3. Prushtha valita hanum-asana: stand straight, feet together. Move one leg forward, bending at the knee, while the other leg remains straight. Turn the torso left and right. Perform the exercise in one direction and the other 10-14 times.

Prevention

Initial prevention involves changing your lifestyle towards a healthy one, ensuring high-quality and proper nutrition, and getting rid of bad habits.

Timely visits to a doctor for treatment of other diseases of the digestive system play a major role: dysbacteriosis, helminthiasis, liver and pancreas pathologies.

Periodic courses of mineral waters, mud therapy, climatotherapy, and physiotherapy are recommended.

It is necessary to establish proper nutrition:

• you should eat every 3-4 hours, in small portions;
• It is advisable to give preference to healthy food, plant products, steamed or boiled, as well as porridge and lean meat and fish;
• You can't overeat, starve, eat dry food or fast food.

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Forecast

Gastritis with increased acidity does not have a significant impact on the quality and time of life of patients. However, frequently recurring gastritis can provoke the development of chronic pathology, as well as other complications, which, in turn, significantly worsen the prognosis of the disease.

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