Is it possible to cure chronic gastritis forever?

• August 15, 2018
• Gastroenterology
• Nadezhda Devlyashova

Gastritis is a fairly common stomach disease that appears as a result of various provoking factors. The disease can be acute or chronic. In acute gastritis, the mucous membrane of the organ becomes inflamed, due to chemical, bacterial or thermal influences. In this case, only the superficial layer of the epithelium is injured. In chronic gastritis, the inflammatory reaction is recurrent. How to cure chronic gastritis? This is a question many patients ask. Let us consider in more detail what advice doctors give on this matter.

Causes of gastritis

If gastritis is diagnosed in an acute form, then it proceeds rapidly, the symptoms are pronounced, and it can be distinguished by the main features:

• Feeling of dry mouth.
• Nausea progressing to vomiting.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Weakness.
• Pain in the epigastric region.
• Possible increase in body temperature.

A correctly collected medical history allows you to determine the causes of the disease and makes it possible to cure the acute form of the disease. Acute gastritis can occur for the following reasons: food allergies, bacteria, overdose of medications, aggressive liquids.

Chronic gastritis is formed as a result of exposure to internal and external factors. External ones include:

• Infection with the bacterium Helicobacter.
• Prolonged stress.
• Poor nutrition.
• Bad habits.
• Uncontrolled use of medications.

The internal factors include:

• Heredity.
• Metabolic disorders.
• Protracted infectious diseases.

Your doctor will explain how to cure chronic gastritis at your appointment. Modern methods make it possible to get rid of this disease.

There are additional factors that can contribute to the occurrence of gastritis. These include:

• Infection with worms.
• Oversaturation with poorly digestible and heavy food.
• Neuroses, depression.
• Avitaminosis.
• Hormonal imbalances, dysfunctions.
• Chemicals.
• Poisoning.
• Radiation.
• Harmful production factors.
• Surgical intervention.

Symptoms

This disease is ambiguous, has many subtypes, and is characterized by different symptoms. Whether chronic gastritis can be cured forever depends on the stage and advanced stage of the disease. The inflammatory process occurring in the walls of the stomach can affect the immune system, cause emotional instability, and negatively affect the patient’s well-being.

It often happens that the disease is asymptomatic and a person does not think about whether chronic gastritis can be cured and by what methods. But as soon as the inflammation enters a new stage, a number of symptoms cause discomfort, ranging from nagging pain to heartburn and nausea. The earliest symptoms of the disease include:

• unpleasant pain in the epigastrium;
• pain in the stomach;
• there is an unpleasant taste in the mouth;
• hunger pain;
• bloating;
• weakness.

In the later stages of the disease, the following symptoms appear:

• constant nausea;
• loose stools;
• flatulence;
• severe pain;
• feeling of overcrowding;
• vomit;
• arrhythmia;
• lack of appetite;
• irritability;
• excessive sweating;
• pallor.

Symptoms of chronic gastritis

Often people suffering from gastritis may not even realize it. The intensity of symptomatic manifestations depends on the degree and extent of damage to the gastric mucosa, so in many patients this disease occurs with only a few symptoms. The clinical picture of the disease during this period of development of the pathology may manifest itself:

• feeling of heaviness;
• aching pain after eating food;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• flatulence;
• heartburn.

From time to time, an unpleasant taste in the mouth and a white coating on the tongue may appear. Subsequently, a worsening of symptoms is observed. Appetite disturbance increases. As the tissues of the mucous membrane atrophy, a decrease in the acidity of the juices is observed. Due to the progression of gastritis, additional symptoms may occur:

• diarrhea;
• weight loss;
• increased pain;
• constipation;
• burning sensation in the throat.

Due to disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, the human body does not receive the required amount of vitamins and minerals. Additional signs of chronic gastritis appear. Attacks of weakness and tachycardia may occur.

In severe cases, patients complain of dizziness and tinnitus. The person becomes irritable. Working capacity decreases. There may be cases of loss of consciousness. Among other things, gastritis can provoke neurological disorders, expressed by increased mental lability, numbness of the limbs and darkening of the eyes.

