Gastric erosion is one of the common gastrointestinal diseases, many of the symptoms of which are similar to such a serious illness as an ulcer (may be its predecessor). Up to twenty percent of patients, after a study in the form of endoscopy, receive a diagnosis of erosion (of the stomach or duodenum). Despite its prevalence, this disease is also one of the least studied diseases. At the same time, erosion is considered the second cause of bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract after duodenal ulcers.
Gastric erosion is one of the most common diseases
The name of the disease is translated from Latin as “corrosion,” which indicates its nature - gastric erosion actually eats away at the surface of the mucous membrane, creating one or more focal lesions.
They can be single (up to three) or multiple (more than three), being located in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract. The sizes of erosions are usually small (no more than 15 mm), the shape can be varied - from simple to intricate.
If the disease has spread to most of the mucous membrane, it is already called erosive-hemorrhagic gastritis.
Erosion most often forms on the superficial tissue of the stomach, not reaching the muscular tissue. And with proper and timely treatment, healing occurs fairly quickly, and without the formation of scars. The disease occurs most often in adults, but in some cases it can also be diagnosed in children.
What is erosive gastritis?
Before considering the features of the treatment of erosive gastritis, it is worth understanding the questions of what the disease is and what symptoms are accompanied.
The peculiarity of this form of the disease is the appearance of multiple erosions on the gastric mucosa. The disease, by the way, can be both acute and chronic. As for the causes, the disease may be associated with the influence of external (malnutrition, ingestion of toxins, tissue infection by Helicobacter pylori, chemical burns of the mucous membrane) or internal causes (impaired secretion of gastric juice, genetics).
According to statistics, gastric bleeding is much more common with erosive gastritis. This form of the disease is much less treatable than other types of gastritis.
Causes of gastric erosion
There are several causes of gastric erosion, but they all stem from the occurrence of a sharp imbalance between the protection of the mucous membrane and the impact of the external aggressive environment on it.
One of the main causes of erosion is the introduction of Helicobacter pylori into the body.
Another common cause is the use of pills and other medications that have a destructive effect on the protective lining of the stomach. A psychoemotional disorder—severe or prolonged stress—can also serve as a provocateur. The lining of the stomach can be destroyed by spicy, too hot, or rough food (causing burns or mechanical damage), smoking, or prolonged consumption of strong alcohol (it does not directly cause the erosion processes themselves, but provides the prerequisites for damage to the walls of the stomach and is a concomitant factor in the development of the disease) .
Liver cirrhosis is also a provocateur, along with similar diseases that can disrupt the blood supply to internal organs and increase pressure in their vessels.
Many diseases can give rise to the appearance of erosion of the gastric mucosa, among them: diseases of the digestive system (liver failure, pancreatitis in its chronic manifestation), diabetes mellitus, diseases of the respiratory system (provoke oxygen starvation, weakening the immune system and the very protection of the gastrointestinal mucosa), oncology, localized in the large intestine or stomach. Another danger of getting sick is working with harmful/toxic substances. Once in the body, they corrode tissue, creating favorable conditions for a variety of serious conditions, including the occurrence of gastric erosion. Erosion can also be caused by injuries and operations in the gastrointestinal tract.
Junk food can also cause stomach erosion.
Main symptoms of the disease: when should you see a doctor?
Of course, this disease is accompanied by certain symptoms.
- Many patients complain of pain in the upper abdomen. Often the discomfort becomes stronger after eating or in the morning on an empty stomach. With erosive gastritis, pain is usually moderate, but does not respond well to analgesics.
- Dyspeptic symptoms are also observed - patients complain of heaviness in the abdomen, stool disturbances, a feeling of bitterness and dry mouth.
- The most characteristic symptom of erosive gastritis is sour belching, often with an extremely unpleasant and rotten odor.
Of course, if you notice such disorders, it is important to consult a doctor. A specialist can make an accurate diagnosis only after a complete examination.
Symptoms of the disease
The following signs are characteristic of gastric erosion, which appear in almost all patients:
- Loss of appetite;
- Frequent nausea and vomiting;
- Indigestion;
- Heartburn;
- Belching with sour content;
- Heaviness in the epigastric region of the stomach after eating;
- Severe headaches;
- Anemia;
- Stomach bleeding;
- The presence of blood streaks in the stool;
- Gallbladder dysfunction.
Treatment of erosive gastritis with medications: scheme
Under no circumstances should you underestimate this disease and refuse therapy. Of course, the treatment regimen for gastritis (erosive gastritis in particular) is complex and consists of several stages:
- The use of antibacterial agents that inhibit the activity of opportunistic microflora.
