The first signs of gastritis

The first signs of gastritis Diagnosis & Treatment

The first signs of gastritis of the stomach can be an important marker of the disease. The gastrointestinal tract is a very vulnerable part of our body. The fact is that the stomach is often subjected to loads and the digestive sphere may not withstand them and fail. Signs fastritis of the stomach can manifest a wide variety of symptoms, including belching, heartburn, stomach discomfort, pain in the hypochondrium, stool disorders and lack of appetite. If the first signs of gastritis are recognized and treatment is started immediately and immediately, then the consequences for the patient will be minimal. The first signs of gastritis of the stomach – more information gastritinfo.com.

What is gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammation of the mucous layer of the stomach, leading to a violation of the functions of this organ. When gastritis occurs, food begins to be poorly digested, which results in a decline in strength and lack of energy. Gastritis, like most diseases, can be acute and chronic. In addition, there are gastritis with reduced, normal and increased acidity of the stomach.

Currently, gastritis can already be called a disease of the century. Both adults and children suffer from it. And according to health statistics, in Russia about 50% of the population has gastritis in some form.

The first signs of gastritis
Gastritis is an inflammation of the mucous layer of the stomach, leading to a violation of the functions of this organ

Gastritis is characterized by a variety of external and internal causes that provoke the development of pathology. Clinically, it occurs in the form of inflammation (acute or chronic). Acute inflammation occurs for a short time. Damage to the mucous membranes of the stomach by concentrated acids, alkalis and other chemicals is dangerously fatal.

A long-term (chronic) disease reduces the quality of life and manifests itself in the form of pain, as well as:

  • Abdominal heaviness;
  • Heartburn;
  • Burps;
  • Vomiting;
  • Diarrhea and/or constipation;
  • Bloating;
  • Flatulence – gas discharge;
  • Bad breath.

The chronic form is dangerous by atrophy of the gastric mucosa. As a result, the stomach glands cease to function normally. Atypical cells form in place of healthy cells. The imbalance of the process of self–healing of cells of the gastric mucosa is one of the causes of ulcers and cancer of the gastrointestinal tract.

The stomach is the most vulnerable part of the digestive system. At least three complex digestive processes take place in it: this is the mechanical stirring of the food coma, the chemical splitting of food and the absorption of nutrients.

Most often, the inner wall of the stomach is damaged – the mucous membrane, where two mutually exclusive components of digestion are produced – gastric juice and protective mucus.

Digestion in the stomach is a finely tuned biochemical process of the body. This is confirmed normally by the acidic pH environment of gastric juice (its main component is hydrochloric acid), but also by the difference in the acidity parameters in its different parts. High acidity (pH 1.0-1.2) is observed in the initial part of the stomach, and low (pH 5.0-6.0) – at the junction of the stomach with the small intestine.

The paradox is that in a healthy person, the stomach not only does not digest itself, but also the gastric juice produced by the glands in different parts of the organ has different properties. At the same time, the pH environment in the esophagus is neutral, and in the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) is alkaline.

An unpleasant, painful sensation of a person with gastritis – heartburn – is primarily the result of a violation of the acid-base balance in one of the departments of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the deviation of the acid balance from the norm in certain parts of the stomach underlies the pathogenesis of gastritis with low or high acidity.

Rough effects on the digestive process: food or chemical poisoning, bile discharge into the stomach, intestinal infections, regular intake of certain medications, carbonated drinks, alcohol and other factors negatively affect the condition of the gastric mucosa. The serious influence of the microbial factor on the development of gastritis has been proven.

Clinical signs of an inflamed stomach

Gastritis is a disease of the digestive tract, in which the stomach becomes inflamed. This organ is located in the abdominal cavity and performs the function of mixing food and splitting nutrients. Symptoms of gastric gastritis in adults and children depend on the causes of its occurrence, the level of inflammation, the presence of concomitant pathology and the form of the disease.