How to cure chronic gastritis forever

With gastritis, patients' quality of life deteriorates significantly. This leads to irritability and depression. The opportunity to enjoy different dishes and lead a free lifestyle disappears. Having such a diagnosis, patients are interested in how to cure chronic gastritis forever. When answering this question, experts pay special attention to the patient’s age and the presence of other diseases. Doctors say that children cope with the disease faster. With age, the body wears out and its performance decreases significantly. Doctors say that chronic gastritis can be cured forever if you follow all the instructions and completely reconsider your lifestyle. The patient will be required to: undergo drug therapy, follow a diet, and engage in physical therapy.

The first step on the path to recovery is maintaining proper nutrition. According to doctors, without following a diet, no medication will bring the desired result. These two directions in treatment should be carried out in parallel. When prescribing a diet, the doctor must take into account the form of the disease and the acidity of the stomach. If the patient has intense abdominal pain, vomiting, or general weakness, then the doctor may prescribe a starvation diet, after some time it will be replaced by strict diet therapy.

Before recovery, many foods that irritate the organ are completely eliminated from the diet. Despite the strictness of the diet, the patient must fully receive all the nutrients the body needs for normal functioning. Dishes should be prepared in such a way that they acquire a soft, gentle consistency. Only in this form can food be consumed. You can include foods containing fiber.

Shilajit for gastritis

To treat diseases of the digestive system, you will need natural fresh mummy. This product, presented in tablets, is less effective. This substance contains many biologically active substances. For gastritis, mumiyo softens inflammation and has a good effect on the walls of the stomach. When treating, it must be combined with other means to speed up recovery.

Mumiyo should be filled with chilled boiled water. Drink the resulting solution every day before lunch. The course of treatment lasts 10 days, then a break of 2-3 days is taken. In case of high acidity, the solution is prepared in milk and taken in the same way.

Diet

Is it possible to cure chronic gastritis by following a diet and using the right drug therapy? According to doctors, this is quite possible, it all depends on the degree of the disease and the correct behavior of the patient.

A necessary condition is diet. It allows you to normalize the condition already in the first days of treatment. The following foods should be excluded from the diet:

• spicy dishes;
• sauces;
• smoked meats;
• canned food;
• alcohol;
• spices;
• cheeses;
• sausages;
• coffee;
• baked goods;
• sour juices, vegetables.

It is best to give preference to neutral cuisine. On the advice of doctors, you can eat mucous, liquid soups, baked or steamed vegetables, and boiled lean meat.

Any type of gastritis requires dietary nutrition. Particular attention is paid to atrophic gastritis. Here, catering is more complicated. Nutritionist Pevzner has developed four diets that are used depending on the therapeutic objectives.

How is it treated?

It is possible to cure gastritis completely only after establishing the exact root cause of the disease and properly formulated treatment. The speed of recovery is influenced by the patient’s age, the course of the disease and aggravating factors (comorbidities). Many causes can go away on their own, for example, after stopping taking toxic drugs or drinking too much alcohol. Gastritis needs to be treated comprehensively, then the result will not take long to arrive.

Medical nutrition

It is impossible to cure gastritis without adjusting your diet. The diet should include sufficient amounts of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. For better digestion, you should take food in small portions, and during an exacerbation, give preference to dishes with a puree-like consistency. Depending on the patient’s acidity level, the gastroenterologist will prescribe the appropriate diet:

• with high acidity - table No. 1;
• when low - table No. 2;
• rehabilitation menu - table No. 5 or a strict diet.

Compliance with dietary nutrition lasts until complete recovery; baked goods, fatty meat products, excess salt and sugar should be excluded from the diet. Enveloping foods are allowed, for example, kefir, low-fat cottage cheese, and raw fiber (vegetables and fruits) is also useful.

Drug therapy

Treatment of gastritis is carried out under the guidance of a gastroenterologist; medications are prescribed based on the patient’s symptoms.

