The term gastritis comes from the Greek and is made up of the words "gaster" (stomach) and "itis" (inflammation). It refers to an inflammation of the stomach. Gastritis is widespread in Germany. According to estimates, around 23 percent of all women and 18 percent of all men suffer from an inflamed stomach lining at least once in their lives.
A distinction must be made between acute and chronic gastritis, which can cause different symptoms. In the acute form, the symptoms start abruptly and are often exacerbated after meals. The chronic form, on the other hand, usually progresses without any particular symptoms. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence and a feeling of fullness are rarely experienced.
Types of gastritis
Depending on the cause, medicine divides gastritis into several forms. These are
Type B gastritis, which is caused by bacteria such as Heliobacter pylori and is one of the most common forms of gastritis, accounting for 85% of cases
Type C gastritis, which is a chemically induced inflammation caused by a hiatal hernia or bile components
Type D gastritis, which includes various special forms of gastritis such as collagenous gastritis or Crohn's disease
Type R gastritis , for which heartburn is responsible
Causes of inflammation of the gastric mucosa
The causes of gastritis vary. In all cases, however, there is intense irritation of the gastric mucosa, which is affected as a result. Gastric juice contains gastric acid, which is used to digest food, among other things. Gastric acid is also able to fight off germs. The deeper areas of the stomach wall, such as the stomach muscles, are protected from the aggressive acidic stomach acid by the gastric mucosa. However, if there is an excess of acid within the stomach or if the protective layer is damaged, there is a risk of gastritis.
Acute gastritis is usually triggered by food poisoning caused by salmonella or staphylococci, the intake of painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetylsalicylic acid or other preparations such as cortisone and cytostatics. Other possible causes are
tobacco consumption
excessive consumption of alcohol
Consumption of foods that irritate the stomach, such as spicy food or coffee
gastrointestinal infections
meals that are too rich
severe stress
The bacterium Heliobacter pylori is the most common cause of chronic gastritis. Around 35 percent of all Germans are infected with this bacterium. However, the bacterium does not cause symptoms in everyone affected. Heliobacter pylori bacteria have a special mechanism that enables them to survive in an acidic stomach environment. They are equipped with the enzyme urease, which ensures a less acidic environment, but this has a negative effect on the stomach. The gastric mucosa is affected by the alkaline environment.
Symptoms of gastritis
The symptoms of gastritis can be just as varied as the causes. They depend on the extent of the inflammation of the stomach lining and whether it is acute or chronic. Acute gastritis is typically characterized by the sudden onset of symptoms. Patients suffer from
Stomach pain or abdominal pain
a feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen
loss of appetite
a feeling of fullness
belching
nausea
vomiting
an unpleasant taste in the mouth
In the chronic form of gastritis, symptoms such as
flatulence
diarrhea
abdominal pain
feeling of fullness
Diagnosis of gastritis
The doctor usually diagnoses acute gastritis based on the typical symptoms. For example, the patient often suffers from pain in the upper abdomen when the doctor presses on it with their hand. In contrast, chronic gastritis is often diagnosed by chance.
An absolutely reliable diagnosis is only possible with a gastroscopy (gastroscopy). During this procedure, a tube-shaped endoscope is inserted into the stomach. This allows the doctor to view the stomach and take small tissue samples, which he then examines for histology.
To track down the Heliobacter pylori pathogen, a urea breath test can be carried out, during which the patient is given a urea preparation. This contains the labeled carbon atoms C13 or C14. In the case of a Heliobacter pylori infection, the urea is converted by the bacteria. At the same time, C-13 or C-14 labeled carbon dioxide is released.
Treatment of gastritis
The treatment of gastritis depends on the triggering cause. In the case of acute gastritis, resting the stomach can sometimes be sufficient. In this case, the patient eats nothing or only a light diet for one to two days. It is important to drink plenty of fluids. However, drinks must not irritate the stomach. Alcohol, coffee and carbonated drinks are therefore taboo. Water or lukewarm tea can be consumed instead. Cigarettes should also be avoided. The symptoms usually improve after a few days.
In some cases, medication can also be useful to reduce the effect of stomach acid. These are usually administered:
H2 receptor blockers such as cimetidine or ranitidine, which inhibit the production of stomach acid
Proton pump inhibitors such as pantoprazole or omeprazole, which are considered to be even more effective
Antacids that buffer stomach acid
Prokinetics against nausea and vomiting
Antibiotics are used to kill the stomach germ Heliobacter pylori.
What is the right diet for gastritis?
To avoid putting unnecessary strain on the inflamed stomach, care must be taken to eat the right food. Patients should avoidhot, very cold, spicy, flatulent or sweet meals. On the other hand, the intake of linseed is considered useful. They contain mucilage, which promotes health. It is also advisable to drink little coffee and eat a low-fat diet.
Conclusion
Gastritis can usually be treated well. To prevent recurrence, a stomach-friendly diet is recommended.
