Dealing with chronic gastritis can be an arduous journey, often leaving individuals feeling drained and weary as they navigate through the discomfort and pain associated with this condition.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable uptick in gastritis cases, with lifestyle factors such as stress, poor dietary choices, and irregular eating habits contributing significantly to its prevalence.
Despite its widespread occurrence, many fail to recognize the common triggers of gastritis, such as excessive alcohol consumption, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and bacterial infections like Helicobacter pylori.
Amidst the confusion surrounding chronic gastritis, one prevalent question lingers: Can it be cured?
Dispelling myths and misconceptions, the resounding truth is that chronic gastritis can indeed be managed and treated effectively with the right approach.
However, complete eradication may not always be feasible, especially in cases where underlying causes persist or have caused irreversible damage.
Understanding the stages of gastritis sheds light on the severity and impact of the condition.
While acute gastritis is often temporary and resolves with proper care, chronic gastritis signifies long-term inflammation of the stomach lining.
This persistent inflammation can significantly disrupt daily life, causing recurring discomfort, digestive issues, and even complications such as ulcers or stomach bleeding.
Recognizing the chronic stage is crucial for implementing appropriate management strategies and improving overall quality of life for those affected.
What Are The Stages Of Gastritis?
Gastritis typically progresses through two main stages:
- Acute Gastritis
This stage involves the sudden onset of inflammation in the stomach lining. It can be triggered by various factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged use of NSAIDs (like aspirin or ibuprofen), bacterial infections (such as H. pylori), or autoimmune diseases.
Acute gastritis often causes symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and loss of appetite.
With proper treatment and avoidance of aggravating factors, acute gastritis can usually resolve within a few days to weeks.
- Chronic Gastritis
Chronic gastritis occurs when inflammation in the stomach lining persists over a prolonged period, typically lasting for months or even years.
It can result from ongoing irritation caused by factors like H. pylori infection, long-term use of NSAIDs, excessive alcohol consumption, bile reflux, or autoimmune disorders.
Chronic gastritis may not always cause noticeable symptoms initially but can lead to complications over time if left untreated.
These complications may include ulcers, bleeding, or an increased risk of developing stomach cancer.
Managing chronic gastritis involves addressing underlying causes, making lifestyle modifications, and sometimes using medications to control symptoms and reduce inflammation.
In addition to acute and chronic gastritis, there is another classification known as special types of gastritis.
These include:
- Erosive Gastritis
This type of gastritis involves erosion or wearing away of the stomach lining, leading to open sores or ulcers.
It can be caused by prolonged use of NSAIDs, excessive alcohol consumption, severe stress, or underlying medical conditions.
Erosive gastritis is typically more severe and may require more aggressive treatment compared to non-erosive forms.
- Reactive Gastritis
Reactive gastritis refers to inflammation of the stomach lining in response to specific irritants or triggers.
It can occur after exposure to certain chemicals, toxins, or medications, as well as in response to radiation therapy or trauma.
Treatment involves identifying and eliminating the underlying cause of irritation to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
- Autoimmune Gastritis
Autoimmune gastritis is a rare type of gastritis where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the stomach lining.
This can lead to inflammation, damage to the stomach’s acid-producing cells, and reduced production of intrinsic factor, a substance necessary for absorbing vitamin B12.
Autoimmune gastritis is often associated with other autoimmune conditions like autoimmune thyroiditis or type 1 diabetes and requires specialized treatment to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
So, Why Is It Called Chronic Gastritis And What Are The Symptoms Or Signs To Look Out For?
Chronic gastritis earns its name from the persistent nature of the inflammation it causes in the stomach lining.
Unlike acute gastritis, which typically resolves within a short period, chronic gastritis involves ongoing inflammation that persists over a prolonged period, often lasting for months or even years.
This chronic inflammation can gradually lead to damage of the stomach lining and affect its normal function.
Symptoms of chronic gastritis can vary from person to person and may not always be apparent, especially in the early stages.
However, common signs to look out for include:
- Abdominal Discomfort
This may manifest as a dull, gnawing pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen. Some individuals may experience a burning sensation, similar to heartburn.
