Superficial gastritis

Many people do not take the diagnosis of "superficial gastritis" seriously - they say that this is a mild form of gastritis that can go away on its own. But the fact is that this is not entirely true: under certain circumstances, the superficial process can become complicated in a short time and transform into a serious pathology - for example, into a gastric ulcer.

So what is the essence and insidiousness of superficial gastritis, and how does this disease differ from ordinary inflammation of the gastric mucosa?

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Epidemiology

A superficial inflammatory process affecting the mucous tissues of the stomach is found in almost 70% of people after 26-28 years. Moreover, the older a person is, the more likely he is to develop gastritis.

In men, this disease is more often associated with improper and monotonous nutrition, as well as the presence of bad habits.

Women often “acquire” superficial gastritis after all sorts of changes in nutrition associated with fasting and limited diets for weight loss.

In children, the disease can be caused by hereditary pathology or nutritional disorders.

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Causes superficial gastritis

More than 80% of diagnosed gastritis owes its development to a specific bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which enters the digestive tract from the outside. However, this bacterium does not always affect the gastric mucosa: this requires a favorable combination of circumstances for the microorganism. Such circumstances can be external causes, an inappropriate lifestyle, chronic infectious pathologies in other organs. Indeed, many people are found to have Helicobacter bacteria, and they do not develop gastritis.

Thus, we can name the main cause of superficial gastritis, which is the confluence of two circumstances:

• the presence of Helicobacter bacteria in the digestive system;
• prolonged and regular irritation of the gastric mucosa.

The mucous tissue can become irritated under the influence of the following factors:

• with prolonged or incorrect use of medications (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hormonal and sulfonamide drugs);
• in case of regular nutritional disorders, consumption of mechanically unacceptable food (for example, eating dry food);
• in case of alcohol abuse, frequent smoking;
• in case of abuse of salt and spices;
• with frequent consumption of sweet carbonated drinks, including energy drinks;
• in case of non-compliance with working conditions (inhalation of poisons, dust, fumes, harmful chemicals).

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Risk factors

In addition, some additional risk factors can be named, which are:

• metabolic disorders, anemia;
• cardiac, pulmonary diseases;
• diseases of the endocrine system (pathologies of the thyroid gland, pancreas);
• internal intoxications (pyelonephritis, liver disease, etc.);
• infectious diseases;
• autoimmune diseases;
• frequent stressful situations, phobias, chronic fatigue, “workaholism”.

Superficial gastritis in children can be caused by poor nutrition (passion for fast food, chips, chewing gum, etc.), poisoning from poor-quality products, salmonellosis, rotavirus infection, parasitic diseases.

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Pathogenesis

The risk factors listed above eventually cause a failure in the digestive system. At the first stage, gastric secretion is disrupted, then normal peristalsis is disrupted, which is associated with excessive enzyme production. After this, inflammation and dystrophic changes are triggered.

At the initial stage of gastritis, that is, with superficial gastritis, pathological processes affect only the epithelial layer of mucous tissues. If the disease continues to progress, due to the lack of proper treatment or an unhealthy lifestyle, then the inflammation spreads to the glandular part of the digestive tract - atrophy of the mucous membrane occurs. Atrophic changes are also superficial at first, and can accompany the course of superficial gastritis.

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Symptoms superficial gastritis

Superficial gastritis does not occur suddenly. Its development is gradual, with an increase in pathological signs. Periodically, exacerbations are observed: usually they are short-lived and at first can disappear on their own.

You shouldn't ignore the first signs of the disease:

• a feeling of discomfort and bloating in the stomach projection area;
• the appearance of heartburn, pain (the pain is not pronounced, not constant, more often after eating);
• nausea between meals;
• dulling of the feeling of hunger;
• in some cases – belching with an unpleasant odor, a sensation of a foreign taste in the mouth;
• During a relapse, the pain becomes more severe.

Superficial gastritis is characterized by changes in the acidity of the gastric environment, which can either increase or decrease. Increased acidity is accompanied by severe pain attacks (especially at night), a sour taste in the mouth, and dyspeptic disorders. Acidity deficiency tends to develop atrophy, and such processes occur quickly and are barely noticeable to the patient. Some patients pay attention to unexplained loss of weight and appetite, paroxysmal nausea and vomiting, so-called "empty" belching (usually in the morning). The tongue is often covered with a light coating.

