What is gastritis?
Gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa, a layer of cells that protects the stomach from the acidic digestive juices produced for food digestion. This inflammation can result in various symptoms and complications.
Symptoms
The symptoms of gastritis can vary in intensity and duration, and the most common are:
- Burning or gnawing sensation in the stomach
- Azia
- Frequent nausea, possibly accompanied by vomiting
- Abdominal bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Reduced desire to eat
Causes
The causes of gastritis can involve a variety of factors:
- Infection by Helicobacter pylori: this bacterium is one of the most common causes of gastritis. It can infect the stomach lining and cause inflammation
- Excess alcohol consumption: this can irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to inflammation and eventually to gastritis
- Stress: although not a direct cause of gastritis, stress can worsen symptoms or contribute to complications in people who already have the condition
- Traumatic injuries to the stomach: physical traumas, such as surgical injuries, severe burns, or other traumatic injuries to the stomach, can increase the risk of developing gastritis
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of gastritis may include approaches such as:
- Medical history and physical examination: the responsible physician starts by collecting information about symptoms, medical history, dietary habits, medication use, and other relevant factors. A physical examination may also be performed
- Laboratory tests: blood tests may be conducted to check for the presence of the Helicobacter pylori bacterium and to assess kidney and liver function. Stool tests may also be requested to look for signs of bleeding in the gastrointestinal system. Another procedure is the upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGI), where a flexible tube with a camera at the end is inserted through the throat to discover the cause of digestive problems, such as gastritis
Treatment
The treatment of gastritis generally involves approaches to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms, such as:
- Prescription of antibiotics: if gastritis is caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, antibiotic treatment is often necessary
- Avoiding certain substances: eliminating or reducing the consumption of substances that can irritate the gastric mucosa, such as alcohol, caffeine, and acidic foods
- Stress management: implementing strategies such as exercise, meditation, and relaxation techniques can be helpful in treatment
Prevention
Preventing gastritis includes adopting healthy lifestyle habits and reducing known risk factors:
- Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption: can help prevent irritation and inflammation in the stomach
- Treating Helicobacter pylori infection: following the treatment prescribed by healthcare professionals can help prevent complications related to gastritis
- Maintaining a balanced diet: rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins contributes to gut health and helps prevent gastritis
References
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Stomach cancer: a type of cancer that forms in the cells lining the inside of the stomach