What are the main causes of gastritis. How is gastritis diagnosed. What are the most effective treatments for gastritis. Can gastritis lead to more serious complications. How can you prevent gastritis.

What is Gastritis and How Does it Affect Your Stomach?

Gastritis is a condition characterized by inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the stomach lining. This digestive disorder can manifest in two forms: acute (sudden onset) or chronic (developing gradually over time). Understanding gastritis is crucial for effective management and prevention of potential complications.

The stomach’s protective lining plays a vital role in digestion and safeguarding against harmful substances. When this lining becomes compromised due to gastritis, it can lead to various uncomfortable symptoms and, if left untreated, more serious health issues.

Acute vs. Chronic Gastritis: What’s the Difference?

Acute gastritis develops rapidly, often in response to a specific trigger such as alcohol consumption or certain medications. Chronic gastritis, on the other hand, progresses slowly over months or even years, potentially caused by long-term exposure to irritants or underlying health conditions.

Common Causes of Gastritis: From Bacteria to Lifestyle Factors

Gastritis can arise from various factors, ranging from bacterial infections to lifestyle choices. Understanding these causes is essential for both prevention and targeted treatment. Here are some of the primary culprits:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: This bacteria is a leading cause of gastritis and can lead to more severe complications if left untreated.
• Excessive alcohol consumption: Regular heavy drinking can irritate and erode the stomach lining.
• Chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like aspirin and ibuprofen can damage the stomach’s protective barrier.
• Stress: Prolonged periods of stress can increase stomach acid production and inflammation.
• Bile reflux: When bile backs up into the stomach from the bile tract, it can cause irritation.
• Autoimmune disorders: In some cases, the body’s immune system may attack the stomach lining.
• Bacterial or viral infections: Certain infections can lead to gastritis as a secondary effect.

Is there a link between diet and gastritis? While not a direct cause, certain foods and eating habits can exacerbate symptoms in individuals prone to gastritis. Spicy, acidic, or fatty foods may trigger discomfort in some people.

Recognizing the Symptoms: When Should You Be Concerned?

Gastritis symptoms can vary widely among individuals, and some people may not experience any noticeable signs. However, being aware of potential symptoms can help in early detection and prompt treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Nausea or recurrent upset stomach
• Abdominal bloating and pain
• Indigestion
• Burning sensation in the stomach, especially between meals or at night
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting, sometimes with blood or coffee ground-like material
• Black, tarry stools (indicating possible gastrointestinal bleeding)

When should you seek medical attention for gastritis symptoms? If you experience persistent abdominal pain, vomiting blood, or notice black stools, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider immediately. These could be signs of more severe complications requiring urgent medical intervention.

Diagnosis of Gastritis: What Tests Will Your Doctor Perform?

Accurate diagnosis is key to effective gastritis treatment. Healthcare providers employ various methods to identify and assess the condition:

1. Medical history and physical examination: Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms, lifestyle habits, and family history of digestive disorders.
2. Upper endoscopy: This procedure allows direct visualization of the stomach lining using a thin, flexible tube with a camera.
3. Biopsy: During an endoscopy, small tissue samples may be collected for laboratory analysis.
4. Blood tests: These can check for anemia, H. pylori infection, or other indicators of gastritis.
5. Stool tests: Fecal occult blood tests can detect the presence of blood in the stool, which may indicate gastritis or other gastrointestinal issues.

How does an upper endoscopy help in diagnosing gastritis? This procedure provides a clear view of the stomach lining, allowing doctors to identify inflammation, erosion, or other abnormalities. It also enables the collection of tissue samples for further analysis, which can be crucial in determining the underlying cause of gastritis.

Effective Treatments for Gastritis: From Medications to Lifestyle Changes

Treatment for gastritis aims to address the underlying cause, alleviate symptoms, and promote healing of the stomach lining. The approach may vary depending on the specific type and severity of gastritis. Common treatment strategies include:

• Antacids and acid-reducing medications: These help neutralize or decrease stomach acid production.
• Antibiotics: Prescribed for H. pylori infections, often in combination with acid-suppressing drugs.
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): These medications provide long-lasting reduction of stomach acid.
• Histamine blockers (H2 blockers): Another class of drugs that reduce acid production.
• Dietary modifications: Avoiding trigger foods and adopting a gastritis-friendly diet.
• Stress management techniques: Reducing stress can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
• Vitamin B12 supplementation: In cases of pernicious anemia-related gastritis.