Using folk remedies

Folk remedies can be effective for treating gastritis, but it is worth remembering that medicinal herbs perform an auxiliary function, not a primary one.

Flax seeds have long been used as a pain reliever. For cooking you will need 1 tbsp. spoon of seeds, which needs to be poured with boiling water and left for 15-20 minutes. Take 2 times a day before meals. In terms of healing properties, cabbage juice is not inferior to flaxseeds, which can even treat ulcers and severe inflammatory processes. To forget about spasms and bloating, you should pay attention to the herb yarrow. Simply pour boiling water over the healing plant and let it brew, take it 2-3 times a day for a month.

A herbal mixture for gastritis is suitable for daily use. It contains: chamomile, elderberry, fennel, linden inflorescences, lemon balm and mint. To prepare, you need to take all the ingredients in equal quantities, 1 tbsp. spoon, then pour a glass of boiling water and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Let cool, then leave to steep overnight. Drink the decoction 3 times a day before meals until recovery. Contraindication is individual intolerance to the components.

Modern diagnostic and treatment technologies

If there are atrophic changes, then diagnosis is difficult due to the focal nature of the process. More accurate data is obtained using biopsy material at the time of chromoendoscopy. To obtain more reliable results, doctors developed and introduced a serological diagnostic method into practice. Patients interested in whether chronic gastritis can be cured forever should first of all undergo an examination and establish an accurate diagnosis. Serological diagnosis makes it possible to use a non-invasive screening diagnostic method. To obtain a more accurate histological characterization, patients are recommended to undergo endoscopy in the future.

Modern treatment tactics are primarily based on the clinical manifestations of the morphological and etiopathogenetic form of the disease, diagnostic results, and the prevalence of Helicobacter.

At the first stage, therapy is reduced to getting rid of the presence of Helicobacter pylori. If it is necessary to treat chronic gastritis with high acidity, proton pump inhibitors are used in combination, which reduce the release of hydrochloric acid.

During the course of treatment, both morphological and endoscopic monitoring should be mandatory. This allows you to control the therapy and make the right adjustments.

Herbs for gastritis

Plantain for gastritis

Plantain is an unpretentious plant that grows everywhere. It is often applied to open wounds to stop bleeding. Today, plantain is used both in its pure form and as components for many medications. To relieve pain from gastritis, it should be used carefully. Plantain will not be beneficial if the disease is accompanied by increased acidity and the secretion of gastric juice in large quantities.

In all other cases, an infusion from this plant helps well against gastritis. Dry crushed leaves are brewed with boiling water. After a couple of hours, the water should be drained and drunk within an hour. This treatment should be repeated daily for 1-2 weeks.

Chamomile for gastritis

Chamomile is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Tea made from it helps improve sleep, relieve tension, and helps restore normal functioning of the digestive tract. Therefore, a chamomile drink can also be used for gastritis. It should be taken daily before each meal. To enhance the taste and aroma, honey, milk or cream are added to it.

Chamomile is an effective remedy for gastritis with high acidity. Leave a strong infusion of a tablespoon of well-dried flowers overnight. Drink half a glass 2 times a day. Chamomile is also included in many herbal preparations, for example, along with St. John's wort, mint and yarrow.

Celandine for gastritis

This plant has long been used to treat various diseases. Thus, celandine juice can cauterize inflammation on the skin and prepare tinctures against gastritis based on it. It should be noted that the grass is poisonous. Treatment should begin with a small dose, gradually increasing it.

There are several options for preparing medicines against gastritis with this plant. Celandine is mixed with honey and taken before meals for a week in the first 2 days, a teaspoon, and then a tablespoon. The tincture of alcohol and juice should be kept in a dark place for 24 hours. Then store in a dark container and take a tablespoon every day.

Calendula for gastritis

The inflorescence of this plant contains various acids such as ascorbic, salicylic and malic, saponins, calcium, and phytoncides. Calendula has the following effects:

• sedative;
• bactericidal;
• antitoxic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• diuretic;
• antispasmodic.