After the duodenum is involved in the process, the pain moves to the epigastric zone: it often accompanies a feeling of hunger, eating spicy and hot dishes. This condition is characterized by bowel disorders, after which the pain weakens or disappears.

Is superficial gastritis dangerous?

Any disease is dangerous in its own way, especially if it is associated with inflammation of internal organs. Superficial gastritis is no exception. We must not forget that the inflammatory process tends to spread, so damage to superficial tissues can soon spread to the next, deeper tissues. Of course, superficial gastritis itself is not life-threatening. Its danger lies in the development of complications and aggravation of the disease, which, in the absence of proper treatment, will necessarily transform into a more complex pathology. Therefore, we cannot ignore the disease: it is better, easier and faster to cure the beginning process than to deal with serious consequences later.

If the pain associated with superficial gastritis becomes constant, pulsating, and independent of food intake, one should suspect the development of complications.

Superficial gastritis in children

Unfortunately, the development of gastritis in childhood is not uncommon. The peak incidence occurs in the age category from 5 to 6 years, as well as from 9 to 12 years, which may be associated with periods of rapid development of the child's body.

Inflammation of the superficial mucous tissue in children is most often associated with the following reasons:

• infection with pathogenic flora Helicobacter;
• incorrect medication use;
• nutritional disorders (poor quality food, overeating);
• food allergy;
• viral and infectious diseases;
• parasitic infestations.

Superficial acute gastritis in childhood can easily go deep into the tissues, up to necrosis. Therefore, at the first signs of gastrointestinal tract damage in a child, it is necessary to take immediate measures by seeking medical help.

Forms

In order to more accurately characterize the diagnosis, it is customary in medicine to conditionally divide superficial gastritis into stages.

• Mild superficial gastritis, or superficial gastritis of the 1st degree, is characterized by the spread of inflammatory changes in tissues to the mouths of the pyloric glands. In this case, the number of atrophied cells is minimal.
• Moderate superficial gastritis, or superficial gastritis of the 2nd degree, is accompanied by inflammatory phenomena not only of the superficial, but also of the middle glandular tissues. The number of atrophied cells is increased, compared to gastritis of the 2nd degree.
• Severe superficial gastritis, or superficial gastritis of the 3rd degree, is a lesion of the entire mucous membrane of the gastric wall up to the muscular layer. The number of atrophically altered cellular structures is sharply increased.

In addition to the division by stages, there are other options for classifying superficial gastritis. Thus, a chronic, recurrent course is distinguished, as well as an active course of the superficial inflammatory process.

• Chronic superficial gastritis most often develops as a consequence of an incompletely treated acute form of the disease. But in some cases it can also occur on its own, as a result of an improper diet that does not correspond to the capabilities of the stomach. Symptoms of chronic gastritis are often atypical, hidden and may not arouse suspicion in the patient. The secretory function of the digestive system in the chronic course may remain the same. The chronic form is characterized by periodic exacerbations, which can be perceived by the patient as the onset of an acute disease.
• In most cases, exacerbation of superficial gastritis proceeds as a normal acute inflammatory process. Characteristic signs of exacerbation are unpleasant belching, nausea to vomiting, increased gas formation, sharp pain in the stomach, discomfort and a feeling of heaviness in the epigastrium.
• Active superficial gastritis is a phase of active inflammatory process, which is usually observed in the initial stage of the disease, as well as during the period of exacerbation. With prolonged activity of the inflammatory reaction, the pathology can after some time move from the superficial tissues to deeper layers. In this case, gastritis ceases to be superficial: a full-fledged inflammatory process in the stomach occurs with all the ensuing adverse consequences.

Superficial antral gastritis
Characteristic	The so-called gastritis B, in which there is a superficial lesion of the mucous membrane in the antral section – the last point of passage of food through the stomach.
Symptoms	Unpleasant sensations inside the stomach: heaviness, discomfort, rumbling, distension.
Treatment	Complex treatment: H²-receptor blockers, anti-Helicobacter drugs, bismuth-based drugs. Monotherapy is not encouraged.