Helicobacter pylori
With gastritis, an excessive number of special bacteria, Helicobacter pylori, is usually formed in the intestine

The inflammatory process can be caused by the ingress of caustic substances into the organ, food toxicoinfection, errors in nutrition, reflux and alcohol consumption. Acute gastritis can occur as early as 6-12 hours after exposure to aggressive substances. Chronic — proceeds for a long time with periodic exacerbations.

In both cases, the following signs are possible:

  • epigastric pain;
  • stool disorder;
  • heartburn;
  • nausea;
  • vomiting;
  • discomfort after eating;
  • bloating;
  • belching;
  • deterioration of general condition;
  • decreased appetite.

6 signs that you have gastritis, and you don’t even suspect it

Bloating

There are dozens of reasons why the stomach seems to increase in size — and for the most part they are completely safe. But if you feel bloated almost after every meal, or if your body responds in this way to most of the usual dishes, most likely, you should consult a doctor.

Heartburn

With gastritis, an excessive number of special bacteria, Helicobacter pylori, are usually formed in the intestines. Normally, the stomach, producing acid for digesting food, simultaneously produces a special lubricant that protects the walls from damage. Bacteria can disrupt the production of this natural defense, change the activity of enzymes and cause symptoms of heartburn. Therefore, be sure to consult a doctor if you often feel a burning sensation in the esophagus area lately.

You eat fast

If in order to feel full, half or even a third of the usual portion is now enough for you, do not rush to rejoice: this may well be a symptom of the disease. With gastritis, the stomach accumulates gases more easily, which cause a feeling of fullness and satiety.

Vitamin B12 deficiency

This vitamin is necessary to maintain health and normal energy levels. Normally, we get it from meat, eggs and dairy products, but the bacteria Helicobacter pylori can disrupt the body’s ability to isolate this vitamin.

Weight loss

Another symptom that is important to notice in time is a sharp weight loss. It is often caused by the fact that due to discomfort (feeling of heaviness, heartburn, nausea, bloating) people try to eat as little as possible. In addition, a decrease in appetite and rapid satiety also lead to the fact that the weight begins to decrease. Consult a doctor if you have started losing weight without much effort!

Nausea

Nausea is another manifestation of gastritis. This symptom often accompanies an upset stomach, but if you feel nausea often, if it accompanies almost every meal, be sure to consult a doctor!

The first signs of gastritis: what to pay attention to

You will learn about the first symptoms of gastritis, which should force you to see a doctor.

Gastritis is a modern disease, recently almost every third person lives with gastric gastritis. Gastritis has no age, it is diagnosed in middle-aged people, pensioners, young people and children. Gastritis occurs from improper nutrition, rather even from the fact that the stomach cannot cope with the food that we consume daily.

The first signs of gastritis

What are the first symptoms of gastritis:

  1. Discomfort and unpleasant sensations, similar to compression, in the upper abdominal area.
  2. Severe pain that occurs immediately after eating or during hunger.
  3. Frequent heartburn can often indicate that you have gastritis.
  4. Carefully examine your tongue before and after brushing your teeth and the surface of the tongue itself, if there is a white plaque on it, then there is already gastritis.
  5. Regular nausea or vomiting may indicate gastritis.
  6. Increased body temperature, which does not rise above 37.2 degrees.
  7. Belching with a putrid unpleasant smell, as well as not fresh breath even after you have brushed your teeth.
  8. After eating, you may notice that for a very long time it is “hard” for you, this symptom may indicate chronic gastritis.
  9. A decrease in appetite should at least alert you.
  10. Constipation very often appears due to gastritis, because the digestive system is disrupted and metabolism slows down.

All of the above symptoms should help you pay attention to your health, if such symptoms do not go away for several days, then you immediately need the help of a qualified gastroenterologist. You should not self-medicate, because you can start the disease and earn complications in the form of ulcers, the appearance of oncology, the growth of malignant tumors, and so on.

Symptoms of gastritis high acidity

The most common signs of gastritis with increased acidity, except for general symptoms (vomiting, nausea):

  • Prolonged pain in the solar plexus, disappearing after eating;
  • Frequent diarrhea;
  • Heartburn after eating acidic food;
  • Frequent urge to discharge gases from the mouth – belching.

