The article was prepared by a specialist for informational purposes only. We urge you not to self-medicate. When the first symptoms appear, consult a doctor.
Prevention of gastritis is a set of measures aimed at preventing inflammatory changes in the gastric mucosa. It includes the fight against any types and forms of this disease. Some specificity and division of preventive measures occurs for two types of gastritis: acute and chronic. This is due to fundamentally different pathogenetic mechanisms of their occurrence.
Types of gastritis
The largest division of gastritis is acute and chronic. The first occurs immediately after irritating factors come into contact with the gastric mucosa. In case of improper nutrition, it manifests itself in a catarrhal form, in case of poisoning or infection - in a fibrinous form.
Chronic is often caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. The disease is characterized by a sluggish course with periodic exacerbations. Based on the localization of the inflammatory process, the following forms are distinguished:
- antrum - in the lower part of the stomach;
- fundal - in the middle section (sometimes extends to the bottom of the organ);
- reflux gastritis - in the area of the pylorus of the stomach.
The chronic type of the disease is characterized by dysfunction of gastric secretion. Its excessive activity causes increased acidity (this form is called hyperacid). With secretory insufficiency, acidity is reduced (this form is called anacid).
Fighting excess weight
With obesity, not only the appearance of the patient suffers, but also the structure of the internal organs. Fatty inclusions appear in the liver and pancreas, compressing their normal tissue and impairing their function. The composition of bile changes, which contributes to the formation of stones in all bile ducts and the gallbladder. The motor ability of all parts of the digestive tube deteriorates. Therefore, it is important for such patients to take care of their diet and increase physical activity.
Types of damage to the mucous membrane
Gastritis can also be classified according to the degree of change in the gastric mucosa. The mildest form is superficial, when the inflammatory process affects only the upper part of the mucosa. More dangerous forms include the following:
Although hyperplastic gastritis is characterized by the appearance of neoplasms, they are predominantly benign.
The atrophic form often leads to stomach cancer. Each of these types can be focal or diffuse: the first covers a small area of the mucous membrane (although there may be several of them), the second spreads over its entire surface.
Types of gastritis by etiology
The mucous membrane of the stomach can become inflamed for various reasons. Gastroenterologists, according to this criterion, divide diseases into several groups:
There are also mixed types. Thus, AC inflammation means that reflux is caused by autoimmune factors. It happens that autoimmune effects are combined with Helicobacter pylori infection. Then we are talking about AB gastritis.
Tablets for the prevention of gastritis
Prevention of gastritis as the most common gastrointestinal disease has two phases - primary and secondary. Primary prevention of gastritis should prevent the development of the disease in healthy people. However, if it was not possible to avoid the disease, after the attack is relieved and the acute stage is over, secondary prevention of gastritis is necessary, that is, taking measures to prevent the recurrence of an attack of inflammation and the transition of the disease to a chronic form.
Sometimes preventing relapses of gastritis involves taking medications prescribed by a doctor. Pharmacological agents are required only if there is a high risk of relapse. They can only be recommended by a gastroenterologist after examination and laboratory tests. The most commonly used drugs for the prevention of gastritis.
Sometimes preventing relapses of gastritis involves taking medications prescribed by a doctor.
Proton pump inhibitors - tablets for the prevention of gastritis
These medications reduce the production of gastric juice. In most cases, Omeprazole is prescribed for the prevention of gastritis with a tendency to high acidity. It is also applicable in the case of bacterial origin of the disease as part of the complex eradication of Helicobacter Pylori.
You can use direct analogs of the medicine, for example, Omez for the prevention of gastritis. There are also generics - substances that are identical in their effect, but with differences in composition. Such remedies include Emanera; this medication is also suitable for the prevention of gastritis.
Bismuth preparations - tablets for the prevention of gastritis
This group of drugs forms a thin film on the mucous membranes and erosions, which protects the surfaces from damaging factors and the effects of gastric juice. De-nol is considered the best option for the prevention of gastritis.