Superficial fundal gastritis
Characteristic	Type A gastritis, or autoimmune gastritis, which develops under the influence of antibodies to the parietal cells of the stomach.
Symptoms	In addition to the usual clinical picture of superficial gastritis, the development of pernicious anemia is observed.
Treatment	Astringent and anti-inflammatory drugs, mainly of plant origin, drugs for stabilizing tissue metabolism, agents for accelerating reparative processes.

Focal superficial gastritis
Characteristic	Focal (fragmentary) lesion of the gastric mucosa.
Symptoms	Nausea and a feeling of heaviness regardless of food intake, loss of appetite.
Treatment	Antispasmodic drugs, enzymes, herbal preparations in combination with dietary nutrition.

Disseminated superficial gastritis
Characteristic	Superficial inflammatory lesion of the entire gastric mucosa.
Symptoms	Pain and spasms in the stomach, dyspepsia, increased gas production.
Treatment	Diet, intake of enveloping and anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotic therapy.

Superficial atrophic gastritis
Characteristic	Atrophic changes in the mucosa, often against the background of reduced gastric secretion.
Symptoms	Feeling of heaviness, dull pain after eating, exhaustion, loss of appetite, diarrhea.
Treatment	Anti-inflammatory, enzymatic and restorative therapy aimed at regenerating the structures of the mucous tissue.

Superficial catarrhal gastritis
Characteristic	Catarrhal gastritis is a medical term used to describe common alimentary, or food-induced, superficial gastritis caused by improper eating habits.
Symptoms	Sharp pain above the navel, a feeling of heaviness, the appearance of an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Treatment	The main point of treatment is stabilization of the patient's nutrition. In addition, adsorbents and enzyme preparations are prescribed.

Superficial gastritis with erosions
Characteristic	A superficial lesion of the mucous membrane occurs with the formation of small wounds, which gradually develop into erosions.
Symptoms	Vomiting with blood streaks, stool with blood elements, constipation or diarrhea, changes in bowel function.
Treatment	Antibiotics, antacids, histamine receptor blockers, regenerative drugs (Trental, Iberogast).

Distal superficial gastritis
Characteristic	The second name is superficial antrum gastritis, which affects the pyloric part of the stomach (distal third), located in front of the transverse line.
Symptoms	Heartburn, vomiting, burning and pain behind the breastbone.
Treatment	Antacids and enzyme preparations with anti-inflammatory action.

Superficial hyperplastic gastritis
Characteristic	A rare type of superficial gastritis in which there is a pronounced proliferation of epithelial tissue with the formation of thickened flaccid folds and growths.
Symptoms	It often occurs without obvious symptoms; only after some time do signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding of the mucous membrane appear.
Treatment	A diet rich in proteins, stabilization of motility and secretion, regular medical monitoring.

Superficial erythematous gastritis
Characteristic	Against the background of superficial lesions, erythematous exudative gastritis most often occurs, which appears under the influence of an allergic factor (food allergy). Accompanied by the accumulation of eosinophils inside the mucous membrane.
Symptoms	Disorders of the stool, pain in the stomach area (during or after eating).
Treatment	Diet, antacids and antihistamines.

Superficial hemorrhagic gastritis
Characteristic	The disease is identical to erosive superficial gastritis and is accompanied by bleeding of the mucous membrane in the upper digestive tract.
Symptoms	Typical signs include dark, tarry stools and vomiting containing blood.
Treatment	Antibiotics, hemostatic agents. In severe cases – surgical intervention.

Superficial Helicobacter gastritis
Characteristic	The disease is associated with infection with the Helicobacter bacterium. It quickly becomes chronic, so it requires urgent treatment.
Symptoms	It is no different from ordinary superficial gastritis.
Treatment	The main treatment is taking antibiotics that are active against Helicobacter.

Superficial gastritis with high acidity
Characteristic	It represents the initial stage of almost any gastritis, which is accompanied by an increase in the level of acid in the stomach.
Symptoms	Heartburn, sour belching, increased gas formation, dyspepsia.
Treatment	The main treatment is normalizing nutrition and taking antacid drugs.