How long does it take for gastritis to heal with proper treatment? The recovery time can vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. With appropriate treatment, many people experience significant improvement within a few weeks. However, some cases of chronic gastritis may require ongoing management.

Potential Complications of Untreated Gastritis: Why Early Intervention Matters

While gastritis is often manageable with proper care, neglecting treatment can lead to more serious health issues. Potential complications of untreated gastritis include:

• Stomach ulcers: Prolonged inflammation can lead to the formation of painful ulcers.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding: Severe gastritis can cause bleeding in the stomach or intestines.
• Anemia: Chronic blood loss from gastritis can result in iron-deficiency anemia.
• Increased risk of stomach cancer: Long-term, untreated H. pylori infection is associated with a higher risk of gastric cancer.
• Pernicious anemia: A type of gastritis that interferes with vitamin B12 absorption can lead to this form of anemia.

Can gastritis increase the risk of stomach cancer? While gastritis itself doesn’t directly cause cancer, certain types of chronic gastritis, particularly those associated with H. pylori infection or autoimmune conditions, can increase the risk of developing stomach cancer over time. Regular monitoring and proper treatment can help mitigate this risk.

Lifestyle Modifications and Prevention Strategies for Gastritis

Preventing gastritis or reducing its recurrence often involves making certain lifestyle changes and adopting healthy habits. Consider the following strategies:

• Maintain a balanced diet: Focus on foods that are easy to digest and avoid those that trigger symptoms.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol can irritate the stomach lining and exacerbate gastritis.
• Manage stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or regular exercise.
• Use NSAIDs cautiously: If you require these medications, take them with food or consider alternative pain relief methods.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can increase stomach acid production and slow healing.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking adequate water can help maintain a healthy digestive system.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash hands frequently to reduce the risk of H. pylori infection.

Are there specific foods that can help prevent or manage gastritis? While individual triggers may vary, some foods that may be beneficial include:

• High-fiber foods like whole grains and vegetables
• Lean proteins such as fish and poultry
• Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir
• Anti-inflammatory foods such as berries and leafy greens

The Role of Probiotics in Gastritis Management: A Promising Approach

Emerging research suggests that probiotics may play a beneficial role in managing gastritis, particularly in cases related to H. pylori infection. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria.

How do probiotics potentially help with gastritis? Probiotics may:

• Enhance the effectiveness of H. pylori eradication therapy
• Reduce inflammation in the stomach lining
• Strengthen the stomach’s natural protective barrier
• Alleviate symptoms such as bloating and indigestion

While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of probiotics on gastritis, incorporating probiotic-rich foods or supplements into your diet may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Natural Remedies for Gastritis: Complementary Approaches

In addition to conventional treatments, some people find relief from gastritis symptoms through natural remedies. While these should not replace medical treatment, they may offer complementary benefits:

• Chamomile tea: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties
• Licorice root: May help protect the stomach lining (use deglycyrrhizinated licorice to avoid side effects)
• Ginger: Can help reduce nausea and inflammation
• Aloe vera juice: May soothe the digestive tract
• Garlic: Has antimicrobial properties that may help against H. pylori

Always consult with your healthcare provider before trying any natural remedies, especially if you’re taking medications for gastritis or other conditions.

Long-Term Management of Gastritis: Maintaining Digestive Health

For individuals with chronic gastritis or those prone to recurrent episodes, long-term management is crucial for maintaining digestive health and preventing complications. Key aspects of long-term gastritis management include:

• Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider
• Adherence to prescribed medications and treatment plans
• Ongoing dietary modifications and lifestyle adjustments
• Stress management and emotional well-being
• Monitoring for any changes in symptoms or new digestive issues

How often should you have follow-up appointments for chronic gastritis? The frequency of follow-up appointments can vary depending on the severity of your condition and response to treatment. Typically, your doctor may recommend check-ups every few months initially, with less frequent visits as your condition stabilizes. Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for monitoring and follow-up care.

