Stomach problems, especially at this time of year, when a lot of seasonal fruits and vegetables are introduced to the menu, are associated by many with diet, but doctors claim that painkillers that are most often taken "on their own" are one of the main causes of acute gastritis. Elderly patients who use analgesics are most often affected, due to the naturally thinned gastric mucosa, which is additionally irritated by the substances of the medication.
Doctor Zorica Merdović says that the frequent use of analgesics reduces the secretion of a key substance in the body, which has the role of a protective lining of the stomach. This further leads to the appearance of various complaints.
"Acute gastritis has pronounced symptoms, such as a sudden and sharp pain in the stomach, which immediately brings the patient to the doctor. The symptoms of chronic disease are not noticeable and the pains are characterized as dull and long-lasting. Apart from medicines, excessive use of alcohol, which irritates and corrodes the stomach, can also be a cause of gastritis. Severe stress due to major operations, injuries, severe burns or infections are some of the additional 'triggers' for this disease," says Dr. Merdović.
According to her, the cause of stomach problems is often bacteria.
"Often Helicobacter pylori can also cause a problem. But not all patients with this bacteria have a problem with gastritis at the same time. It is believed that sensitivity can be inherited, but also be caused by lifestyle choices, such as smoking and diet," says Dr. Merdović.
Endoscopy in diagnostics
If left untreated, acute gastritis can later lead to ulcers and bleeding in the stomach. That is why detailed and timely diagnostics are needed.
"If the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) detects the presence of blood, upper and lower endoscopy should be performed. Upper endoscopy involves a thin tube with a small camera, which is inserted into the stomach through the mouth. In this way, a biopsy can be performed at the same time and check whether there is inflammation", explains Dr. Merdović.
The treatment of gastritis depends on the specific cause that caused the problem. Acute gastritis caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or alcohol can be alleviated by stopping the use of these substances.
"For the treatment of Helicobacter pylori in the digestive tract, the doctor may recommend a combination of antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, amoxicillin and limetronidazole, for 14 days. Along with the antibiotic, a probiotic preparation is mandatory. "Proton pump inhibitors reduce acid by affecting the cells that produce it," says our interlocutor.
Acid blockers can also be used in therapy, which reduce the amount of acid released in the digestive tract.
"Antacids neutralize existing stomach acid and quickly relieve pain. Side effects can include constipation or diarrhea, depending on the main ingredients of the medicine," says Dr. Merdović.
A selection of foods, such as broccoli, celery, apples, berries, olive oil, honey and herbal teas, can alleviate symptoms and prepare the body to eliminate Helicobacter pylori bacteria. However, these measures alone cannot cure acute gastritis, explains our interlocutor.
No coffee or alcohol
Proper nutrition cannot cure gastritis that has arisen, but the wrong choice of foods can certainly make it worse.
"While the disease lasts, you should not consume coffee, mint, green and black tea, orange and grapefruit juices, alcoholic beverages, dairy products made from whole milk, strong or spicy cheeses, tomato products, chocolate and spicy foods, such as hot peppers, nutmeg and black pepper. You should eat five to six small meals a day, because this can reduce the impact of stomach acids," says Dr. Merdović.
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