Small focal superficial gastritis
Characteristic	Superficial inflammation that affects the mucous membrane selectively, in small, separate islands.
Symptoms	Pain in the epigastric region, decreased food cravings, dyspepsia.
Treatment	Complete complex treatment of gastritis against the background of a gentle diet.

Mixed superficial gastritis
Characteristic	It is a simultaneous combination of different types of superficial gastritis. Most often it consists of 3 or 4 variants of the disease.
Symptoms	Combines symptoms of different types of gastritis at the same time.
Treatment	The treatment is complex.

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Complications and consequences

If superficial gastritis is not treated or is treated incorrectly, then over time the inflammatory process will spread to all tissues of the stomach up to the muscular layer. Small changes in the superficial mucous tissues are transformed into atrophy and the development of pangastritis - damage to the entire gastric organ.

Having covered the stomach, the inflammation will move further, to the duodenum. The patient will have signs of acute duodenitis. Subsequently, the process will change its course to chronic.

In addition, the development of peptic ulcer disease and the appearance of bleeding erosions is possible, which will significantly complicate the dynamics of the disease.

If the patient does not receive adequate treatment at this stage, the inflammatory reaction may also affect the intestines, which will increase the risk of bleeding and the formation of adhesions.

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Diagnostics superficial gastritis

Diagnostic manipulations can be divided into several successive stages.

Collecting anamnesis, clarifying clinical data on the disease, examining the patient - this information allows us to establish a preliminary diagnosis and determine the scheme of further diagnostic studies.

Laboratory tests include:

• blood sampling for general clinical analysis, biochemistry;
• taking urine sample for general analysis;
• taking stool samples for general examination, to determine occult blood, to detect Helicobacter bacteria.

Instrumental diagnostics are the main methods for diagnosing superficial gastritis:

• endoscopic method is a direct examination of the gastric mucosa using an endoscope. This procedure is very informative, as it allows you to see the extent of the lesion, clarify the location of the lesion with the altered mucosa, and assess the likelihood of malignancy of the process. To assess the likelihood of oncology, the doctor takes a tissue sample for biopsy - an examination of a part of the mucosa for structural changes in the tissue;
• The ammonia breath test is one way to determine the presence of Helicobacter infection in the stomach. The patient is asked to take a special preparation consisting of urea with a normal isotope composition, after which the ammonia content in the exhaled air is measured using an analyzing device;
• Ultrasound diagnostics of internal organs is a well-known ultrasound method, with the help of which it is possible to assess the condition of the entire digestive system;
• the method of measuring the reaction of the gastric environment is the so-called pH-metry, which gives an idea of possible shifts in acidity in the stomach;
• X-ray of the stomach using contrast is an informative method that can “see” neoplasms, erosions and ulcers inside the gastric cavity;
• Gastroenterography is a method that allows assessing the peristalsis of the digestive tract. Gastroenterography helps to determine the presence of gastroduodenal reflux.

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Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics are carried out for final confirmation of the diagnosis and allow to distinguish superficial gastritis from atrophic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.

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Treatment superficial gastritis

Treatment of the disease is prescribed by a gastroenterologist, based on the results of the conducted studies. The patient can carry out all procedures and take medications at home, since inpatient treatment is possible only in the event of complications in the form of an ulcer process.

Conservative therapy involves taking certain medications, as well as adjuvant restorative treatment.