It makes an effective remedy for erosive gastritis. It will require several teaspoons of flowers. They are brewed with boiling water. The resulting infusion is drunk throughout the day. When calendula is combined with yarrow and chamomile, the treatment effect is enhanced. Leave the calendula tincture in 70% alcohol for several weeks, and then drink 25-30 drops several times a day.

St. John's wort for gastritis

St. John's wort is a fragrant plant with yellow flowers. It is toxic, but not dangerous to people. St. John's wort can only cause severe poisoning in animals. However, it should not be used to treat gastritis for a long period of time. Some patients with hypertension are advised to avoid using this herb as it increases blood pressure.

The easiest way is to make a decoction of St. John's wort. Pour a tablespoon of raw material into 200 ml of water and boil for 10 minutes. When the broth has stood for a while and cooled down, you can take the product orally, 1/3 cup 3 times a day for 30 minutes. before meals. The decoction can be stored in a cool place for no more than 2 days.

All products based on this plant should not be strong. At high concentrations, St. John's wort contributes to the exacerbation of gastritis.

Nettle for gastritis

Common stinging nettle, which many summer residents destroy as a weed, can be a useful component for preparing medicines for gastritis. It contains flavonoids, tannins and formic acid. Nettle helps get rid of toxins and has a general strengthening effect on the human body.

Collection with nettle helps against gastritis. In addition to this plant, you will need knotweed, mint and St. John's wort. Brew a few spoons of the herbal mixture with boiling water, and then leave for a while, tightly covering with a lid. You can make a decoction from only one nettle. To do this, dry leaves, filled with water, are boiled for at least 10 minutes.

Medications

How to cure chronic gastritis? The specialist, along with other methods, prescribes the following medications:

• Enveloping agents. Their task is a barrier function. Help relieve heartburn and rumbling. This group includes “Almagel”, “Maalox”, “Gastal”. The medications are taken for a month after meals.
• Antibiotics are recommended by the doctor in the presence of Helicobacter. The course of treatment is determined by a specialist. These include: Furazolidone, Metranidazole, Amoxicillin.
• Drugs to reduce the production of hydrochloric acid: Omeprazole, Ranitidine, Omez. How to take the medicine correctly is recommended by the doctor in each specific case.
• Painkillers and antispasmodics: “Platifillin”, “No-Shpa”, “Drotaverine”.
• Gastroprotectors. During the healing process, these drugs play the role of a barrier function for hydrochloric acid, which has a hostile effect on the gastric mucosa. In this case, “De-Nol” is used.
• Whether chronic gastritis can be completely cured depends on the correct tactics followed by the doctor. For this disease, the use of enzymes is mandatory. This includes “Festal”, “Pangrol”, “Mezim”, “Pancreatin”. These drugs have a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
• In some cases, hormones are prescribed. This includes Cytotec.

Causes

Many external and internal factors negatively affect the state of the gastrointestinal tract. Internal causes contributing to the appearance of gastritis include:

• inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity;
• bacterial infections of the lungs and upper respiratory tract;
• disorders of the thyroid gland;
• diabetes;
• disruption of enzyme production;
• gout;
• cardiovascular and pulmonary failure;
• hepatitis;
• chronic pancreatitis;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• autoimmune diseases.

There are also a number of external factors that can provoke the development of chronic gastritis. First of all, poor nutrition has a negative impact on the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Irregular consumption of food, including low-quality products, can cause inflammatory damage to the stomach.

The development of gastritis can be triggered by insufficient chewing function caused by a lack of teeth, changes in the structure of the temporomandibular joint and other dental problems.

The development of gastritis can be caused by frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol increases the production of gastric juice and worsens the condition of the gastric mucosa. In addition, this pathological condition can be caused by a long history of smoking. Inhaling tobacco smoke on an empty stomach is especially dangerous.

The irrational use of certain medications can contribute to the problem. Among other things, the development of gastritis can be associated with working in hazardous industries and living in environmentally unfavorable areas.