- Indigestion
Chronic gastritis can cause symptoms of indigestion, such as bloating, gas, belching, and a feeling of fullness after eating even small amounts of food.
- Nausea and Vomiting
Persistent inflammation in the stomach lining can lead to nausea and occasional vomiting, especially after consuming certain foods or beverages.
- Loss of Appetite
Chronic gastritis may cause a decreased desire to eat, leading to unintentional weight loss over time.
- Bleeding
In some cases, chronic gastritis can lead to erosions or ulcers in the stomach lining, resulting in symptoms such as vomiting blood (hematemesis) or passing dark, tarry stools (melena).
- Fatigue
Chronic gastritis can contribute to fatigue and weakness, especially if it leads to nutrient deficiencies due to impaired absorption.
Other Symptoms: Additional symptoms may include bad breath, a metallic taste in the mouth, or a frequent need to burp.
It’s important to note that some individuals with chronic gastritis may experience no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages.
Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are crucial for early detection and appropriate management of chronic gastritis to prevent complications and improve quality of life.
Before we discuss effective treatment options for chronic gastritis and easy lifestyle changes that can help manage the condition long term, here is a quick run down of the types of chronic gastritis.
Here’s a brief overview of each type:
- Type A Gastritis
This type is autoimmune in nature, occurring when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the stomach lining, particularly the parietal cells that produce intrinsic factor and stomach acid.
As a result, individuals with type A gastritis are at an increased risk of developing vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamin B12, leading to conditions like pernicious anemia.
Additionally, chronic inflammation in type A gastritis can predispose individuals to gastric cancer.
- Type B Gastritis
H. pylori infection is the primary cause of type B gastritis, making it the most common form.
This bacterium colonizes the stomach lining and triggers inflammation, potentially leading to complications such as stomach and intestinal ulcers, as well as an increased risk of gastric cancer.
Effective treatment of H. pylori infection is essential to manage type B gastritis and reduce associated risks.
- Type C Gastritis
Type C gastritis is induced by chemical irritants such as NSAIDs, alcohol, or bile reflux.
Prolonged exposure to these irritants can damage the stomach lining, leading to erosion, ulceration, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Management of type C gastritis involves avoiding or minimizing exposure to these irritants and addressing underlying conditions contributing to their use.
What Are The Effective Treatment Options For Chronic Gastritis?
As we mentioned earlier, chronic gastritis is a long-term inflammation of the lining of your stomach.
And it can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including indigestion, nausea, vomiting, and upper abdominal pain.
There are a number of effective treatment options available for chronic gastritis, depending on the underlying cause of your condition.
Here are some of the most common:
Medication
- Antibiotics
If your chronic gastritis is caused by H. pylori infection, your doctor will likely prescribe a course of antibiotics to eradicate the bacteria. This is typically a combination of two or three antibiotics, taken for one to two weeks.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
PPIs reduce stomach acid production, which can help to relieve symptoms of gastritis. They are available over-the-counter and in prescription strengths.
- Histamine-2 (H-2) blockers
H-2 blockers also reduce stomach acid production, but they are not as potent as PPIs. They are available over-the-counter.
Lifestyle changes
Here are expert tips for lifestyle changes to help manage chronic gastritis:
- Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals
Instead of consuming large meals, opt for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This can help prevent overloading the stomach and reduce the likelihood of triggering inflammation.
- Avoid Trigger Foods
Identify and avoid foods that tend to aggravate your symptoms. Common trigger foods include spicy, acidic, fried, and fatty foods, as well as caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages.
- Choose a Gastritis-Friendly Diet
Incorporate foods that are gentle on the stomach and promote healing, such as lean proteins (e.g., chicken, fish), fruits and vegetables (excluding acidic varieties), whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
- Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help maintain proper hydration and support overall digestive health. Avoid excessive consumption of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as they can irritate the stomach lining.
- Practice Mindful Eating
Eat slowly, chew food thoroughly, and be mindful of your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Avoid eating too quickly or while distracted, as this can contribute to overeating and digestive discomfort.
- Manage Stress
Stress can exacerbate symptoms of gastritis, so incorporating stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine can be beneficial. This may include activities such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature.