The Impact of Gastritis on Quality of Life

Living with gastritis can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, affecting everything from daily activities to social interactions. Some ways gastritis may influence life quality include:

• Dietary restrictions and changes in eating habits
• Discomfort or pain that may interfere with work or leisure activities
• Anxiety about potential flare-ups or complications
• Sleep disturbances due to nighttime symptoms
• Social limitations, especially in situations involving food or alcohol

Addressing these challenges through proper treatment, support, and lifestyle adjustments is essential for maintaining a good quality of life while managing gastritis.

Understanding gastritis, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for effective management and prevention of this common digestive disorder. By working closely with healthcare providers, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and staying informed about the latest developments in gastritis care, individuals can take control of their digestive health and minimize the impact of this condition on their daily lives. Remember, early intervention and consistent management are key to preventing complications and maintaining optimal digestive wellness.

Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and More

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Causes Gastritis?
• What Are the Symptoms of Gastritis?
• How Is Gastritis Diagnosed?
• What Is the Treatment for Gastritis?
• What Is the Prognosis for Gastritis?

Gastritis is an inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach. It can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic).

Gastritis can be caused by irritation due to excessive alcohol use, chronic vomiting, stress, or the use of certain medications such as aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs. It may also be caused by any of the following:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori): A bacteria that lives in the mucous lining of the stomach; without treatment, the infection can lead to ulcers, and in some people, stomach cancer.
• Bile reflux: A backflow of bile into the stomach from the bile tract (that connects to the liver and gallbladder)
• Infections caused by bacteria and viruses

If gastritis is left untreated, it can lead to a severe loss of blood and may increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.

Symptoms of gastritis vary among individuals, and in many people there are no symptoms. However, the most common symptoms include:

• Nausea or recurrent upset stomach
• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Burning or gnawing feeling in the stomach between meals or at night
• Hiccups
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
• Black, tarry stools

To diagnose gastritis, your doctor will review your personal and family medical history, perform a thorough physical evaluation, and may recommend any of the following tests:

• Upper endoscopy. An endoscope, a thin tube containing a tiny camera, is inserted through your mouth and down into your stomach to look at the stomach lining. The doctor will check for inflammation and may perform a biopsy, a procedure in which a tiny sample of tissue is removed and then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• Blood tests. The doctor may perform various blood tests, such as checking your red blood cell count to determine whether you have anemia, which means that you do not have enough red blood cells. They can also screen for H. pylori infection and pernicious anemia with blood tests.
• Fecal occult blood test (stool test). This test checks for the presence of blood in your stool, a possible sign of gastritis.

Treatment for gastritis usually involves:

• Taking antacids and other drugs (such as proton pump inhibitors or H-2 blockers) to reduce stomach acid
• Avoiding hot and spicy foods
• For gastritis caused by H. pylori infection, your doctor will prescribe a regimen of several antibiotics plus an acid blocking drug (used for heartburn)
• If the gastritis is caused by pernicious anemia, B12 vitamin shots will be given.
• Eliminating irritating foods from your diet such as lactose from dairy or gluten from wheat

Once the underlying problem disappears, the gastritis usually does, too.

You should talk to your doctor before stopping any medicine or starting any gastritis treatment on your own.

Most people with gastritis improve quickly once treatment has begun.

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Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and More

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Causes Gastritis?
• What Are the Symptoms of Gastritis?
• How Is Gastritis Diagnosed?
• What Is the Treatment for Gastritis?
• What Is the Prognosis for Gastritis?

Gastritis is an inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach. It can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic).

Gastritis can be caused by irritation due to excessive alcohol use, chronic vomiting, stress, or the use of certain medications such as aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs. It may also be caused by any of the following:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori): A bacteria that lives in the mucous lining of the stomach; without treatment, the infection can lead to ulcers, and in some people, stomach cancer.
• Bile reflux: A backflow of bile into the stomach from the bile tract (that connects to the liver and gallbladder)
• Infections caused by bacteria and viruses

If gastritis is left untreated, it can lead to a severe loss of blood and may increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.