Gastritis is considered a polyetiological disease with a complex pathogenesis. In many ways, the specifics of the formation of the chronic form of gastritis depend on the cause that caused it. If the problem lies in an autoimmune process, the production of specific antibodies may be observed, gradually leading to infiltration and destruction of mucosal tissue.

As gastritis of any type develops, the damage worsens and affects deeper tissues. With the development of chronic gastritis of an infectious nature, a stable progression of the pathology is observed. Damage over time leads to deep tissue atrophy. This is accompanied by an increase in symptomatic manifestations.

Important information: What is atrophic gastritis in women and treatment methods

There is a high influence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which are normally present on the mucous membrane of almost all people, but only under the influence of unfavorable conditions for the body do these microorganisms begin to rapidly multiply, causing inflammation and atrophy of the tissues lining the organ.

Atrophic gastritis

The most insidious type of chronic gastritis is atrophic. It can become the real cause of a precancerous condition. It develops more often in older men. At its onset, inflammation usually occurs without symptoms. The clinical picture is rarely pronounced.

Atrophy is the key word in the name of the disease. In this disease, the cells of the mucosal walls degenerate atrophically, cease to function normally, and the production of gastric juice components stops. Studies have shown that transformed glands produce mucus instead of gastric juice. Typically, the atrophic form of gastritis occurs with low acidity of the stomach.

However, with atrophic gastritis, low acidity is not the worst thing; the pH level is adjusted. The danger is that atrophic gastritis is a provocateur of stomach cancer.

Is it possible to cure chronic gastritis today using methods that already exist? According to doctors, modern developments make it possible to cope with this disease. In this case, instrumental and in-depth laboratory studies are of particular value. Thanks to them, you can accurately determine the type of illness.

What is chronic gastritis

Chronic gastritis is not always the result of a lack of acute treatment. Often this is an independent, sluggish pathological process of inflammatory nature, leading first to the appearance of morphological changes in the mucosal tissues, and then to their atrophy and a decrease in protective and functional abilities.

With this disease, there is a gradual replacement of normally functioning glandular cells with connective tissue. Given the progressive nature of gastritis, over time there is an increase in the affected areas of the mucous membrane, which often becomes the cause of various kinds of dysfunction of this organ.

A classification of chronic gastritis has been developed, according to which the following types of disease are distinguished depending on the location of the area of ​​inflammation, origin, histological picture and characteristics of the secretory function:

• surface;
• hypertrophic;
• atrophic;
• Hilicobacter;
• autoimmune;
• reflux;
• endogenous;
• antral;
• fundal;
• erosive;
• hyperacid;
• hypoacid.

The diagnosis of chronic active gastritis, i.e. superficial, is made extremely rarely because it does not manifest itself with severe symptoms and is detected by chance during a routine examination. The most common is chronic Helicobacter gastritis. Considering that in most cases the development of gastritis is not detected immediately, and after a long course mixed forms are often diagnosed.

Treatment of atrophic gastritis

There is no single approach to the treatment of atrophic gastritis due to the diversity of its microstructural manifestations, as well as the meager clinical symptoms. Degenerated cells cannot be turned back into glandular cells.

Chronic atrophic gastritis can be cured by stopping the development of pathological processes. Treatment should be based on careful investigation, as different cases require different therapeutic approaches.

The traditional scheme includes:

• Helicobacter eradication. These methods are constantly being improved. The objectives of eradication are: suppressing bacteria, preventing them from developing resistance to antibiotics; using PPIs to improve well-being; reducing the number of medications. Preference is given to a three- or four-component eradication scheme.
• The effect on autoimmune processes in atrophic gastritis has not yet been fully studied.
• Pathogenetic therapy uses a whole group of drugs. This includes digestive aids (enzymes). If there is a deficiency of vitamin B12, vitamin preparations are used in the form of injections. In some cases, the use of mineral waters has high therapeutic activity. Preparations with plantain juice help reduce inflammation.
• To protect the mucous membrane in atrophic gastritis, aluminum and bismuth preparations (Vicalin, Kaolin, Rotor, Vikair) are recommended.
• Cisapride and Domperidone help regulate motor function.