• If the presence of Helicobacter infection in the body is proven, antibiotic therapy is prescribed, the duration of which can be 1-2 weeks. The following drugs are used for this purpose:
  • Metronidazole is an antiprotozoal and antibacterial drug that is taken in tablet form at 500 mg three times a day. Metronidazole is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Side effects: metallic taste in the mouth, constipation, sleep disorders.
  • Sumamed is an antibiotic that is active against a wide range of bacteria. The course of treatment lasts three days, with 2 tablets taken per day. Side effects: diarrhea, increased gas formation. Caution: the drug may cause allergies.
  • Hemomycin is an azalide antibiotic with a bacteriostatic effect. Hemomycin is taken on an empty stomach, 500 g per day at a time. The usual duration of administration is 3 days. Side effects: very rare - dyspepsia. The drug is considered one of the least toxic antibiotics.
• In case of superficial gastritis, it is necessary to take specific medications that help restore the gastric mucosa. Such medications are called histamine receptor blockers:
  • Omez is an antiulcer drug with omeprazole. Take 20 mg in the morning on an empty stomach for 2 weeks. Side effects: dizziness, muscle and joint pain, increased sweating. The drug is not used to treat pregnant women.
  • Famotidine is a drug that inhibits gastric secretion and reduces the activity of some enzymes. The usual dosage is 0.02 g of the drug twice a day. Side effects include cholestasis, headache, and a feeling of fatigue. Before using Famotidine, it is advisable to conduct an allergy test.
• If high acidity in the stomach is detected, then it is possible to use drugs with an antacid effect:
  • Almagel is a remedy for neutralizing stomach acid. It is taken 1-2 measuring spoons shortly before meals and at night. Contraindications include newborns and allergic sensitivity. Adverse effects may include constipation and drowsiness.
  • Phosphalugel is an enveloping and antacid drug that is prescribed 1 dose up to 3 times a day before meals. Side effects: constipation, decreased appetite.
• If the acidity is low, then they resort to the help of enzyme agents:
  • Pepsin is a digestive enzyme. Take 80 mg with food. Continue treatment for at least two weeks. Pepsin is not used for erosive superficial gastritis.
  • Enzistal is a combined enzyme and proteolytic drug. Prescribed 1 tablet three times a day with food. If necessary, the doctor may increase the dosage.
• Bismuth preparations are also prescribed, which reduce the negative impact of stomach acid on its walls, which promotes faster healing of the mucous membrane:
  • De-nol is an antiulcer drug with an astringent effect. Take 2-4 tablets per day. De-nol combines well with antibiotics and Omeprazole. Side effects are rare and consist of dyspeptic disorders or allergies.
  • Gastrofarm is a remedy for restoring the gastric mucosa. Take 1-2 tablets orally three times a day before meals. Continue treatment for at least a month. The drug is safe and non-toxic to the body, so it can be used during pregnancy.
  • Alanton is a herbal preparation that accelerates the healing of irritated mucous membranes. Take 50 ml of the finished preparation up to 6 times a day, before meals. Pregnant women are not recommended to take the product.

In cases where other diseases of the digestive system are detected at the same time, additional medications may be prescribed:

• in case of reflux effect, medications are used to prevent food from entering the stomach from the duodenum (for example, Metoclopramide);
• in case of combined pathology of the pancreas, Creon or other drugs with appropriate enzymes are used;
• In pediatrics, sedatives and herbal remedies may be prescribed for superficial gastritis.

During the period of subsidence of the inflammatory process, physiotherapy (mud therapy, paraffin), exercise therapy, ozone therapy are appropriate. Health treatment, mineral waters internally and in the form of baths are recommended.

Do you need to take vitamins and why?

It has been proven that a deficiency of some vitamins can increase the susceptibility of the digestive system to negative factors. For example, a deficiency of vitamin B6 worsens the condition of the gastric mucosa.

B vitamins enter the body with legumes and dark breads.

The little-known vitamin PP stabilizes the production of gastric juice, prevents bowel disorders. Niacin (this is the full name of vitamin PP) can be obtained from meat and fish dishes, cereals.

In addition, there is a kind of universal vitamin that fights any inflammatory reactions inside the body - this is folic acid. However, the benefit of this substance can be felt only with normal or increased acidity of gastric secretion, since low acidity and atrophic processes interfere with the absorption of the vitamin.

Folic acid can be found in all types of cabbage, liver and spinach dishes.

Vitamin A, which is present in sufficient quantities in cereals, oils, and carrots, prevents bacteria, including Helicobacter, from entering the stomach.

The listed vitamins are equally useful if they enter the body with food or with special multivitamin preparations. It is advisable to take such vitamin complexes with food or immediately after it.

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Physiotherapy treatment

In case of increased secretion of gastric juice, it is useful to use amplipulse therapy and microwave therapy (microwaves). Such procedures have an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, bacteriostatic, desensitizing, restorative and trophic effect.

If the patient complains of severe pain in the stomach area, the doctor may prescribe mud therapy in the form of sulphide, peat, silt, sapropel mud. Mud is applied to the epigastric area or collar zone, for about 15 minutes, once every two days. Galvanic mud, mud electrophoresis and the Gumizol device have a similar effect.

