Treatment of erosive gastritis

Pain in the upper part of the abdomen, heartburn, or nausea after eating are symptoms that often do not cause serious concern. They are associated with temporary discomfort or dietary habits, so people do not always consult a doctor. At the same time, such manifestations may indicate inflammation of the gastric mucosa.

Erosive gastritis is a form of the inflammatory process in which superficial defects — erosions — form on the gastric mucosa. They do not penetrate into deeper layers, but in the absence of treatment they may lead to complications. Therefore, with regular discomfort on the part of the stomach, it is important not to postpone the examination and to timely make an appointment with a gastroenterologist for diagnostics and treatment selection.

Gastritis with erosions is classified according to the course, the nature of mucosal changes, and the localization of the process.

According to the course, the following are distinguished:

• acute — develops suddenly under the influence of provoking factors (medications, alcohol, stress) and is accompanied by the appearance of multiple erosions;
• chronic erosive gastritis — develops gradually and may progress for a long time with periods of exacerbation and remission.

According to the nature of mucosal changes:

• superficial erosions — shallow defects of the mucous membrane;
• multiple erosions — lesions of several areas of the mucosa at the same time;
• hemorrhagic erosions — are accompanied by increased bleeding.

According to the localization of the process:

• antral — lesion of the lower part of the stomach, which may affect the regulation of acidity;
• fundal — changes in the area of the body of the stomach;
• diffuse — widespread lesion of the mucous membrane;
• focal — local areas of erosions.

Such classification allows a more accurate assessment of the condition of the mucous membrane and the selection of the optimal treatment tactics.

The development of erosions on the gastric mucosa is associated with a disruption of its protective mechanisms. Normally, the mucosa is resistant to the action of gastric juice, but under the influence of certain factors this balance is disrupted, which leads to the appearance of superficial defects.

The most common causes:

• infectious factors — in particular, infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which maintain the inflammatory process;
• long-term use of medications — primarily nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which reduce the protective properties of the mucosa;
• irregular nutrition — long breaks between meals, overeating, consumption of coarse or excessively spicy food;
• alcohol consumption — irritates the mucous membrane and contributes to the development of inflammation;
• chronic stress — affects the blood supply to the mucous membrane and the regulation of secretion;
• concomitant diseases — pathologies of the digestive system that change the functioning of the stomach.

In some patients, erosive gastritis develops under the influence of several factors at the same time, which increases the risk of erosion formation. Therefore, for effective treatment it is important not only to reduce the symptoms, but also to identify and eliminate the cause of the development of the inflammatory process.

It is impossible to confirm the presence of erosions only by symptoms, since similar manifestations may also occur in other diseases of the stomach. Diagnostics must be comprehensive.

Main examination methods:

• esophagogastroduodenoscopy — a key method that allows direct examination of the gastric mucosa, detection of erosions, and assessment of their number, size, and localization;
• laboratory blood tests — help identify signs of inflammation, anemia, and other concomitant changes;
• tests for Helicobacter pylori — are used to confirm or exclude the infectious factor;
• assessment of gastric acidity — makes it possible to determine the features of secretion and clarify the treatment tactics.

If necessary, additional examinations may be prescribed to exclude other diseases of the digestive system. Based on the examination results, the doctor assesses the degree of changes and selects an individual treatment plan.

Treatment of erosive lesions of the gastric mucosa is aimed at healing defects, reducing inflammation, and eliminating the factors that led to their appearance. The tactics are selected individually depending on the examination results.

Main directions of therapy:

• elimination of the cause — treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection, review of the intake of medications, refusal of alcohol;
• reduction of acidity — use of agents that reduce the irritating effect of gastric juice;
• protection of the mucous membrane — prescription of medications that promote the healing of erosions;
• control of symptoms — taking medications to reduce pain, heartburn, and nausea;
• correction of lifestyle — changes in diet, daily routine, and factors that provoke exacerbation.

In most cases, with timely consultation with a doctor, erosions heal within a few weeks. It is important to follow the recommendations and not stop treatment on your own after relief of the condition.

The diet in erosions of the gastric mucosa should be as gentle as possible, since any irritation may slow healing. It is important not only to choose the right foods, but also to follow the meal schedule.

Main principles:

• regular meals 4–6 times a day without long breaks;
• small portions so as not to overload the stomach;
• consumption of warm food without sharp temperatures;
• preference for boiled, stewed, or baked dishes.

What can be included in the diet:

• lean meat and fish in simple preparation;
• porridges with a soft consistency;
• soups with a light broth;
• stewed or baked vegetables;
• fermented milk products with good tolerance;
• eggs in the form of an omelet or boiled.

What should be limited or excluded:

• fried, fatty, and spicy dishes;
• alcohol and carbonated drinks;
• strong coffee;
• smoked foods, marinades, and spicy sauces;
• fresh pastries and dishes that are difficult to digest.

During the period of exacerbation, the diet should be as gentle as possible, and after improvement — gradually expanded. This helps reduce symptoms and creates conditions for healing of the mucous membrane.

Erosive changes in the gastric mucosa require timely treatment, since without it the defects may deepen and affect the general condition of the body.

Possible complications:

• gastric bleeding — occurs when vessels are damaged in the area of erosions;
• anemia — develops against the background of chronic blood loss;
• transition into chronic gastritis with erosions with a prolonged course and frequent exacerbations;
• digestive disorders accompanied by discomfort, bloating, instability of the gastrointestinal tract, in particular, constipation is possible.

In the event of progression of the process, the symptoms may become more pronounced, and treatment may require more time. That is why it is important not to ignore the first manifestations and to consult a doctor in time in order to prevent the development of complications.

Prevention of erosive changes in the gastric mucosa is aimed at reducing the influence of factors that irritate it. In most cases, this concerns everyday habits that directly affect the functioning of the digestive system.

Main preventive measures:

• regular meals without long breaks and overeating;
• restriction of fatty, fried, and spicy food;
• avoidance of alcohol and smoking;
• control of taking medications, especially painkillers;
• reduction of stress level and normalization of sleep schedule.

It is important to respond in time to symptoms on the part of the stomach. When pain, heartburn, or discomfort after eating appears, one should not self-medicate — it is better to undergo an examination and receive a doctor's recommendations. Regular preventive check-ups help to detect changes in the mucous membrane in time and prevent the development of complications.

The cost of treatment of erosive gastritis depends on the severity of the disease and the chosen treatment tactics. In most cases, diagnostics is carried out first, after which the doctor draws up an individual treatment plan. You can ознакомиться with the prices for doctors' consultations here in advance.

At the medical center «Oxford Medical», patients can undergo all necessary examinations and receive the full range of medical services. To make an appointment, contact the contact center or use the online appointment form on the website.