Inflammation of the lining of the stomach (gastritis) is a common, inflammatory, non-contagious disease of the lining of the stomach, which can be acute or chronic. There are different treatment options depending on the cause.
Inflammation of the gastric mucosa is common – it is estimated that more than half of people over 50 in developed countries suffer from chronic gastritis. The most common cause is the Helicobacter pylori bacterium.
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What are the symptoms of gastric mucosal inflammation?
Chronic gastritis often causes no clear symptoms for a long time and therefore often goes unnoticed. In many cases there is only an aversion to certain (difficult to digest) foods or loss of appetite. In the case of acute gastric mucosal inflammation, however, typical symptoms are often to be observed. This includes:
Causes and Risk Factors of Gastritis
A basic distinction is made between acute and chronic gastric mucosal inflammation. The following causes are possible for acute gastritis:
There are three forms of chronic gastric mucosal inflammation, which are typified according to their respective cause:
Type A: Type A gastritis is an autoimmune disease that affects only five percent of all gastric mucosal infections. Since the stomach body (corpus) is affected in most cases, it is also known as corpus gastritis.
Type B: Type B gastritis is also called bacterial gastritis because it is caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. At 85 percent, it is the most common form of gastric mucosal inflammation. In this form, the stomach door (antrum) is usually affected by the inflammation.
Type C: Type C gastritis is caused by chemicals. These can be, for example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or a pathological reflux of the bile juice (bile reflux). High alcohol consumption and heavy smoking also increase the risk of type C gastritis.
In addition to these common forms, there are also rare special types of gastric mucosal inflammation, such as Crohn’s gastritis, which occurs when Crohn’s disease spreads to the stomach.
An inflammation of the gastric mucosa itself is not contagious, but the Helicobacter pylori bacterium can be transmitted through close contact, for example within the family.
Diagnosis: This is how the gastric mucosal inflammation is diagnosed
In the event of complaints, medical advice should be sought in order to make the diagnosis and clarify the cause. This is the only way to initiate the correct treatment. The first step in diagnosing gastritis is always a detailed anamnesis interview. Questions are asked about the complaints, previous illnesses, taking medication, eating habits as well as alcohol and tobacco consumption. During the subsequent physical examination, the abdomen is palpated for tenderness, among other things. An ultrasound examination (sonography) of the abdomen is useful to rule out diseases of other abdominal organs.
An inflammation of the gastric mucosa can be confirmed with a gastroscopy. Tissue samples can be taken directly from the gastric mucosa (biopsy) and then examined. If Helicobacter pylori infection is suspected, a 13C-urea breath test or a stool test will be performed.
Treatment and nutrition for gastric mucosal inflammation
The treatment of gastritis depends on its cause and on whether it is an acute or chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa. The aim of treatment is always to stop the inflammation and allow the stomach lining to regenerate.
Non-drug measures for acute gastritis
In the case of acute gastric mucosal inflammation, non-drug measures aimed at eliminating the trigger of the inflammation are often sufficient. This includes:
Refrain from coffee, nicotine, alcohol and other foods and stimulants that irritate the stomach. These include, for example, highly acidic fruit juices and lemonades, vinegar, salt, excessive sugar and heavy food that is heavy and long in the stomach.
Discontinuation of stomach-damaging drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diclofenac, ibuprofen or acetylsalicylic acid or switching to preparations that are gentler on the stomach.
Diet for inflammation of the gastric mucosa: For one or two days, those affected with gastric mucosal inflammation should completely avoid food or only consume mild broth. You can then start with light foods such as gruel, rusks and chamomile tea. Several small meals spread out over the day are better than three large ones. Once solid food is available, it should be chewed well to make it easier for the stomach to digest the food. Food and drinks should be at a comfortable temperature. That means they shouldn’t be too hot, but neither should they be too cold.
Peace and quiet: Since people with acute gastritis feel bad anyway, bed rest should be kept for a few days. This also reduces the stress level and the stomach can calm down. Warm compresses or hot water bottles, herbal stomach remedies and stomach teas support the healing process.
What drugs for gastric mucosal inflammation?
In the case of persistent gastritis or if the disease has already become chronic, these measures are often not enough to reduce the inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Then additional medication makes sense. These should not be taken on your own, but in consultation with the doctor, so that the gastric mucosal inflammation is treated sensibly and prevents it from becoming chronic.
Antacids: Neutralize stomach acid and are available from pharmacies without a prescription.
H2 blockers: Inhibit the production of stomach acid by about 60 percent. They work better and longer than antacids, but their effectiveness diminishes significantly with regular use.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Acid blockers that reduce stomach acid by around 90 percent and do not decrease in their effectiveness even with regular use. Well-known active ingredients are omeprazole, pantoprazole and esmoeprazole.
Prokinetics: Stimulate stomach movement and are suitable for strong cramps. They accelerate gastric emptying and thus counteract bloating and nausea.
Eradication Therapy: Special therapy for Helicobacter pylori. First, at least two antibiotics are given in combination with a PPI for five to seven days.
Otherwise, the same non-medicinal measures apply to the treatment of chronic gastric mucosal inflammation as to the acute form: light diet, rest, avoidance of coffee, alcohol, nicotine and other stomach-irritating substances and drugs.
The cause of type A gastritis cannot be treated because it is an autoimmune disease. The life-long administration of vitamin B12 is necessary for this.
Prognosis and duration of gastritis
An inflammation of the gastric mucosa heals well in the vast majority of cases. The duration of the illness depends on the severity of the inflammation – and how long it has been delayed. Acute gastritis can, if those affected take it easy on themselves and their stomach, be healed in a few days or last for weeks.
If the inflammation is not treated in time, it can lead to bleeding and the formation of stomach or duodenal ulcers. In the worst case, a gastric perforation can occur.
People with type A gastritis are at a significantly higher risk of developing stomach cancer, which is why regular check-ups are recommended. Helicobacter pylori infection increases the risk of stomach and duodenal ulcers, and people who have it are also at higher risk of stomach cancer. Therefore, in the event of an infection with Helicobater pylori, it is important to consistently carry out the eradication therapy in order to kill Helicobacter pylori and avoid complications and long-term effects. Severe abdominal pain should therefore never be taken lightly, but should always be clarified by a doctor.
Prevent gastric mucosal inflammation
If the cause of gastritis is known, those affected should avoid personal risk factors. Risk factors for gastric mucosal inflammation also include stress, alcohol, and sour or spicy foods.
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