Almost any form of superficial gastritis is useful to treat simultaneously with the use of appropriate mineral waters and against the background of a well-designed diet.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies often help to cope with the disease faster and alleviate the condition during attacks. In addition, such treatment is in most cases more accessible than drug therapy. However, you should not rely only on folk treatment: it is much better if the fight against gastritis is carried out in combination with traditional methods.

• Superficial gastritis will pass faster if you drink 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed plantain juice three times a day 20-30 minutes before meals.
• Astringent preparations are useful, which will protect mucous tissues from all sorts of unfavorable factors. Astringent plant remedies include flaxseed and oats: they can be brewed with boiling water and taken 1 tbsp. several times a day.
• A similar astringent effect is observed with regular consumption of raw quail eggs. The eggs are broken into a glass and drunk 4-5 pieces half an hour before meals.
• It is useful to drink 1-2 tablespoons of sea buckthorn oil on an empty stomach, and it is even better to perform this morning ritual regularly, even after recovery.
• Fresh potato juice helps well with superficial inflammation, but it should be consumed on an empty stomach and after the acute attack of the disease has been stopped. A single dose is approximately 100 ml of juice.
• Honey can help with superficial gastritis regardless of the acidity of gastric juice. The fact is that when honey is consumed before meals, the secretion of juice increases. If you take a few spoons of this healthy treat 2 hours before a meal, then the secretion of acid, on the contrary, decreases.

The recommended daily amount of bee product is up to 150 g, in three to four doses.

When choosing honey for treatment, make sure that you get a real and fresh product.

Herbal treatment is very popular for stomach diseases. There are many plants known to improve digestion and soothe irritated mucous membranes.

If you have excess acidity, chamomile flowers, St. John's wort, and licorice will help.

Reduced secretion can be compensated for by herbs such as wormwood, sage leaves, and rowan berries.

• Wormwood herb is mixed with yarrow 1:1. Brew 60 g of the mixture in 0.5 l of boiling water. Use 200-400 ml per day.
• Prepare a mixture of chamomile flowers and yarrow. Infuse 40 g of dry raw material in 0.5 l of boiling water and take 200-400 ml twice a day half an hour before meals.
• A mixture of plantain leaves, St. John's wort, mint leaves, calamus rhizomes and caraway seeds is prepared. The infusion (2 tablespoons of the mixture per ½ liter of water) is taken 100 ml 4 times a day 60 minutes after meals.

Herbal preparations such as anise, fennel, caraway, and mint leaves are very helpful for stomach pain. Tea made from these herbs can be drunk little by little throughout the day.

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Homeopathy

Homeopathic doctors are convinced that the preparations they present act not so much on the disease itself as on its causes. That is why homeopathic treatment is often considered successful.

What homeopathic medicines can be used to treat superficial gastritis?

• Acidum Sulphuricum in dilutions of 10, 3, 6 and 12 is prescribed for stomach discomfort, nausea and dyspepsia.
• Antimonium Crudum in a dilution of 3 or 6 is used to eliminate the feeling of heaviness in the stomach, in case of loss of appetite.
• Capsicum Annum 3, 6 or 12 dilutions are used for excess acid in the stomach.
• Natrium Phosphoricum 3, 6 or 12 dilutions are recommended for heartburn, sour belching and vomiting attacks.

The amount of the drug taken is determined individually by a homeopathic doctor. The listed remedies can be successfully combined with any type of treatment, including medications and folk remedies.

Surgical treatment

As a rule, surgical intervention in the case of a superficial process is not advisable. Surgery is indicated only in extreme cases - for example, in the case of an erosive form of the disease, which can no longer be called a superficial process.

In addition, surgical treatment is performed in cases of gastric bleeding that cannot be stopped with medication, or in cases where it is impossible to determine the cause of the bleeding.

It is believed that superficial inflammation can be successfully treated with conservative methods, and a surgeon will help only if complications develop.

Diet for superficial gastritis

Diet is probably one of the main elements of treatment for patients with superficial gastritis. In periods between attacks, it is recommended to eat at least five times a day in small portions, while the food is heated to a warm state. During an exacerbation, doctors advise paying attention to diet table No. 1a (for about 5-6 days), after which you can switch to therapeutic nutrition No. 1.

