Gastritis is nothing more than the inflammation of the stomach lining, also known as the gastric mucosa, which is the layer that lines the inner layers (submucosa, muscularis, and serosa) of the stomach, and which, in turn, is covered by another layer that protects it from irritating substances such as stomach acid and pepsin.
There are different types of gastritis as well as many possible causes for each of them. However, in general, gastritis can be classified as either acute or chronic. In addition, it can be subdivided into erosive, non-erosive, hemorrhagic, and viral, among others.
Next, we will talk about the most common types of gastritis and their causes, to help you understand the differences between each of them.
Acute gastritis is one of the most common types of gastritis and is characterized by a superficial or deep inflammation of the stomach lining that occurs quickly and unexpectedly. The inflammation can be mild, moderate, or severe, although it usually occurs more regularly in deep form accompanied by hemorrhages.
It is important to note that the term “acute” does not refer to the severity of gastritis but, rather, indicates the time of evolution. Therefore, in acute gastritis, the time of evolution is well-defined and the specific onset of the condition is known. In most cases, acute gastritis is a transient episode.
However, if this type of gastritis is not properly treated or if those who suffer from it do not receive the appropriate treatment, it can become chronic gastritis with the passage of time.
The causes of acute gastritis are multiple but it is important to know them all as much as possible, as the correct treatment can depend a lot on the underlying cause (regardless of whether it is acute or chronic gastritis).
This type of gastritis is characterized by the progressive inflammation of the stomach lining over time. The main difference between chronic and acute gastritis is its time of onset, as acute gastritis suddenly arises but its symptoms usually disappear as the condition improves.
The term “chronic,” on the other hand, refers to the fact that it is a problem that is deeply rooted or that has long been in existence. However, “chronic” does not mean that it is incurable.
Unlike with acute gastritis, many people who suffer from chronic gastritis do not experience any symptoms or discomfort during the first months of the disease, and may even become completely asymptomatic. Most often, this is seen in cases of mild or inactive superficial chronic gastritis.
Still, no matter what type of gastritis it is, it should be treated to avoid future complications such as gastric ulcers or other more serious complications.
The causes of chronic gastritis are almost always the same as those that cause the appearance of acute gastritis, with the only difference being that we are faced with causes that last longer.
This is a condition in which, due to superficial erosions of the stomach lining, the stomach begins to bleed. The most frequent cause of this type of gastritis is the consumption of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and alcohol.
This type of gastritis is mainly characterized by atrophy or the gradual loss of gastric cells. There are two types of chronic atrophic gastritis, which are autoimmune gastritis and multifocal gastritis.
In autoimmune gastritis, the immune system (antibodies) attacks stomach cells, especially parietal cells, which, apart from producing stomach acid, also produce intrinsic factor.
On the other hand, chronic multifocal atrophic gastritis is a type of gastritis that is commonly observed in the antrum and body of the stomach. It is caused mainly by the infection of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori.
This type of acute gastritis is a fairly rare but potentially dangerous form, characterized by suppurative inflammation and damage to the stomach wall.
This is a type of chronic gastritis that usually affects the antral area of the stomach and is characterized by the presence of lymphocytes that form nodules and complete follicles.
This is a type of gastritis that consists of chronic inflammation of the stomach lining but of a granulomatous type.
This is another rare type of gastritis that affects predominantly the stomach and small intestine.
Inflammation of the stomach lining can cause stomach pain, which is sometimes perceived as discomfort in the upper abdomen. This pain or discomfort can appear at any time of the day but it usually appears after eating.
It is common for most people with gastritis to feel heartburn or acid reflux. That burning sensation can be very annoying and can occur at any time of the day.
People who suffer from gastritis often feel the sensation of vomiting, especially in the first months of illness and when they have flare-ups. That feeling of wanting to vomit is nothing more than nausea, which can even cause vomiting in those who experience it. In most cases, nausea is the result of stomach irritation.
It is possible that due to the severe inflammation or irritation in the stomach, you want to expel all the content of your stomach outward. This is usually common if you suffer from severe gastritis. Vomiting is a natural reflex that often occurs as a form of protection.
It is common to have a loss of appetite when some of the symptoms mentioned above are present. The body can react in this way when the stomach is very irritated and inflamed.
This symptom can have different causes, including adrenal fatigue and inflammation or irritation in the stomach. When it is caused by adrenal fatigue, constant stress (physical or emotional) depletes the reserves of cortisol of the adrenal glands, which makes you feel extreme tiredness, exhaustion, or weakness.
This is a common symptom that occurs during, immediately after, or hours after eating. Indigestion can get worse when you are under a situation of constant stress.
Many people who suffer from gastritis experience symptoms like abdominal swelling, which often causes cramps or pain in the intestine. This symptom can be caused mainly by poorly digested foods that pass into the intestine.
Most of the time, diarrhea is due to poor absorption of fats, though it can also be caused by food intolerances (for example, lactose), poorly digested food that passes into the intestine, and an imbalance in the gut flora.
Indigestion of food often causes belching and gas in the intestines. Both symptoms usually appear hours after eating.
It is common that, due to poor digestion of food, feces have a loose consistency and a yellowish color. If you are suffering from hemorrhagic gastritis, it is also possible that the stool becomes dark due to internal bleeding.
