Treatment of superficial gastritis

Disorders of the stomach do not always manifest themselves sharply. Often this is mild discomfort after eating, a feeling of fullness, or periodic bloating, which people tend to explain by dietary indiscretions or stress. That is why the initial changes in the mucous membrane may remain unnoticed for a long time.

Superficial gastritis is the initial form of the inflammatory process in which mainly the upper layer of the gastric mucous membrane is affected without deep structural disturbances. In clinical practice, this condition is also described as non-atrophic gastritis or gastritis without atrophy, since the functional cells are still preserved, and the changes have a reversible nature provided timely treatment.

Despite the relatively mild course, the inflammatory process may gradually progress. That is why it is important to pay attention to symptoms in time, undergo examination, and not postpone the start of therapy.

Superficial inflammation of the gastric mucous membrane is classified according to the course and localization of the process. Such a division makes it possible to assess the nature of the changes and determine further treatment tactics.

According to the course, the following are distinguished:

• acute form — occurs suddenly under the influence of irritating factors, in particular dietary errors, alcohol, or certain medications;
• chronic superficial gastritis — develops gradually, may persist for a long time with periods of exacerbation and remission.

According to the localization of the inflammatory process, the following are distinguished:

• antral — lesion of the lower part of the stomach;
• fundal — changes in the area of the body of the stomach;
• diffuse — the inflammation spreads to a significant part of the mucous membrane;
• focal — separate areas of lesion alternating with preserved mucosa.

Additionally, the functional state of the stomach is taken into account, in particular the level of acidity, since this directly affects the manifestations of the disease and the approach to treatment.

In examination conclusions, this form of the disease may also be referred to as non-atrophic gastritis, gastritis without atrophy, or gastritis without signs of atrophy.

Inflammation of the gastric mucous membrane rarely occurs for one reason. In most cases, superficial gastritis is formed under the influence of several factors that gradually weaken the protective properties of the mucous membrane and maintain the inflammatory process.

The most common causes:

• Helicobacter pylori infection — one of the key causes of prolonged inflammation of the gastric mucous membrane;
• irregular eating — long breaks between meals, overeating, or the habit of eating in a hurry;
• dietary mistakes — excessive consumption of fatty, fried, spicy food, as well as overly hot or cold dishes;
• long-term use of medications, in particular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• harmful habits — smoking and regular alcohol consumption;
• chronic stress, which affects the regulation of stomach function;
• concomitant diseases of the digestive system that may maintain inflammation.

Even minor, at first glance, disturbances in diet or lifestyle under regular exposure may lead to persistent irritation of the mucous membrane. That is why effective treatment involves not only elimination of symptoms, but also influence on the causes of the development of the disease.

To confirm the inflammatory process of the gastric mucous membrane, it is not enough to rely only on symptoms. It is important to assess the condition of the mucous membrane, determine the possible cause of the changes, and the functional features of the stomach.

Main diagnostic methods:

• EGDS (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) — a key examination that allows direct examination of the mucous membrane of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, detection of inflammatory changes and, if necessary, biopsy;
• laboratory blood tests — help assess the general condition of the body, detect the inflammatory process, and possible deficiency states;
• tests for Helicobacter pylori — are used to confirm or exclude the infectious factor;
• determination of gastric acidity — makes it possible to assess the secretory function and clarify the features of the course of the disease.

A comprehensive examination allows not only establishing the diagnosis, but also understanding the causes of the development of inflammation. This is important for selecting an individual treatment strategy and preventing the progression of the disease.

The treatment tactics for superficial inflammation of the gastric mucous membrane are determined by the cause of the disease, the level of acidity, and the severity of symptoms. The main task is not only to reduce discomfort, but also to eliminate the factors that support the inflammatory process.

Main directions of therapy:

• elimination of the cause of inflammation — if an infection is detected, eradication of Helicobacter pylori is carried out;
• normalization of acidity — medications are selected depending on its level;
• protection of the mucous membrane — agents are used that reduce irritation and promote restoration of the mucous membrane;
• improvement of digestion — enzyme preparations are prescribed if necessary;
• correction of lifestyle — change of eating habits, daily routine, and reduction of the influence of stress.

Drug therapy is selected individually taking into account the examination results, concomitant diseases, and the features of the course of the process. In some cases, a short course of treatment is sufficient, in others — longer control and maintenance therapy are needed.

Provided timely consultation with a doctor and compliance with the recommendations, inflammatory changes of the mucous membrane are reversible, and the symptoms gradually decrease or disappear completely. Compliance with recommendations regarding diet and regimen is of great importance. Without this, even correctly selected medications do not provide a stable result.

With superficial gastritis, it is important to reduce irritation of the gastric mucous membrane and create conditions for its recovery. For this, not only the diet is adjusted, but also the very approach to nutrition.

Main recommendations:

• eat regularly, without long breaks between meals;
• avoid overeating and large amounts of food at one time;
• give preference to dishes that are easily digested;
• choose gentle cooking methods — boiling, stewing, baking.

In the daily diet it is better to use:

• lean types of meat and fish;
• porridges that do not have a coarse structure;
• thermally processed vegetables;
• first courses without rich broths;
• fermented milk products that are well tolerated;
• simple egg dishes.

It is worth limiting:

• dishes with an excess of fat;
• spicy, smoked, pickled products;
• fast food and heavily processed food;
• drinks that may irritate the mucous membrane (alcohol, strong coffee);
• products after which bloating or discomfort appears.

It is important to focus on your own sensations: even permitted products may cause discomfort. Therefore, nutrition for superficial gastritis is selected individually, taking into account food tolerance.

In the initial stages, superficial inflammation of the gastric mucous membrane usually does not lead to serious disorders. At the same time, in the absence of control and treatment, the inflammatory process may persist and gradually intensify.

Possible complications:

• transition to chronic non-atrophic gastritis with a longer and recurrent course;
• spread of inflammation to a larger area of the mucous membrane;
• intensification of symptoms — more frequent discomfort, nausea, heartburn;
• digestive disturbance, which is manifested by bloating and instability of the work of the gastrointestinal tract;
• formation of deeper changes in the mucous membrane with a longer course of the disease.

Prolonged ignoring of symptoms leads to the fact that even minor manifestations become constant and affect everyday well-being. That is why it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner and adjust lifestyle in order to prevent progression of the disease.

Prevention of inflammatory changes in the gastric mucous membrane involves reducing the influence of factors that irritate it. Most recommendations concern everyday habits and lifestyle, which directly affect the condition of the digestive system.

Main preventive measures:

• regular meals without long breaks and overeating;
• a balanced diet with restriction of fatty, spicy, and heavy food;
• cessation of smoking and limitation of alcohol consumption;
• reduction of stress level and full sleep;
• careful use of medications that may irritate the gastric mucous membrane.

It is important to pay attention even to minor manifestations from the digestive system — discomfort after eating, bloating, or changes in appetite. Timely consultation with a doctor makes it possible to identify the problem at an early stage and avoid its progression.

Regular preventive examinations are especially recommended for people with increased risk. This makes it possible to monitor the condition of the mucous membrane and timely adjust lifestyle or treatment.

The cost of treatment of superficial gastritis depends on the scope of examination and the necessary therapy. You can familiarize yourself with the prices here in advance. The doctor will inform you in more detail about the possibilities, program, and cost during the initial consultation. You can book an appointment at a time convenient for you and receive all the necessary medical services in one place.