The menu should consist of boiled or steamed foods, without excess salt, spices, or acids.

You need to take food and liquid separately from each other: this promotes better digestion of food masses and normal production of enzymes.

Option for a daily menu outside the acute stage:

• Breakfast: steamed omelette, or soft-boiled eggs, or oatmeal without milk.
• Lunch: soup or porridge with rice, vegetable side dishes, vegetable or chicken cutlets in a steamer.
• Afternoon snack: freshly grated cottage cheese, fruit puree, baked sweet fruits.
• Dinner: steamed vegetables, porridge, vegetable casseroles.

What should you not eat if you have superficial gastritis?

• Pickles, marinades, preserves, seasonings.
• Mushroom dishes and broths.
• Fried foods, animal fat (lard, fatty parts of meat).
• Fresh baked goods made from premium flour, cakes, biscuits.
• Fruits and vegetables in unprocessed form.
• Alcoholic and carbonated drinks, strong tea and coffee, instant drinks.

It is advisable to make up the menu from boiled dishes. Dairy and fermented milk products, dry bread, dry biscuits, viscous porridges are allowed.

Important:

• do not overeat;
• don't starve;
• Forget about semi-finished products, fast food, instant drinks, chips, crackers, snacks, margarine, products with an abundance of preservatives and other synthetic additives.

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Recipes for superficial gastritis

• Rice casserole that is suitable for both breakfast and light dinner.

Ingredients:

• a third of a glass of rice;
• vegetable oil 1 tbsp;
• one onion;
• one zucchini;
• three eggs;
• some grated cheese.

Pour 150 ml of water over the rice and cook for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and leave covered for 5 minutes.

Lightly fry the chopped onion.

In a separate container, mix the onion, grated zucchini, rice, raw eggs and grated cheese. Add a little salt.

Place in a form greased with vegetable oil and lined with parchment paper. Bake at 180° until done. When serving, you can sprinkle with herbs.

• Broccoli with chicken.

Ingredients:

• 250 g broccoli;
• 250 g chicken fillet;
• 100 ml sour cream;
• salt.

Blanch the broccoli for about 30 seconds. Cut into small pieces.

We cut the fillet in the same way.

Place chicken pieces, broccoli, sour cream, salt and mix in a thick-bottomed saucepan.

Simmer for 20-25 minutes. Serve with herbs.

• Dietary cottage cheese dessert.

Ingredients of the dish:

• low-fat cottage cheese 250 g;
• medium fat yogurt – 200 ml;
• gelatin 10 g;
• vanillin;
• water 70-80 ml;
• apple or pear – 150 g;
• sugar – about 25 g.

Dissolve gelatin in water, combine with cottage cheese, yogurt, sugar, and vanilla.

Mix in a blender.

Peel and finely dice the apple or pear, mix with the curd mass. Place in molds and refrigerate overnight.

Serve in the morning, possibly with jam or honey.

Prevention

It is possible to prevent the disease, and it is not that difficult to do. It is enough to adopt the following rules:

• treat any diseases of the digestive organs in a timely and competent manner in order to prevent the development of a chronic process;
• give up bad habits – cigarettes and alcoholic drinks, which make the gastric mucosa more vulnerable;
• improve your diet, eat healthy and fresh food;
• ensure you get enough rest, especially at night;
• avoid mental and physical overexertion and stress;
• get examined by a doctor periodically, take preventive courses of multivitamin preparations;
• Regular spa treatment with the use of healthy mineral waters is also encouraged.

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Forecast

The acute phase of superficial gastritis, with a competent and timely approach, is cured in about 4 days. If therapy is ignored, the course of the disease may become complicated, up to the development of a chronic inflammatory process, which will have to be fought for life.

Superficial gastritis and the army

Will a conscript diagnosed with superficial inflammation of the stomach be taken into the army?

Yes, they will, since this disease is not a contraindication to military service. If the acute stage of the disease falls during the conscription, then the conscript may be given a small deferment, but he will not be completely exempted from the army.

Superficial gastritis only at first glance seems to be a mild form of the disease. However, its treatment cannot be postponed, because the condition can irreparably worsen.

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