The stomach is known as the "second brain" of the human body, and its health directly affects our quality of life. However, there is a common stomach disease - gastritis, which often quietly invades our lives.
What's going on with gastritis?
Gastritis is a condition in which inflammation of the stomach lining occurs, which can come to the door silently or can be accompanied by significant discomfort. It comes in two types:
1. Acute gastritis: This is a fast-onset inflammation of the stomach, usually caused by certain drugs, alcohol, accidental ingestion, or excessive intake of certain foods.
2. Chronic gastritis: This type of inflammation develops more slowly and may last for months or even years, often associated with H. Associated with pylori (Helicobacter pylori) infection, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and autoimmune disease.
What are the symptoms of gastritis?
1. Stomach pain: Severe or dull pain that may occur in the middle and upper part of the stomach.
2. Indigestion: often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, stomach bloating, hiccups and other symptoms, loss or loss of appetite.
3. Epigastric discomfort: often manifested as a burning sensation, a feeling of soreness or a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.
4. Hematemesis or melena: Severe gastritis can lead to gastric ulcers, causing hematemesis or melena, and medical attention is needed immediately.
5. Weight loss: It can lead to weight loss due to indigestion and loss of appetite.
6. Irregular bowel movements: Gastritis can cause diarrhea or constipation.
The above symptoms are not only gastritis, but may also be associated with other gastrointestinal diseases. If you have similar symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
What are the causes of gastritis
1. Infection: The most common is Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). pylori), which causes inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
2. Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): such as aspirin, ibuprofen, etc., long-term or high-dose use of these drugs may irritate the gastric mucosa and cause inflammation.
3. Alcoholism: Long-term heavy drinking can damage the gastric mucosa and lead to gastritis.
4. Poor eating habits: The intake of high-fat, high-spicy, high-caffeine, and overheated foods may irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to gastritis.
5. Autoimmune reaction: In some cases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach mucosa, leading to gastritis.
6. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy to the chest or abdomen may cause damage to the gastric mucosa and lead to gastritis.
7. Mental stress: Long-term stress may increase gastric acid secretion, which in turn can lead to gastritis.
Everyone's constitution and lifestyle habits are different, and the cause of gastritis may also be different. If you suspect you have gastritis, consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment of gastritis
1. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Pylori) infection: If H. pylori infection is detected, antibiotic treatment is usually given to eradicate the bacteria. This may involve the use of multiple antibiotics as well as proton pump inhibitors or other medications.
2. Avoid irritating foods and medications: Avoid spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can reduce inflammation and discomfort.
3. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These drugs can reduce gastric acid secretion and promote the healing of the gastric mucosa. They are commonly used to reduce stomach pain and indigestion symptoms.
4. Antacids: Antacids such as H2 receptor antagonists can reduce gastric acid secretion.
5. Anti-inflammatory medications: Sometimes doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, such as sodium valproate, to relieve inflammation caused by gastritis.
6. Protects the gastric mucosa: Your doctor may recommend gastric mucus protectors or gastric mucosal protectors to help reduce inflammation and promote gastric mucosal repair.
7. In addition to medication, the following measures can be taken as an adjunct to treatment:
8. Dietary modifications: Avoid irritating foods, choose an easy-to-digest diet, increase your intake of vegetables and fruits, and avoid being too full or hungry.
9. Reduce stress: Learning to cope with stress and relax can help reduce gastritis symptoms.
These are general recommendations only and do not apply to everyone. If you suspect you have gastritis, consult your doctor for professional diagnosis and treatment advice.
How to prevent gastritis?
1. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating and after handling food. Avoid contact with potentially contaminated food and water sources.
2. Avoid infection with H. pylori (H. pylori). pylori): avoid cases with those who have been infected with H. People in Pylori share utensils, cups, etc., and pay attention to personal hygiene.
3. Rational use of drugs: Avoid the abuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and alcohol, especially long-term or heavy use.
4. Pay attention to your eating habits: Avoid excessive consumption of spicy, greasy, acidic, and irritating foods, such as chili peppers, caffeine, sour juices, etc. Maintain a balanced diet and increase your intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
5. Avoid overeating and eating irregularly: Avoid overeating, overeating, or being overly hungry and maintain a regular eating schedule.
6. Reduce stress: Learn to cope with stress and avoid the effects of long-term tension, anxiety, and bad moods.
7. Pay attention to personal hygiene: Avoid close contact with people with gastrointestinal disorders, especially during the onset of their symptoms. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels and toothbrushes.
8. Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of gastritis, so quitting smoking is important to prevent gastritis.
These are general recommendations, and specific precautions should be tailored to the individual's situation and the doctor's guidance.
While focusing on the treatment of gastritis, we should also pay attention to its possible complications. In addition to gastritis, some patients may also have serious conditions such as gastric ulcers and gastric bleeding. Therefore, in the process of treating gastritis, we should pay close attention to the changes in the condition, and once abnormal symptoms appear, we should seek medical attention in time.
Gastritis is a common stomach disease, but it is not invincible. As long as we master the right prevention and treatment methods, we can remain calm and confident in the face of gastritis.