All of the listed drugs are prescribed only in the active phase of inflammation with mucosal atrophy.

Prevention of gastritis

We have looked at how to cure chronic gastritis, but what measures should be taken to prevent the disease?

To prevent exacerbations of gastritis and transition to a chronic form, doctors recommend following the following nutritional rules:

• Food should not be too hot or cold.
• Solid foods should be chewed thoroughly until they form a pulp.
• It is better to eat fractionally, more often, but in small portions.

To maintain stable remission, follow these recommendations:

• Eat small meals up to 6 times a day, chew them thoroughly.
• There is no need to watch programs or talk while eating. This leads to overeating and air entering the stomach.
• Do not drink liquids that are too cold or hot.
• Fight the temptation to eat prohibited foods.
• Consult your doctor before taking medications.
• Consume only those foods recommended by a nutritionist (boiled, pureed, steamed).
• Visit your doctor regularly and follow all his instructions.
• Avoid emotional tension and stress.

Will it be possible to be completely cured?

You probably want to know whether it is possible to be cured of such an illness for good? The answer depends on the degree and form of the disease, the presence of concomitant diseases and age. Chronic gastritis can be cured if you follow your doctor's recommendations and work hard on your lifestyle. Self-improvement consists of actions aimed at improving the condition and curing the disease.

This includes diet and balanced nutrition, therapeutic exercises and a healthy lifestyle.

The following recommendations will help you get rid of gastritis:

1. Take food in small portions, 5-6 times a day.
2. Chew your food very thoroughly.
3. While eating, do not have conversations or watch TV.
4. Do not eat too cold or hot food.
5. You cannot break loose and consume prohibited foods.
6. Food should be steamed or boiled.

How to cure chronic gastritis forever with folk remedies

There are a lot of recipes in folk medicine that can help fight gastritis. The main advantage is the naturalness of the products and raw materials for treatment. If we talk about security, then there are some nuances here. Not everyone can cure chronic gastritis with folk remedies. This largely depends on the course of the disease and its neglect. Incorrectly selected remedies can only aggravate the course of the disease. You should seek the advice of your doctor before using prescriptions. The most popular remedies for the treatment of gastritis are the following:

• Honey. Soothes and relieves inflammation. Honey can be used as a separate product or in combination with other products. Most often it is combined with milk, apples, and aloe.
• Herbal teas. How to cure chronic gastritis at home? Many patients prefer herbal remedies. Such teas restore the digestion process, help restore acidity, and accelerate scarring processes.
• Vegetable juices. Cabbage, potatoes, and beets are great for fighting gastritis and prolonging the remission stage for a long time.
• Aloe. Relieves pain syndromes. When used correctly for a month, it completely allows you to restore the gastric mucosa and normalize its functions.
• Green apples. Their juice is effective for severe forms. It has a beneficial effect on digestion, relieves pain, tingling, and heaviness.
• Oats. Constant use of oat decoction allows you to completely get rid of the signs of gastritis. A set of vitamins and microelements eliminates heartburn, disorders, flatulence and other symptoms.

Gastritis is an insidious disease, it significantly affects your lifestyle. To feel well and prolong remission, you must adhere to certain rules and fully comply with the doctor’s prescriptions.

Recipes in traditional medicine

It is not difficult to cure gastritis forever at home using traditional medicine, but you need to be prepared for the fact that it will take more than one month. Full recovery can be accelerated only if, in addition to taking decoctions and tinctures, the patient strictly follows a diet and daily routine.

Traditional medicine will bring the desired effect only if the rules of proper administration are followed and there is no interruption of treatment halfway through.

You can cure gastritis at home and forget about the disease forever, if you do not self-medicate, but seek qualified help. Only after a complete examination can you select an effective remedy for the treatment of gastritis, taking into account all concomitant diseases, excluding contraindications to taking a particular remedy.