- The use of drugs that help normalize acidity in the stomach.
- Drugs that help restore the natural structure and functioning of the mucous membranes of the digestive tract.
- Additional medications to help manage specific symptoms and complications.
If the disease is accompanied by bleeding, then darkening of the stool and pain in the epigastric region are observed. Vomit sometimes also contains blood. With a chronic process, the patient develops anemia.
In addition, the treatment regimen for erosive gastritis necessarily includes proper nutrition. Sometimes the use of traditional medicine is allowed, which helps speed up the healing process.
Medicine De-nol
Recently, a drug such as de-nol has been widely advertised in the media as almost the only effective remedy that can treat all stomach diseases at the same time. Is it so?
De-nol belongs to the group of new generation bactericidal drugs actively used in the treatment of the digestive system. It is included in the standard four-component treatment regimen for peptic ulcer disease, accepted throughout the world. It contains bismuth, an enveloping agent that protects the surface of the damaged area of the gastric mucosa from the aggressive effects of gastric juice.
In addition, de-nol also has an antimicrobial effect against the bacterium Helicobacter pylori - the main culprit of gastroduodenitis, gastritis, erosions and stomach ulcers. Using the product in combination with antibiotics significantly speeds up the healing process. De-nol is well tolerated by patients and, when prescribed correctly, receives only positive reviews.
Currently, the only dosage form of the drug de-nol available for treatment is tablets, which must be taken half an hour before meals with water. It must be remembered that the drug is contraindicated for pregnant women and women during lactation.
De-nol is practically not absorbed into the blood, reducing any side effects to virtually nothing. However, this does not mean that you can take it without consulting a doctor for any stomach pain. Effective treatment can be achieved by following a specific treatment regimen. Therefore, independent use of the drug de-nol, as well as all other pharmaceuticals, without prior consultation with a gastroenterologist is extremely undesirable.
Antibacterial drugs for gastritis
Quite often, this form of the disease develops against the background of the activity of specific bacterial microorganisms, in particular Helicobacter pylori. In such cases, antibacterial therapy is necessary.
As a rule, in modern gastroenterology drugs such as Clarithromycin, Amoxicillin and Ornidazole are used. In addition to antibiotics, some combination agents can be used, in particular, Clatinol, Pilobact Neo and some others.
Are these medications effective for gastritis (erosive gastritis)? Of course, such therapy helps to deactivate bacterial microflora. However, you will also need to take other medications that can restore the functioning of the digestive tract.
Normalization of gastric secretion with medications
Excessive secretion of gastric juice is a disorder that accompanies erosive gastritis. Treatment with drugs includes taking drugs that have antisecretory properties.
H2-histamine receptor blockers are widely used. Patients are often prescribed medications such as Ranitidine and Famotidine. The second group of drugs used for erosive gastritis are proton pump blockers, for example, Omeprazole or Lansoprazole.
Antacid medications for gastritis
The treatment regimen for gastritis (erosive gastritis in particular) includes taking antacids. These drugs neutralize hydrochloric acid secreted by stomach cells, which leads to normalization of pH levels. Medicines also prevent the negative effects of acid on the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum, as they form a kind of protective film on its surface.
The list of the most effective drugs includes Almagel, Rennie, Venter, Maalox. By the way, these same medications quickly eliminate heartburn, which is inevitably associated with any type of gastritis.
Drug treatment of erosive gastritis: list of other medications
What else is used for this disease? Therapy in this case is determined individually:
- This form of the disease is often associated with impaired motility of the digestive tract, especially when it comes to a chronic inflammatory process. The treatment regimen for gastritis (erosive gastritis) necessarily includes taking medications such as Motilium, Metoclopramide, Domperidone and Cerucal. This therapy helps normalize the contractile activity of the smooth muscles of the intestines and stomach.
- Since gastric secretion is blocked by medications during treatment, it becomes difficult for the body to digest food. Therefore, the scheme includes enzyme preparations, in particular, “Festal”, “Creon”, “Panzinorm”, “Mezim”.
- As already mentioned, erosive gastritis is often associated with blood loss. This is why it is necessary to take medications that can stop bleeding. Their list includes “Vikasol”, “Ditsinon”, “Etamzilat”.
- Patients are also recommended treatment with alkaline mineral waters. This therapy is best carried out in specialized sanatoriums.
Proper nutrition
Treatment of erosive gastritis with medications certainly produces results. But in this case, nutrition is extremely important. A proper, gentle diet helps speed up the therapy process.