Enzymes and antibiotics - tablets for the prevention of gastritis
Enzymes are necessary for normal functioning of the pancreas and proper digestion. Effective enzymes - Creon, Panzinorm, Mezim, Festal. The fight against Helicobacter Pylori and the prevention of gastritis is carried out using antimicrobial drugs to which this microorganism has shown sensitivity - Clarithromycin, Amoxicillin, Metronidazole, Tetracycline.
Causes of acute gastritis
This disease appears suddenly. In rare cases, the cause may be the bacteria Helicobacter pylori entering the body. But usually it does not make itself felt instantly, but is the causative agent of sluggish chronic gastritis.
It is usually not difficult for an adult to determine the cause. It is enough to analyze what he ate and drank several hours before the attack. Inflammation can be caused by:
Infections can also cause an attack. Among the most likely, gastroenterologists identify cytomegaloverus, syphilis, and staphylococcus infection. People with weakened immune systems are more likely to become infected. Another reason for the development of an acute inflammatory process is exposure to bile. This only applies to type C gastritis.
Why is gastritis dangerous?
In the early stages, the illness in question is often dismissed as an upset stomach or indigestion. The progression of inflammation is fraught with its transition to a sluggish form, which is no longer completely cured, but only controlled. Why is chronic gastritis dangerous?
- stomach ulcer with transition to the duodenum;
- benign neoplasms and cancer;
- anemia;
- internal bleeding;
- atrophy and scarring of stomach tissue.
Causes of development of chronic gastritis
The second most important cause of chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa (after the bacterium Helicobacter pylori) is poor nutrition. This includes not only harmful products. Violation of the eating schedule is also detrimental to the stomach. Inflammation can result from:
The influence of other diseases (endocrine, metabolic, infectious, hypoxic) cannot be excluded. External factors (harmful working conditions, stress) also become causes of gastritis.
How to prevent gastritis and stomach ulcers
Acute gastritis and exacerbation of chronic gastritis occurs suddenly under the influence of unfavorable factors. Preventive measures consist of neutralizing the harmful effects on the digestive organs.
Prevention at the state level. Numerous food quality control services check each of them, allow them to be produced, sold, or prohibited. Each product contains an indication of its composition, which allows you to determine how beneficial or harmful it is.
Individual prevention of gastritis and stomach ulcers is carried out independently by each person. Requires compliance with certain rules and doctor’s instructions. In most cases, the culprit of gastritis is a person’s negligent attitude towards their health and the quality of food. Since the ulcer develops against the background of gastritis, the sick person must adhere to a certain diet constantly.
General signs of gastritis
Regardless of the type (acute or chronic), it always manifests itself as pain in the epigastric region (only its nature differs). Pain appears after eating or, conversely, from hunger. Other symptoms from the digestive system are possible:
Symptoms in adults are more severe than in children. In children, attacks are often accompanied by weakness, fever, and bruises under the eyes. Parents may confuse the first signs of gastritis with poisoning.
Another noticeable symptom of many types of this disease is a white (less often yellow) coating on the tongue. It is not cleaned during normal hygiene procedures. In most cases, plaque indicates a decrease in acidity.
Prevention of stomach and high acidity
To normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and eliminate high acidity, you should know what to take for preventive purposes.
Almagel
The medication is produced in the form of a suspension; it is recommended to drink for ulcers, gastritis, heartburn, stool problems, and severe pain.
You can take it periodically half an hour before meals. The dosage, depending on age, varies from 5 to 15 ml.
Gevikson
Available in powder or suspension form. For preventive purposes, take 15 ml after meals no more than four times a day. The drug should not be used for more than ten days of continuous use.
Gastal
The medicine may have various flavorings; the tablets are sold in packages. Take one tablet after meals four times a day. Treatment should not exceed more than two weeks.
Rennie
Absorbable tablets should be taken no more than three times a day if heartburn bothers you or if there is discomfort in the stomach. The medication can be used for ten days.