This is another symptom that occurs frequently and is most often due to severe stomach irritation and inflammation. This symptom can be very annoying and can make everyday tasks more difficult.
Some people who suffer from gastritis may feel that they are short of breath or cannot breathe properly. This symptom is often due to the acid that rises into the esophagus and that irritates the airways and larynx, causing respiratory problems.
This is a rare symptom that is usually experienced in the form of a small “stabbing” in the chest. It may be related to acid reflux.
Another very common symptom of gastritis is weight loss, which is most often due to a deficiency of stomach acid or digestive enzymes, the poor absorption of food, or not eating the number of calories that your body needs to maintain its weight.
Most cases of acute gastritis do not last longer than a few weeks after the patient receives the appropriate treatment from his doctor. However, this does not happen in most cases of chronic gastritis.
The problem is that once gastritis appears and becomes chronic, it can be difficult to cure if the possible factors that may be slowing the healing process or making stomach recovery almost impossible are not treated.
Let’s talk about how to cure gastritis permanently by getting accustomed to a systematic and correct lifestyle
Skipping meals may be the main reason of your gastritis problem. When you spend many hours without eating, your stomach acid and pepsin can wear down the mucus layer and irritate the stomach lining more easily.
This happens because when food is in the stomach, it helps absorb irritating substances such as stomach acid and pepsin. When the stomach is empty, its lining is exposed to the corrosive and irritating action of these substances.
Salt is a compound that is widely used in world cuisine because of its ability to enhance the flavors of food. However, when it is consumed in excess, it can irritate the stomach lining and cause more inflammation. In a study conducted with people infected with Helicobacter pylori, it was observed that this bacteria is much more aggressive in those who consume a lot of salt in their diets.
Very common bad habit is combining foods improperly—specifically high-protein foods with many carbohydrates or starches. Protein-rich foods require an acidic environment to be broken down, while carbohydrates require an alkaline or neutral environment. Therefore, when protein-rich foods and carbohydrates are eaten together, digestion becomes more complicated, as the enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates is inactivated in a very acidic environment.
This, in turn, causes carbohydrates to remain much longer in the stomach, thus increasing the likelihood of the stomach lining becoming irritated and of the appearance of symptoms of acid reflux and indigestion.
Instead of eating three large meals a day, it’s better to divide them into about five smaller meals that you eat every two or three hours. But it doesn’t mean eat over than you need. Overeating is not good, because when overeat it’s much more complicated to carry out digestion, as the food stays longer inside your stomach, whose expansion causes more stomach acid to be released.
Water is very important for many functions in our body. Drinking plenty of water is a good habit in every way. Women should have 2.7 liters a day and Men should have 3.7 liters of water a day.
Drinking too much water while you are having meals is not good. So, if you do this, please try stop it.
Ginger is good for upset stomach and digestion process. It has also been proven to be effective in vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. But excessive consumption of ginger can also cause heartburn, gas and stomach upset.
4 grams of ginger enough for a person a day. So, know the limitation and get the benefit from it.
Aloe vera is a plant that has been used for centuries due to its innumerable benefits and medicinal properties. But not every aloe vera product is recommended for those who suffer from gastritis. For example, aloe vera juice should be as pure as possible, preferably with a purity close to 99%, and should not contain acidulants such as citric acid, Vitamin C, or lemon.
Among the acidic foods we can mention are citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit etc. And acidic fruits such as pineapples, passion fruit, tamarinds, pomegranates, plums, kiwis, green apples, cherries, grapes, and berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, etc.).
Among the acidic vegetables we have tomato, tomatillo, and pickles. Most of these foods have a pH of less than 4, which makes them acidic enough to activate pepsin and cause stomach problems.
Some condiments and spices, such as black and white pepper, chili peppers, curry, salt, garlic, and onions, are usually not as acidic as the foods mentioned above but they can irritate the stomach lining when the mucosal barrier that protects it from gastric juices and irritating substances is compromised.
However, while such spices and condiments may worsen the symptoms of gastritis, these items by themselves (except for some) do not cause gastritis in a person with a healthy stomach.
The nicotine in cigarettes increases gastric acid secretion, which, in turn, can cause more irritation and inflammation in your stomach. In addition, smoking restricts the small blood vessels in the stomach, which causes a reduction in blood flow in the area and slows the healing process.
Coffee is an acidic beverage that irritates the stomach lining, both directly and indirectly. Caffeine, which is a stimulating substance found naturally in coffee beans, cocoa, yerba mate, and green and black tea leaves, stimulates acid secretion through the activation of certain bitter taste receptors located in the stomach and oral cavity.
On the other hand, the acidity of coffee contributes to the activation of the proteolytic enzyme pepsin, which, together with stomach acid, can cause much more irritation in the stomach, especially if it is empty.
When you suffer from gastritis, stress is not the only thing that can prevent or make the recovery of your stomach more difficult. Anxiety can also prevent and slow down the healing process and also the digestion process.
Therefore, it is extremely important that you pay close attention to this step and not take it lightly. In most cases, stress and anxiety are the main reasons why people who suffer from gastritis never heal completely.
Source: ‘The Gastritis Healing Book’ by L. G. Capellan.
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