Symptoms of gastritis vary among individuals, and in many people there are no symptoms. However, the most common symptoms include:

• Nausea or recurrent upset stomach
• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Burning or gnawing feeling in the stomach between meals or at night
• Hiccups
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
• Black, tarry stools

To diagnose gastritis, your doctor will review your personal and family medical history, perform a thorough physical evaluation, and may recommend any of the following tests:

• Upper endoscopy. An endoscope, a thin tube containing a tiny camera, is inserted through your mouth and down into your stomach to look at the stomach lining. The doctor will check for inflammation and may perform a biopsy, a procedure in which a tiny sample of tissue is removed and then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
• Blood tests. The doctor may perform various blood tests, such as checking your red blood cell count to determine whether you have anemia, which means that you do not have enough red blood cells. They can also screen for H. pylori infection and pernicious anemia with blood tests.
• Fecal occult blood test (stool test). This test checks for the presence of blood in your stool, a possible sign of gastritis.

Treatment for gastritis usually involves:

• Taking antacids and other drugs (such as proton pump inhibitors or H-2 blockers) to reduce stomach acid
• Avoiding hot and spicy foods
• For gastritis caused by H. pylori infection, your doctor will prescribe a regimen of several antibiotics plus an acid blocking drug (used for heartburn)
• If the gastritis is caused by pernicious anemia, B12 vitamin shots will be given.
• Eliminating irritating foods from your diet such as lactose from dairy or gluten from wheat

Once the underlying problem disappears, the gastritis usually does, too.

You should talk to your doctor before stopping any medicine or starting any gastritis treatment on your own.

Most people with gastritis improve quickly once treatment has begun.

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Irritable bowel syndrome in children

This disease is treated by a nutritionist

general information
Classification of IBS in children
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnostics
Expert opinion of a doctor
Treatment of IBS in children
Prevention
Question answer

General information

Irritable bowel syndrome in children (IBS, colon dyskinesia) is a variant of a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, in which the motor-evacuation functions of the intestine are impaired. The condition is accompanied by severe dyspepsia, alternating constipation and diarrhea, soreness and bloating. Diagnosis, assessment of symptoms and treatment of irritable bowel in children and adolescents are carried out by gastroenterologists with the support of dietitians-nutritionists, endocrinologists and a number of other narrow specialists.

IBS is a common illness in childhood. It has a pronounced negative impact on the psycho-emotional state of the child and overall physical development, and also significantly reduces the quality of life. There is no exact information on the frequency of cases, but on average up to 20% of school-age children and up to 15% of adolescents experience this condition.

In irritable bowel syndrome, the process of digestion is disturbed due to changes in peristalsis in the large intestine, which is accompanied by problems with the evacuation of intestinal contents. As a result, the child eats too quickly, has difficulty with defecation, and often experiences pain. This inevitably leads to the development of psycho-emotional discomfort.

Classification of IBS in children

Taking into account the predominance of clinical symptoms, specialists distinguish four types of IBS in children:

• syndrome with a predominance of constipation, when more than 25% of defecation acts in a child are accompanied by pain, difficulty in passing feces;
• diarrhea-predominant syndrome in which more than 25% of defecation occurs in liquid stools of a mushy or watery consistency;
• mixed syndrome, when constipation and diarrhea are observed alternately;
• a syndrome without classification, in which there is no clear predominance of symptoms.

Some practitioners distinguish only three types of IBS: constipation-predominant, diarrhea-predominant, and dyspepsia-predominant.

Symptoms of irritable bowel in children

The clinical picture depends on the age of the child and the type of IBS. In irritable bowel syndrome with a predominance of constipation in children, the symptoms are:

• infrequent bowel movements – less than 3 times a week;
• difficult passage of feces;
• flatulence;
• rumbling in the abdomen;
• “sheep” feces in the form of lumps or balls;
• Pain in the right lower part of the abdominal region, which becomes less intense after defecation.

