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In recent years, due to inadequate diet and busy lifestyles, it is no longer considered a condition of the older population, but also affects younger people. It is estimated that 50% of the world's population suffers from it.
Gastritis is a disease where inflammation of the inner lining of the stomach, in other words, the gastric mucosa, occurs. It is the result of internal factors such as gastric acids, or external factors such as infections and harmful habits.
Under normal conditions, this mucous membrane is able to cope with the different acids and irritants that attack it, but much depends on the duration of these, which when perpetuated produce inflammation and irritation.
Up to 90% of gastritis is due to infection by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori, whose main route of transmission is fecal-oral, in other words, when contaminated food and/or water is ingested.
This disease has a higher frequency in developing countries, being related to individuals of low economic income. In developed countries such as the United States, it occurs in approximately 30% of people. For an overall estimate of 40 to 80% of the world's population.
Despite being defined as an ailment that afflicts the older population, in recent years the number of cases has increased among young adults and adolescents, with a greater number in developing countries. Therefore, it does not discriminate in age or sex.
Causes
It is a disease of multifactorial origin, which is why, although according to what has been previously mentioned it is usually due to a digestive infection by Helicobacter pylori, other causes and aggravating factors also stand out:
The action of gastric acids and pancreatic juices.
Very busy lifestyles that lead to inappropriate eating habits, such as: skipping meals, not keeping to schedules or eating foods high in carbohydrates late at night.
Mood disorders, states of anxiety and stress.
Consumption of drugs, especially NSAIDs
Harmful habits such as smoking or alcohol abuse, which affect the response of the gastric mucosa to aggressions, reducing its capacity for recovery.
Excessive consumption of coffee, which increases the production of gastric acids.
Affection by intestinal parasites.
Exposure to radiation.
Symptoms
This is a disease that does not have its own symptoms, which is why it can easily be confused with other gastric pathologies (which is why it is necessary to perform a series of tests to confirm its diagnosis).
Even so, among the symptoms that could indicate the presence of this disease are: Stomach pain and burning, nausea, constant belching, feeling of early fullness, abdominal distension. In some cases, black stools may be evident.
Types
• Acute: It may be accompanied by erosions and bleeding of the gastric mucosa and in severe stages there may be bleeding. If not treated, it progresses to chronic gastritis.
• Chronic: It occurs when the disease is of long standing. If not treated promptly, chronic gastritis can become severely complicated, being accompanied by:
-Hemorrhage: It can be imperceptible for the individual who suffers it, in some cases a darkening of the feces called Melena is evidenced, consequence of the blood that is digested. If the hemorrhage is prolonged, anemic states may develop, accompanied by fatigue, weakness and tiredness.
-Gastric or peptic ulcers: These are open sores that can cause gastric juices and other stomach contents to spread into the abdominal cavity, in the event of a perforation in the stomach wall. This leads to peritonitis, which is the inflammation of the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, increasing the sensation of pain.
-In very serious cases, gastric cancer can develop.
Diagnosis
It is made by means of an endoscopy, in which it can be observed: Bleeding, erosion, edema and redness of the mucosa.
A biopsy of the gastric mucosa and laboratory tests are also performed.
Treatment
If not treated promptly, the disease can extend for life and lead to more complicated stages as detailed above.
Steps that can be taken to stop or slow the progression of the injury include
-Adopting a diet free of irritants such as caffeine and spices such as chili. And avoid eating after hours.
-Eliminating habits such as uncontrolled drinking and smoking.
-Prescribing antacids and/or gastric protectors.
Other medical procedures will depend on the severity of the disease.
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