Maalox
The dosage of the suspension is 15 and 30 ml. Maalox is taken one hour after meals. If heartburn occurs, you can drink it immediately. Continuous use of the drug should not exceed one month.
Prevention of gastrointestinal diseases primarily restores the acid-base balance. Along with taking medications, it is not a bad idea to stick to a diet.
Alcoholic drinks, caffeine, soda, and foods containing salt and vinegar should be excluded from your daily diet. During the period of following the diet, which should last at least one month, you need to:
- have a good breakfast;
- eat vegetable soup for lunch;
- For dinner you can cook meat or stew vegetables.
The daily nutritional intake should include 4 to 5 meals. You can consume dairy products whose fat content does not exceed 3%.
How to treat the disease
Since there are many types of gastritis, and each of them has its own causes, you cannot limit yourself to one treatment method. To combat each provoking factor, appropriate drugs are needed.
The doctor must determine by characteristic signs whether the patient’s acidity is increased or decreased. Depending on this, a suitable treatment regimen is selected.
Treatment of gastritis is usually complex, it is carried out in the following areas:
If the bacterium Helicobacter pylori is detected, it is important to eradicate it (complete destruction) with antibiotics. This is necessary to eliminate ulcerations, accelerate their healing and prevent the development of peptic ulcers and stomach cancer.
Set of preventive measures
Unfortunately, our compatriots often neglect the basic rules of a healthy lifestyle: diet, taking only medications prescribed by the doctor, stopping smoking, etc. Meanwhile, following them can save you from the development of many diseases, including ailments of the digestive system. The set of such preventive measures should include:
- balanced diet;
- rejection of bad habits;
- caution regarding medications and certain medical procedures;
- mental comfort;
- fight against excess weight;
- timely visits to doctors.
How is acidity level determined?
The main acid found in the stomach and determining its acidity level is hydrochloric acid. It is produced by parietal cells. The alkaline components of gastric juice neutralize hydrochloric acid. They are produced by accessory cells of the mucosa. The two substances interact and the acidity level changes throughout the day.
You can find out its level using intragastric pH-metry. To do this, a thin probe with a measuring electrode is placed into the patient's stomach. It gradually moves deeper and shows the pH in different areas of the organ.
In the part of the stomach where acid is produced, in an adult patient the pH should be from 1.6 to 2.0, and in the zone of alkali production and acid quenching - up to 5.2.
The doctor also pays attention to the symptoms. With high acidity, the patient suffers from heartburn, belching and a burning sensation in the throat; with low acidity, the patient suffers from bloating, flatulence and bad breath.
Prevention and emotional instability
It is worth noting that stress also negatively affects the condition of the human stomach and intestines. First of all, appetite is lost, and food ceases to be properly digested due to the small amount of gastric juice secreted.
Of course, every person understands that it is almost impossible to stay away from problems throughout life, but the prevention of diseases of the digestive system also depends on the ability to keep your emotions to yourself and be able to calm down in time. To do this, it is enough not to enter into conflicts and protect nerve cells. In this case, you can use alternative medicine and resort to mastering meditation practices and learn to control your psychological state. The recommendations are as follows:
- It is important to eat right and eat foods rich in vitamin D. Fish should be included in your diet.
- There is no need to categorically refuse sunbathing, because ultraviolet radiation has a positive effect on health.
- Constant physical activity will also help you resist stress.
- Prevention of diseases of the human digestive system directly depends on his psychological state, so you can safely attend trainings and a psychologist who will help discuss the problem and restore psychological comfort.
Scientists have been able to prove that people who are predisposed to mental disorders additionally suffer from gastrointestinal diseases.
Treatment of acidity disorders
If there are signs of low acidity, replacement therapy with enzyme preparations is prescribed. Its main task is to normalize the production of pepsin. Preparations containing acedin-pepsin help with this. Drug stimulation of gastric juice secretion is also necessary.