Children strain heavily during defecation, sit on the potty for a long time, and after the end of the process they complain of a feeling of incomplete emptying of the intestines.

Symptoms of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome in a child are:

• loose stools;
• frequent urge to defecate – up to 3-4 times in a few hours;
• cramps, abdominal pain;
• mild nausea, more common in the morning or after breakfast.

A characteristic feature of this form of IBS is the absence of the urge to defecate at night. The child often runs to the toilet only during daylight hours, mainly in the morning.

Common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in children and adolescents are:

• heartburn;
• frequent belching of air;
• flatulence;
• bloating;
• mucus in feces;
• spasmodic pain after eating;
• relief after defecation;
• feeling of fullness, heaviness in the abdomen.

School-age children may also complain of insomnia, frequent waking at night, headaches, general fatigue and reduced performance. Adolescents often become irritable, impulsive, anxious. Anxiety and stress exacerbate the symptoms.

Causes of IBS in children

The main predisposing factor is hereditary predisposition: 33% of young patients with irritable bowel syndrome have close relatives suffering from a similar disease.

Another common factor is a violation of the diet, when children, especially younger ones, eat unsuitable foods, eat a lot of sweets, chips, crackers. Frequent snacking to the detriment of a full meal, lack of fluid intake in the body can also disrupt bowel function.

Other causes of IBS in childhood are:

• past acute intestinal infections;
• chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal system;
• increased sensitivity of the intestinal wall – hyperreflexia;
• helminthiases;
• infectious pathologies transferred during fetal development;
• perinatal encephalopathy (PEP).

The risk of irritable bowel syndrome is higher in children who are obese, overeat, move little, eat inappropriate foods. In some cases, the cause is a deficiency of dietary fiber in the child’s diet, in other situations, the disease manifests itself against the background of a lack of vitamins and trace elements.

Due to the similarity of IBS symptoms with many other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the diagnosis is established on the basis of long-term observation of the child. It is possible to reliably talk about irritable bowel syndrome only if the same signs persist for 3 months or longer.

The examination is carried out by several specialists at once: pediatric gastroenterologists, pediatricians, neurologists, endocrinologists. To assess the quality of nutrition, consultations of nutritionists-nutritionists are appointed.

The diagnostic program includes:

• general clinical blood and urine tests;
• blood biochemistry;
• examination of feces for helminth eggs, protozoa, etc.;
• coprogram;
• stool culture;
• ultrasound examination of the gastrointestinal tract.

If indicated, a colonoscopy is also performed. As part of the differential diagnosis, MRI, CT, and other research methods can be used.

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Treatment of IBS in children

The tactics of therapy are based on the form of the disease, age, individual health characteristics of the child, the nature of his diet and other parameters. First of all, the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in children involves the correction of the diet and eating patterns, taking into account the prevalence of symptoms. Diet implies:

• fractional meals with reduced servings up to 5-7 times a day;
• exclusion from the diet of chocolate, cocoa, legumes, rye bread;
• restriction of meals with animal fats;
• refusal of carbonated drinks, caffeine, strong tea, sour juices and fruit drinks.

For children, an optimal program of physiotherapy exercises, water procedures to stimulate the functions of the gastrointestinal tract are selected. To normalize the psychological microclimate in the family, consultations of family and child psychologists may be required.

Babies diagnosed with IBS with a predominance of constipation are prescribed laxatives in a weight dosage, and children with frequent diarrhea are shown to take enterosorbents. Carminatives, intestinal antiseptics, and other drugs may also be used. In some cases, a complex of physiotherapeutic procedures is selected.

Physician’s Expert Opinion

Many parents do not consider IBS to be a serious illness and often attribute symptoms to poor-quality food, childhood stress, or other more obvious causes. It is very important not to ignore the signs of a gastrointestinal disorder if they do not go away for a long time. Otherwise, the risk of developing duodenal reflux increases many times over, when bile is thrown into the stomach. The chances of the formation of gastroesophageal reflux, which is characterized by the ingress of intestinal contents and other fluids into the esophagus, increase. In addition, constant difficulties with bowel movements, pain and flatulence lead to psychological problems, especially in adolescents.