- Practice Proper Meal Timing
Avoid eating large meals or heavy snacks close to bedtime, as lying down shortly after eating can increase the risk of acid reflux and worsen gastritis symptoms. Aim to eat your last meal at least two to three hours before bedtime.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess weight can put pressure on the stomach and exacerbate symptoms of gastritis. Aim to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity to reduce strain on the digestive system.
- Quit Smoking
Smoking can irritate the stomach lining and make gastritis symptoms worse. Quitting smoking is an important part of managing gastritis.
Gastritis Treatment — Treating Chronic Gastritis with Supplements
It’s almost impossible to discuss gastritis supplements without mentioning Probiotics.
Without boring you with medical jargon, we will provide answers to the questions that are most likely dashing through your mind — what are probiotics and what role do they play in gastritis supplement?
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms, often referred to as “good” or “friendly” bacteria, that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts.
They naturally occur in certain foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, as well as in dietary supplements. Probiotics can also be found in some fermented foods and beverages.
In the context of gastritis, probiotics play several important roles:
- Restoring Gut Microbiota Balance
Gastritis, particularly when caused by factors like H. pylori infection or NSAID use, can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the stomach and intestines.
Probiotics help restore this balance by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.
- Reducing Inflammation
Some strains of probiotics have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the stomach lining associated with gastritis.
By modulating the immune response and promoting a healthy gut environment, probiotics may alleviate symptoms and support the healing process.
- Enhancing Gut Barrier Function
Probiotics can strengthen the intestinal barrier, which helps prevent harmful substances, toxins, and pathogens from crossing into the bloodstream and causing inflammation.
A healthy gut barrier is essential for protecting the stomach lining and maintaining overall gut health.
- Supporting Digestive Health
Probiotics aid in digestion by breaking down food, synthesizing certain vitamins, and producing short-chain fatty acids that nourish the cells lining the intestines.
By improving digestion and nutrient absorption, probiotics may help alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms associated with gastritis, such as bloating, gas, and discomfort.
- Preventing Infections
In cases of gastritis caused by H. pylori infection, certain probiotic strains have been shown to inhibit the growth of H. pylori bacteria and reduce the risk of recurrent infections.
Combining probiotics with standard antibiotic therapy may enhance treatment efficacy and reduce the likelihood of antibiotic-associated side effects.
Overall, incorporating probiotics into the diet or as supplements can be a valuable component of a comprehensive approach to managing gastritis.
However, it’s important to choose probiotic products that contain strains specifically studied for their efficacy in addressing gastrointestinal conditions like gastritis, and to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.
In addition to probiotics, other supplements that help with gastritis include:
- Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)
DGL is a form of licorice extract that has been processed to remove glycyrrhizin, which can cause side effects like high blood pressure.
DGL may help soothe and protect the stomach lining, making it a popular supplement for individuals with gastritis and acid reflux.
- Zinc
Zinc is involved in maintaining stomach lining integrity and may support the healing of gastric mucosa. Supplementing with zinc can help address deficiencies and promote stomach health, particularly in individuals with chronic gastritis.
- Vitamin B12
Chronic gastritis, particularly type A gastritis associated with autoimmune conditions, can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency due to impaired absorption.
Supplementing with vitamin B12 can help prevent or alleviate symptoms of deficiency, such as fatigue, weakness, and neurological problems.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil supplements, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the stomach lining and alleviate symptoms of gastritis.
Incorporating omega-3 supplements or consuming fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, or sardines can support stomach health.
- Digestive Enzymes
Supplementing with digestive enzymes can help improve digestion and nutrient absorption, particularly in individuals with compromised stomach function due to gastritis.
Look for a broad-spectrum digestive enzyme supplement containing proteases, lipases, and amylases.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that may help protect the stomach lining from oxidative damage and promote healing of gastritis-related inflammation.
However, high doses of vitamin C may exacerbate gastritis symptoms in some individuals, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate dosing.
These supplements can complement a healthy diet and lifestyle in managing gastritis symptoms and promoting stomach health.
However, it’s crucial to use them judiciously and under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.
By incorporating these expert tips into your daily routine, you can effectively manage chronic gastritis and improve your overall stomach health.