To begin with, it is worth noting that patients are recommended to eat fractional meals - eat often, but in small portions. Too cold and hot food irritates the inflamed gastric mucosa, so the food should be warm. In the first few weeks of treatment, all products should be crushed to a pasty state. Dishes must be fresh, steamed or boiled.
Of course, there is a list of foods that need to be excluded from the diet. This list includes fresh bread, pastries, buns, and sweets. You should also avoid spicy foods, spices, and fatty foods, including sausages, lard, pork, and some types of fish. It is forbidden to eat pickles, pickled vegetables, canned food, sour fruits and berries. Vegetables can only be consumed boiled.
Diet
The second very important factor when prescribing a treatment regimen is giving up bad life habits and proper nutrition for gastric erosion. You should remember the importance of observing the temperature regime - it is forbidden to consume hot drinks and dishes (hot food can not only injure, but also provoke bleeding), and you should also not eat or drink cold things - only moderately warm ones.
Hot food is contraindicated for patients with gastric erosion
The prescribed diet for gastric erosion is focused on providing the stomach with gentle working conditions. Thus, it is necessary to remove from the diet all foods that irritate and stimulate the stomach, as well as drinks.
If erosion is established, you should not use:
- alcohol
- roast
- spices
- marinades and canned food
- smoked meat products
- rich soups
- all types of soda, fresh juices (especially citrus fruits)
- coffee
Products with excess fiber and those that contribute to the formation of gases are undesirable; citrus fruits are also prohibited.
Instead, the menu for stomach erosion should include products that will help with mucosal regeneration:
- natural homemade jelly
- eggs
- dishes made from oatmeal and semolina
- dairy products (hard low-fat cheeses, low-fat sour cream, butter, milk)
According to the cooking method, preference should be given to steam products, and it is advisable to cook them without adding flavor enhancers (spices, salt, seasonings). Portions should be kept small, but eaten often (up to six times). This type of diet should be followed for at least two months.
And then, after the symptoms of erosion have subsided, in order to prevent relapses, you should still avoid foods and factors that provoke a new development of the disease (such as taking hot medications and irritating the stomach).
Traditional methods of treating gastritis
Of course, there are a huge number of folk remedies that help cope with the symptoms of erosive gastritis:
- Sea buckthorn oil, which has pronounced anti-inflammatory properties, is considered very effective. This product, by the way, promotes the healing of erosions and ulcers. You can prepare the oil yourself (mix equal amounts of fresh sea buckthorn juice and olive oil, leave for three days in a dark and cool place) or purchase a ready-made product. It is recommended to take a teaspoon of this remedy, preferably in the morning, 30 minutes before breakfast. The course of treatment lasts at least two weeks.
- Chamomile also copes well with erosive gastritis (this plant also relieves inflammation). Place five tablespoons of dried plant flowers (sold in pharmacies) in an enamel bowl and pour in 250 ml of milk. The mixture must be brought to a boil. After removing the broth from the heat, cover the container with a lid and leave for an hour. Next, strain the product. You need to take the medicine on an empty stomach, one glass at a time (preferably warm). The course of treatment is 5 days.
- Many doctors recommend drinking a decoction of flax seeds for gastritis. Consuming rice water will also have a positive effect on the condition of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract. Both of these products have astringent properties. They also partially neutralize acid and provide protection to the mucous epithelium.
You should not include the above-described medications in therapy without medical advice. Erosive gastritis is a very serious disease, so during therapy it is important to strictly follow all the recommendations of the treating gastroenterologist.
Reviews from patients, as well as medical statistics, indicate that with the right approach, the disease can really be gotten rid of. However, therapy lasts a long time, sometimes several months, because the body needs time to fully recover. By the way, the diet must be followed even after full recovery - this will reduce the risk of relapse.
Changing habits
Drug treatment alone is not enough for recovery. You still need to change a lot in your usual way of life. Eg:
- increase physical activity, walk more in the fresh air, sit less at the computer or reading books, watching TV;
- eat in small portions, but often - 5-6 times a day;
- change your eating habits by giving up fried, too spicy, hot or cold, and canned foods;
- chew all food very carefully so that pieces of food do not injure the already damaged mucous membrane of the digestive organ;
- learn to look at everything positively, find joy in little things, not pay attention to the negative;
- In spring and autumn, undergo a preventive examination with a doctor.
Such a serious disease as erosive gastritis requires constant monitoring, lifestyle changes and adequate drug treatment. Medicinal herbs will also not hurt. But the use of folk remedies must be strictly agreed with the attending physician.
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