Gastritis is the damage and inflammation of the cells lining the inner surface of the stomach. It is also known as stomach inflammation among the public. Stomach complaints are quite common, and the question of what gastritis is, is frequently asked.
What Can Cause Gastritis?
Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, spicy foods, and some pain relievers/rheumatism medications can cause gastritis.
Types of Gastritis
Gastritis can be defined with different prefixes according to the anatomy of the stomach. For example, gastritis in the entrance area of the stomach is called antral gastritis.
Symptoms of Gastritis
The most common symptoms of gastritis are:
- Heartburn
- Feeling of discomfort in the abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
What is Gastritis? Symptoms and Treatment Methods
Gastritis is the damage and inflammation of the cells lining the inner surface of the stomach. It is also known as stomach inflammation among the public. Stomach complaints are quite common, and the question of what gastritis is, is frequently asked. This condition can be both acute (sudden onset) and chronic (long-term) and can manifest with varying symptoms from person to person.
What Can Cause Gastritis?
Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, spicy foods, and some pain relievers/rheumatism medications can cause gastritis. The bacterium named Helicobacter pylori settling in the stomach is also a common cause. Stress, irregular nutrition, and frequent fasting can also contribute to the development of gastritis.
Types of Gastritis
Gastritis can be defined with different prefixes according to the anatomy of the stomach. For example, gastritis in the entrance area of the stomach is called antral gastritis. Besides this, there are types such as erosive gastritis (surface ulceration) and atrophic gastritis (thinning of the stomach lining). Each type may have symptoms of varying intensity.
Symptoms of Gastritis
The most common symptoms of gastritis are:
- Heartburn
- Feeling of discomfort in the abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Belching
- Bloating
These symptoms can sometimes be confused with other digestive system diseases. Therefore, it is essential to be informed about the symptoms of gastritis.
How to Overcome Gastritis?
The answer to how gastritis passes can vary depending on the underlying cause. Initially, a correct diagnosis needs to be made. Then, it is crucial to quit habits that irritate the stomach and adhere to the treatment plan recommended by the doctor.
Treatment of Gastritis
Gastritis treatment is shaped according to the patient's complaints and the type of gastritis. Medicines that usually reduce stomach acid are used in the treatment. Among them are proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole, pantoprazole), H2 receptor blockers (such as ranitidine), and antacids. If there is a bacterial infection, antibiotic treatment may be necessary.
Medications Used in the Treatment of Gastritis
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPI): They facilitate healing by reducing stomach acid.
- H2 receptor blockers: Reduce acid production.
- Antibiotics: Used to eliminate the Helicobacter pylori infection.
- Antacids: Provide immediate relief by neutralizing stomach acid.
These medications should be used under the supervision of a doctor, paying attention to the dose and duration.
What is Good for Gastritis?
Gastritis is a digestive system disorder that arises from the inflammation of the stomach lining. This condition can cause various symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, indigestion, and heartburn. One of the most effective methods to relieve the symptoms of gastritis and soothe the stomach is to consume foods that will not harm the stomach, are easy to digest, and have calming properties.
For example, bananas with a high fiber content that do not strain the stomach can reduce the burning sensation by covering the stomach wall with its natural antacids. Boiled potatoes, with their fat-free structure, facilitate digestion without straining the stomach and can alleviate discomfort. Yogurt, rich in probiotics, helps balance the digestive system and supports the stomach flora to reduce inflammation. Fiber-rich foods like oatmeal also help balance stomach acid while providing a feeling of fullness for a long time. In addition, consuming warm water can help dilute stomach acid, and a glass of warm water consumed on an empty stomach in the morning can soothe the stomach throughout the day.
One of the most crucial factors exacerbating gastritis symptoms is stress. Therefore, stress management is quite essential. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, breathing exercises can control stress. Regular and sufficient sleep is also crucial for both stomach health and overall body balance.
Foods Gastritis Patients Should Avoid
It is vital for individuals diagnosed with gastritis to steer clear of certain foods, as these can greatly impact stomach health. Especially foods that increase stomach acid, irritate the stomach lining, or are difficult to digest can exacerbate symptoms.
Spicy foods, especially spices like hot pepper and black pepper, can irritate the stomach and increase the sensation of burning. Additionally, acidic foods such as vinegar and pickles can trigger stomach acid and cause irritation. Beverages containing caffeine, especially coffee and black tea, can increase stomach acid and irritate the stomach lining. Alcohol and carbonated drinks can both thin the stomach lining and negatively affect the digestive process. Furthermore, fried and fatty foods make digestion difficult and put pressure on the stomach, increasing the feeling of pain, burning, and bloating. Avoiding such foods and drinks reduces the severity of existing symptoms and supports the treatment process.