Symptoms of gastritis low acidity

The most common signs of gastritis with low or zero acidity:

  • Constant unpleasant taste in the mouth;
  • Heaviness in the stomach after eating;
  • “Belching with “rotten eggs”;
  • Rumbling;
  • Nausea in the morning;
  • Problems with the regularity of defecation;
  • Disgusting bad breath.

Symptoms of acute gastritis

Relapse of chronic gastritis is characterized by a variety of signs, the most common are the following symptoms:

  • Constant or periodic pain in the solar plexus, which increases immediately after eating, or vice versa, with prolonged fasting;
  • Belching with air, burning in the sternum, heartburn after eating, metallic taste in the mouth;
  • Nausea, morning vomiting with half-digested food with a characteristic sour taste, sometimes vomiting with bile;
  • Increased salivation, thirst, weakness;
  • Manifestations of dyspepsia (constipation, diarrhea);
  • Dizziness, palpitations, headache.

Symptoms of exacerbation of erosive (severe) forms of gastritis are supplemented by vomiting with blood clots, sometimes vomiting with a dark color of vomit. Gastric bleeding during defecation is manifested by black feces. Sometimes gastric bleeding can be determined only by laboratory methods. Massive internal bleeding is manifested by the pallor of the skin and mucous membranes and is easily determined by the color of the sclera of the eyes, dizziness, tinnitus.

Other signs of the gastritis of the stomach

Other signs of the gastritis of the stomach

Symptoms of stomach inflammation are numerous. Additional signs of the disease are:

  • fast saturation;
  • aversion to certain foods;
  • fever;
  • weakness;
  • headache;
  • appearance of white plaque on the tongue;
  • rotten or sour breath;
  • sweating;
  • dry mouth.

Sometimes gastritis of an allergic nature occurs. In this case, along with signs of dyspepsia, rash, itching and swelling of tissues occur. If gastritis is not treated in an acute form in a timely manner, then atrophy of the glands develops.

This causes a decrease in appetite and loss of body weight.

If there is an inflammation of the stomach with atrophy, the following symptoms are possible:

  • drowsiness;
  • decreased performance;
  • brittle nails;
  • lethargy;
  • chest pain;
  • shortness of breath;
  • hair loss;
  • atrophy of the papillae of the tongue.

Not everyone knows how gastritis with reduced acidity manifests itself. If the course of treatment is not prescribed, then anemia may develop. The reason is a violation of the absorption of substances. Sometimes inflammation of the gastric mucosa is manifested by decreased vision and bleeding gums. The reason is the lack of vitamins C and A. With the hemorrhagic form of the disease, due to regular bleeding, weakness, dryness and pallor of the skin are possible.

Acute inflammatory gastritis of the stomach: signs

You need to know not only the causes of the disease and whether gastritis can be cured forever, but also how acute inflammation of the stomach proceeds. Signs and symptoms are determined by the main etiological factor. The most frequent manifestations of acute gastritis are:

  • heaviness in the abdomen;
  • discomfort;
  • loss of appetite;
  • pain;
  • nausea;
  • vomiting food;
  • belching;
  • diarrhea.

With a combined lesion of the stomach and small intestine, dehydration often occurs. It is manifested by weakness, dry skin and headache. In the presence of erosive gastritis, symptoms include melena and vomiting with blood. Often, loose stools are replaced by constipation. Severe bleeding can lead to anemia and impaired consciousness.
You need to know not only the first signs of gastritis, but also how dangerous it is. The most dangerous forms of the disease are accompanied by atrophy and bleeding.

The following consequences of gastritis are possible:

  • inflammation of the pancreas;
  • ulceration;
  • iron deficiency anemia;
  • exhaustion;
  • malignancy;
  • inflammation of the esophageal mucosa;
  • gastric bleeding;
  • dehydration;
  • trophic disorders;
  • inflammation of the esophagus;
  • achilia.

