Treatment of gastritis

Gastritis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the stomach lining. This condition disrupts its regeneration, as well as the organ's contractile activity and gastric juice secretion. Inflammation of the stomach may present with symptoms such as dull or sharp pain, heartburn, nausea, periodic vomiting, etc.

Gastritis is classified according to various criteria.

The most important distinction is based on clinical progression. There are two main types:

• Acute gastritis

• Chronic gastritis

Acute gastritis develops rapidly and is accompanied by pronounced symptoms. It usually occurs due to aggressive effects on the stomach lining by certain foods, drinks, medications, etc.

Chronic gastritis develops following acute gastritis. It is characterized by alternating periods of exacerbation and remission. The symptoms are less pronounced.

Depending on the level of acidity, gastritis is divided into normal-acid, high-acid, and low-acid gastritis.

Acute gastritis is subdivided into 4 types based on the nature of mucosal damage and symptoms:

• Catarrhal – inflammation and dystrophic changes affect only the epithelial cells;

• Fibrous – severe inflammation due to infection or chemical poisoning;

• Necrotic – necrotic damage to the mucous membrane occurs;

• Phlegmonous – purulent process develops (often a complication of infectious diseases, ulcers, or stomach cancer).

Chronic gastritis is divided into the following 4 groups based on its cause:

• Bacterial – develops due to a bacterial infection, mainly Helicobacter pylori;

• Autoimmune – develops due to an aggressive immune response targeting stomach lining cells;

• Chemical – caused by exposure to bile and digestive enzymes due to motility or enzymatic dysfunction (also called reflux gastritis);

• Mixed – characterized by exposure to several aggressive factors (poor diet, alcohol abuse, certain medications, etc.).

Depending on the location, gastritis can also be localized or diffuse.

There are many causes of gastritis. The main ones include:

• Improper eating habits, including poor chewing, low-quality products, excessive consumption of spicy and pickled foods, and rare consumption of hot meals;

• Eating on the run or skipping meals;

• Irregular meal schedules;

• Overeating before bedtime;

• Use of medications that irritate the stomach lining (sulfonamides, antibiotics, etc.);

• Bad habits;

• Toxins in kidney disease;

• Genetic predisposition;

• Chronic fatigue;

• Frequent and intense stress (one of the main causes of gastritis).

In most cases, the causative agent of gastritis is the Helicobacter pylori bacterium. It infects the stomach and dissolves its protective mucus, allowing gastric juice to burn the mucosa, causing inflammation and ulcers. This bacterium also produces a toxin that leads to the death of stomach cells.

Modern diagnostic methods used at Oxford Medical Clinic allow for a quick and accurate diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders. Various lab and microbiological tests help identify the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach lining.

A gastroenterologist diagnoses gastritis based on an examination and the following tests:

• Tests for Helicobacter pylori;

• Stomach X-ray;

• Gastroscopy;

• Stomach lining biopsy;

• Gastric secretion analysis.

The early signs of gastritis can be subtle and easily overlooked. Any digestive issue should prompt an immediate visit to a gastroenterologist.

The first question patients often ask is: can gastritis be cured? In most cases, the answer is yes. The disease is effectively treated with a well-chosen therapy plan.

Gastritis treatment includes:

• A strict diet: during the first few days, it’s advisable to avoid food altogether, followed by gentle meals (low-fat, pureed, warm foods);

• Medications with a coating effect that reduce stomach acidity;

• Antibiotics to eliminate Helicobacter pylori.

Treatment of high-acidity gastritis must include medications that reduce acid production and adherence to a special diet. Treating high-acidity gastritis with only antibiotics, without following the rest of the doctor's recommendations, is ineffective and may lead to complications.

At Oxford Medical, we take a comprehensive approach to stomach treatment to ensure the patient feels better as quickly as possible.

To monitor treatment effectiveness, follow-up gastroscopy and Helicobacter testing are conducted. Patients with chronic gastritis should have regular check-ups with a gastroenterologist every six months.

If left untreated or treated incorrectly, acute gastritis may become chronic. Over time, this causes irreversible changes. Regeneration is disrupted, epithelial cells undergo atrophy, and glandular tissue is replaced by connective tissue.

As a result, the stomach lining cannot function properly, impairing the synthesis of enzymes, hydrochloric acid, and pepsin.

Possible complications of gastritis include:

• Gastric and intestinal ulcers;

• Pyloric stenosis (swelling);

• Gastric bleeding;

• Anemia;

• Peritonitis, and others.

Timely treatment significantly reduces the risk of complications.