Considerations in Gastritis Treatment
For the effective progression of gastritis treatment, medication alone is not sufficient; some lifestyle changes significantly contribute to the process. Firstly, regular and balanced nutrition is one of the cornerstones of gastritis management. Not skipping meals prevents unbalanced secretion of stomach acid, while eating small portions frequently facilitates digestion without tiring the stomach.
Quitting habits like smoking and alcohol is also a crucial step in controlling gastritis. Both substances can damage the stomach lining and increase inflammation. Since some pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can cause irritation of the stomach lining, these drugs should always be taken with the stomach-protecting medication recommended by the doctor.
Being able to manage stress in daily life is crucial in controlling gastritis. Chronic stress can cause irregular secretion of stomach acid, and this situation can lead to stomach lining irritation. Hence, relaxation techniques, physical activities, and psychological support can be effective tools in stress management.
Avoiding excessive caffeine consumption and chocolate is advisable. These foods can increase stomach acid and trigger gastritis symptoms. Attention should also be paid to sleep patterns for a healthy stomach; eating late at night should be avoided, and the last meal should be consumed at least 2-3 hours before sleep whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gastritis?
Gastritis is a common stomach disorder that occurs with the inflammation of the mucosal layer lining the inner surface of the stomach. This inflammation occurs when stomach acid damages the stomach wall, which can gradually lead to sensitivity or ulcer formation in the stomach tissue. Gastritis can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Acute gastritis is generally a condition that develops suddenly and presents with more pronounced symptoms, whereas chronic gastritis develops slowly over the years and may sometimes progress without symptoms. If left untreated, gastritis can pave the way for ulcer formation and, rarely, stomach cancer.
What are the symptoms of gastritis?
Gastritis presents with symptoms that can vary from person to person. Its most common symptom is a discomfort that can be described as heartburn or acid reflux, felt in the lower part of the chest. Additionally, symptoms such as nausea, occasional vomiting, abdominal pain, indigestion, loss of appetite, and stomach bloating can be observed. In some cases, a feeling of fullness in the stomach or pressure after eating are common complaints. In chronic gastritis, symptoms may be more subtle, and the person may not notice this condition for years. In advanced cases, serious symptoms such as dark stools or vomiting blood may also occur.
What causes gastritis?
Gastritis can develop due to various reasons. One of the most common causes is the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. This bacteria settle in the stomach, weakening the mucosa and allowing stomach acid to cause damage. Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, long-term stress, irregular eating habits, and the excessive use of pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs can also cause gastritis. Additionally, some autoimmune diseases and bile reflux, which are rarer conditions, can also play a role in the development of gastritis. All these factors irritate the stomach wall and initiate the inflammation process.
How does gastritis go away?
The healing of gastritis primarily depends on eliminating the underlying cause. If the discomfort is caused by a bacterium, antibiotic treatment targeting this bacteria is applied. Besides, medications that reduce stomach acid help protect the stomach surface and start the healing process. Some lifestyle changes greatly contribute to the treatment. Especially staying away from alcohol and smoking, eating regularly and balanced, and living a stress-free life accelerate the healing of gastritis. It is essential to prefer foods that do not strain or are non-acidic to the stomach. If the disease is not treated, it may gradually progress, leading to more serious stomach problems.
What medications are used in the treatment of gastritis?
The medications used in the treatment of gastritis may vary depending on the cause and severity of the disease. One of the most commonly preferred groups of medications is proton pump inhibitors. These drugs help protect the inner surface of the stomach by suppressing the production of stomach acid. Besides this, H2 receptor blockers that reduce stomach acid and antacids that neutralize stomach acid are also widely used. If gastritis is caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, antibiotic treatment is also applied. This treatment is usually a protocol known as "triple therapy," which involves the combined use of several drugs. Medication treatment generally lasts a few weeks and should be applied regularly under a doctor's supervision.
What should not be eaten with gastritis?
Individuals with gastritis need to pay special attention to their dietary routine. It is essential to avoid foods that can irritate the stomach, are acidic or fatty. Especially spicy foods, fried foods, pickles, chocolate, caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, cola), carbonated drinks, and alcohol can increase stomach acid and exacerbate symptoms. Extremely hot or cold foods can also irritate the stomach lining. Meals should be low-fat, boiled, or steamed for better stomach health. Acidic fruits and certain foods like tomatoes may also upset the stomach in some individuals; hence it is recommended to identify and avoid foods that are individually intolerable.
What is good for gastritis?
In the treatment of gastritis, dietary and lifestyle changes are of great importance. Consuming light and easily digestible foods helps soothe the stomach. Especially boiled vegetables, bananas, rice porridge, yogurt, and oatmeal are preferred as stomach-friendly foods. Stress management also has positive effects on gastritis; relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation can provide psychological relief. Maintaining a regular sleep pattern, avoiding heavy exercise, and eating regular meals also support the healing process. Eating meals slowly and chewing well helps reduce the load on the stomach, easing complaints.