Chronic gastritis is inflammation of the gastric mucosa that lasts more than three months and, in many cases, does not cause any symptoms. This happens because chronic gastritis progresses very slowly, which makes it more difficult to identify.
Although, in most cases, chronic gastritis does not present very specific symptoms, some people may report a slight pain in the upper abdomen, especially when they have not eaten for a long time.
Learn more about gastritis with Dr. Antônio Carlos Moraes in the following video:
Symptoms of chronic gastritis
The main symptoms of chronic gastritis are:
- Abdominal discomfort;
- Indigestion;
- Feeling of a swollen belly;
- Recurrent nausea and vomiting;
- Decreased appetite;
- Weight loss.
Chronic gastritis can also lead to the formation of stomach ulcers, which are very painful wounds that cause symptoms such as a feeling of a full stomach, pain and burning in the middle of the abdomen. Find out what the symptoms of gastric ulcers are.
Online symptom test
If you think you may have chronic gastritis, check the symptoms you present and find out your risk:
The symptom test is only a guidance tool and does not serve as a diagnosis or replace consultation with a gastroenterologist or general practitioner.
Possible causes
Chronic gastritis can be caused by several reasons such as:
- Prolonged use of anti-inflammatories, such as acetylsalicylic acid;
- Viral or bacterial infections, especially infection by Helicobacter pylori:
- Chronic stress;
- Excessive alcohol consumption;
- Immune changes that cause inflammation;
- Illnesses such as diabetes or kidney problems;
- Bile reflux;
- Crohn’s disease, which is a chronic inflammation of the digestive system that can cause symptoms such as intestinal irritation and bleeding.
Chronic gastritis is more common in people who suffer from alcoholism, smokers, have chronic illnesses or have a compromised immune system. Additionally, people who frequently consume a high-fat diet are at greater risk of developing chronic gastritis.
How to confirm the diagnosis
Diagnosing chronic gastritis is not always easy, as it is a condition that generally does not cause symptoms. However, in the case of people who report some type of discomfort, the doctor usually starts by ordering a digestive endoscopy, which is an exam through which it is possible to observe the inside of the stomach walls, allowing to see if there is inflammation.
When there is inflammation, the doctor usually evaluates the person’s history to identify whether there is any type of medication or habit that could be causing this change. Furthermore, during the endoscopy examination, it is also common for the doctor to collect some samples to analyze in the laboratory whether there is any infection caused by H. pylori.
Which doctor to consult
The best doctor to consult if you suspect chronic gastritis is a gastroenterologist, who can order all the necessary tests to confirm the diagnosis, starting the most appropriate treatment.
Classification of chronic gastritis
Chronic gastritis can be classified according to the stage of inflammation or according to the part of the stomach that is affected.
According to the phase of inflammation, chronic gastritis can be classified into:
- Mild or superficial chronic gastritisin which only a part of the stomach was affected, generally the outermost part, and represents the initial phase of chronic gastritis;
- Moderate chronic gastritisin which the stomach is already much more compromised, being considered a more advanced phase;
- Gastric atrophywhich occurs when the stomach wall is completely inflamed and presents lesions that can turn into stomach cancer, is the most serious phase of chronic gastritis.
Regarding the part of the stomach that has been affected, chronic gastritis can be:
- Antral chronic gastritisin which the final part of the stomach is affected and generally occurs due to bacterial infection Helycobacter pylori – see how you get it and how to treat the infection H. pylori;
- Chronic gastritis in the body of the stomachin which inflammation is noticed in the central region of the stomach and normally occurs as a result of reactions from the immune system.
Depending on the type of gastritis, the gastroenterologist can determine the best form of treatment.
How the treatment is carried out
The treatment of chronic gastritis is carried out by a gastroenterologist depending on the cause of the gastritis, and the doctor may recommend the use of medication and a diet, and avoiding excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes, for example.
1. Diet
Diet is essential for the treatment of chronic gastritis, especially in times of crisis, and an easy-to-digest, low-fat and as natural diet as possible should be followed.
Food should be cooked on the grill or steamed and seasoned with natural herbs, avoiding the use of pepper, sauces, strong seasonings or industrialized broth cubes. In addition, you should avoid consuming alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, processed juices, yellow cheeses, whole milk, fatty meats, pizzas, frozen foods or fast food.
Dietary changes are essential to alleviate the symptoms of gastritis, and diet can vary for each person, so it is recommended to consult a nutritionist to carry out a complete nutritional assessment and recommend an individualized eating plan.
Watch the video with nutritionist Tatiana Zanin with tips on how to follow a diet for chronic gastritis:
2. Medications
Medications for chronic gastritis recommended by a gastroenterologist help reduce acid production or neutralize acidity in the stomach, preventing gastric juice from causing further irritation to the gastric lining and giving the body the time it needs to heal the wounds and reduce stomach inflammation. .
Generally, the medications used for chronic gastritis are antacids, acid production inhibitors and/or antibiotics, which are indicated by the doctor according to the cause of chronic gastritis on an individual basis. See all the medicine options indicated for the treatment of gastritis.
3. Home remedies
A good option for a home remedy for chronic gastritis is espinheira santa tea, as it has protective properties for the stomach lining, antioxidants and antibacterial properties, helping to alleviate symptoms and eliminate bacteria. H. pylori.
Other home remedy options are chamomile tea or ginger tea, as they have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect, which helps to alleviate the symptoms of chronic gastritis. Check out other home remedies for chronic gastritis and how to prepare them.
Who is most at risk of having gastritis
The risk of developing chronic gastritis is greater in people who have unhealthy habits for stomach health, such as:
- Eat a diet very rich in fat;
- Have a diet with a lot of salt;
- Being a smoker;
- Drinking alcoholic beverages excessively;
- Use medicines daily, especially anti-inflammatories.
Furthermore, having a very stressful lifestyle or having an autoimmune disease can also lead to changes in the functioning of the immune system that end up preventing stomach cells from protecting themselves, being more affected by gastric acid.