If the diagnostic results reveal increased acidity, the patient is prescribed antacids. They neutralize acid, weaken the activity of pepsin, and in some cases have an enveloping effect. To eliminate symptoms, medications are recommended that stimulate gastrointestinal motility and relieve spasms of smooth muscles. Additionally, you can use folk remedies - herbs, flax seeds, potato juice.
Timely visits to doctors
If you experience digestive disorders, abdominal pain, heartburn, etc. It is better to visit a doctor in a timely manner, because ordinary knowledge is superficial. Some illnesses occur hidden. Different diseases can have exactly the same manifestations. Some diseases (including cancer) can only be confirmed after a qualified examination. It is especially necessary for close relatives of patients with cancer, genetic (celiac disease, etc.) and autoimmune diseases (autoimmune hepatitis, ulcerative colitis, etc.).
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TRIMEDAT for gastritis ! A course of treatment is a solution to the problems of abdominal discomfort. Eliminates symptoms! A course of treatment is a solution to problems of abdominal discomfort. Eliminates symptoms!trimedat.ruGo to Yandex.DirectThere are contraindications. Consult your doctor.
Why are gastroprotectors needed?
To prevent complications such as peptic ulcers and malignant tumors, it is important to keep the structure of the mucous membrane intact. Gastroprotectors are used for these purposes:
They should be taken when signs of gastritis appear. The doctor will determine which medications will fit into the selected treatment package. For prevention purposes, you do not need to drink them.
The stomach contains natural gastroprotectors - prostaglandins. They stimulate the formation of mucus, improve microcirculation and protect cells from destruction. If they are not produced enough, the gastroenterologist may prescribe their synthetic analogues. If the patient is being treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs with prostaglandins prevent ulcerative lesions of the mucous membrane.
Prevention of gastrointestinal diseases and traditional medicine
For young children, many medications to improve digestion may be strictly contraindicated, so you have to look for another option to solve this problem. As a rule, the main prevention of diseases of the digestive system in children lies in proper nutrition and the use of traditional medicine advice. Let's look at the most common options that can be suitable for both children and adults:
- An excellent remedy is calamus infusion. The fact is that such a drink will help promote healthy food movement, and to prepare it you will need a tablespoon of crushed dry root and a glass of boiling water. The resulting infusion should be drunk the day before.
- It is recommended to brew basil tea, which is infused for half an hour, after which it is drunk within a day.
- Chamomile tea, which has anti-inflammatory properties, is not inferior in benefits. In order for the disease to quickly recede, you should simply brew chamomile tea instead of regular tea.
Naturally, the prevention of diseases of the digestive system includes not only these folk methods; in fact, there are a huge number of them. But it is important to remember that any treatment, even for the purpose of prevention, should be carried out only with the permission of a doctor.
Preventive measures
Since gastritis is now diagnosed not only in adults, but also in children, prevention should begin as early as possible. First of all, you should normalize your diet:
When the first symptoms of inflammation of the gastric mucosa appear, it is important to minimize (or better yet eliminate) the consumption of chocolate, coffee, spicy and fried foods.
Gastroenterologists recommend regularly checking for parasitic infestations. When they are detected, it is important to carry out timely treatment, because they often attack the digestive system.
The danger of self-medication of gastritis
Self-medication is one of the biggest mistakes people make when experiencing stomach discomfort. What can be used to relieve heaviness and pain in the gastrointestinal tract - herbal teas, decoctions, taking self-made antacids based on soda.
At best, traditional medicine recipes bring temporary relief followed by the development of relapses; at worst, the deterioration of the condition begins immediately, because even seemingly harmless herbal tea can have a lot of contraindications that cannot be taken into account without the knowledge of a gastroenterologist.
Don't risk your health! Contrary to the erroneous belief, self-medication is unsafe and not always cheap - after the development of complications due to inadequate self-therapy, treatment will take a long time and be expensive. Forget about uncontrolled use of painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs and laxatives, they can become a threat not only to your health, but also to your life!