With burns of the mucous membranes, there is a risk of perforation of the organ wall. If acute gastritis is not treated, then it acquires a chronic course. Over time, atrophy occurs, which causes a decrease in acidity up to complete achilia (absence of hydrochloric acid). If the symptoms of gastritis in adults are ignored, then there is a risk of ulceration.

This is a gastric pathology in the form of a deep defect of the mucous membrane. With this pathology, complications in the form of penetration and perforation are possible. Ulcers are often formed in people who do not follow a diet and drink alcohol. The most dangerous consequence of the disease is malignant tissue degeneration. Such people develop cancer or adenocarcinoma.

Diagnosis and treatment of gastritis

The most accurate diagnosis is given by gastroscopy. It allows you to see the condition of the gastric mucosa, find out if there are any defects there, even diagnose an ulcer as a consequence of long-term chronic gastritis. Gastroscopy will help the doctor to see the extent of the spread of the disease. If necessary, you need to take a histology analysis — a small piece of tissue that is wrinkled under a microscope. This allows you to understand how active the inflammation is.

Diagnostics is also carried out on Helicobacter. It can be a breath test: a person comes to the doctor and breathes into a special bag, then drinks urea — a solution that is in our body, it is harmless — and then after half an hour he breathes again. Diagnostics allows the doctor to determine if there is a helicobacter in the stomach or not. Such an analysis is carried out not only for diagnosis, but also for monitoring treatment.

Diagnosis and treatment of gastritis

After consulting with a doctor, performing a gastroscopy and establishing an accurate diagnosis, treatment is prescribed. First of all, of course, it is a diet. A person should follow dietary recommendations for quite a long time. Ideally, always eat the right food for the stomach — not rough and warm. Food should be thoroughly chewed. Spicy food, spices, strong meat broths, carbonated drinks should be excluded. It is important to exclude smoking and alcohol — they lead to the formation of an excessive amount of hydrochloric acid, which worsens the condition of the mucous membrane.

After recommendations on proper nutrition, special medications are prescribed that help reduce the acidity in the stomach. Gastroscopy helps to determine exactly the acidity: gastritis can occur with both increased and normal acidity. Prolonged gastritis leads to a decrease in acidity, which worsens the digestion of food — fermentation processes begin, the intestinal flora is disturbed, as a result, the food is not processed completely as needed.

Drugs that restore the gastric mucosa are prescribed by the course. After its completion, if the rules of nutrition and healthy lifestyle are followed, everything should get better.

Development of gastritis and possible complications

The development of gastritis often depends on the genetics of a person and the nature of his diet. If nutritional disorders are rare, the mucosa, as a rule, has time to recover. If this happens every day, the stomach cells are rebuilt — sometimes they can be so rebuilt that oncology will arise. In general, the reginatory capabilities of the stomach are good, but a person should still help the mucosa to recover.

Often the process of gastritis development depends on the age of the patient. If gastritis began in childhood and was not treated, then atrophic gastritis can already form in 20-30 years — when digestion is disrupted so that it is already difficult to do something. If this is a temporary phenomenon — for example, gastritis was formed as a student, and later a person normalized his diet — then in general it can be corrected.

Common mistakes in the treatment of gastritis

The main mistakes in gastritis are associated with improper nutrition and regular alcohol consumption. This is especially true for beer, which leads to the release of bile — it damages the mucous membrane and creates all the conditions for the helicobacter to multiply.

Mistakes in self-medication are also associated with taking soda. Soda increases the secretion of bile and a vicious circle is obtained. It doesn’t help. If people say that it helped them, it means that the mucosa has simply ceased to be sensitive to acid emissions. When such patients come for gastroscopy, it is clear that their mucosa is thickened — this is its defense mechanism.

Some people believe that the pain will go away on its own, that gastritis is a fairly common disease that everyone copes with. But everyone develops it in their own way: someone may not go to the doctor for several years, and someone will develop an ulcer against the background of mild gastritis, which can end in bleeding and even death.

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