Only a qualified doctor decides how to treat irritable bowel syndrome in children. To choose the right tactics, it is necessary to take into account many factors: age, the nature of the child’s diet, the family and personal history of the young patient, and the characteristics of the body. It is impossible to assess all these data in aggregate without specialized education and relevant practical experience.

Mikhaleva Oksana Grigorievna

Pediatric endocrinologist, nutritionist, PhD, leading specialist

Prevention

No specific preventive measures have been developed. In order to prevent the development of irritable bowel syndrome in children, it is recommended:

• not introduce complementary foods to babies before 6 months;
• do not allow children to consume snacks, carbonated drinks in large quantities;
• make sure that fresh vegetables and fruits, lean meats, fish, vegetable fats are always present in the children’s diet;
• do not practice strict diets on babies;
• observe sleep patterns;
• timely treat acute infectious diseases of the intestine, seeking help from doctors;
• provide children with an adequate level of physical activity, preferably outdoors;
• maintain a favorable psycho-emotional environment at home;
• not to burden children with too much study, additional classes, responsible tasks at home, which they still cannot cope with due to age or physical data.

In adolescence, when a child goes through the puberty stage, one must be very attentive to his condition, smooth out conflicts, jointly seek solutions to emerging disputes and problems.

Q&A

First of all, irritable bowel syndrome can lead to hemorrhoids, the appearance of anal fissures. Violation of absorption processes in the intestine can provoke the development of beriberi, anemia and other conditions.

Pediatrician, pediatric gastroenterologist or nutritionist. In the future, other specialists will be involved in the examination of the child and the appointment of treatment, as necessary: ​​neurologists, psychotherapists, endocrinologists, etc.

References

Khavkin AI, Zhikhareva NS Approaches to the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome in children // Questions of modern pediatrics. 2004. V. 3, No. 2.

Klimov L. Ya., Zakharova I. N., Abramskaya L. M., Stoyan M. V., Kuryaninova V. A., Dolbyan S. V., Kaasyanova A. N., Dmitrieva Yu. A. et al. Vitamin D and chronic bowel diseases: role in pathogenesis and place in therapy // Practical Medicine. 2017.

Yurmanova E.N. Long-term results of treatment and prognosis of patients with irritable bowel syndrome: Dis. cand. honey. Sciences. – M., 2007.

Shulpekova Yu.O., Baranskaya E.K. Differential diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome and celiac enteropathy // Ros. journal of gastroenterology, hepatology, coloproctology. – 2009. – V. 19. – No. 6.

Burulova O. E., Kozlova I. V., Myalina Yu. N. Irritable bowel syndrome as a biopsychosocial disease // Saratov Journal of Medical Scientific Research. 2012.

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Nausea and stomach pain: causes, diagnosis, treatment

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Painful sensations in the stomach – a very unpleasant, difficult to tolerate symptom, indicating a progressive disease of the gastrointestinal organs. Probably, today there is no person who would not experience this discomfort. After all, unfavorable environmental conditions, an abundance of junk food and constant haste do not contribute to the optimal functionality of the stomach and intestines. Today, almost half of the adult population of the country suffers from diseases of the digestive organs.

Despite such a wide spread of gastrointestinal diseases, if left untreated, they lead to extremely unpleasant consequences. Deterioration of health due to dehydration, intoxication of the body and even neoplasms – this is not the whole list of uncured, neglected forms of digestive pathologies.

If you suffer from pain and discomfort in the stomach, then it’s time to make an appointment with a therapist in Kaliningrad. You can do this by calling our medical center “Edkar”.

Please note! Pain in the stomach may indicate damage to other organs associated with it functionally.

Causes and symptoms

Pain in the stomach and nausea are signs of inflammation of the internal organs. They also indicate degenerative changes, in connection with which irritation of the nerve endings occurs. The pain is acute and aching, pulling, prolonged or sudden, occurring abruptly or at a certain time – for example, after eating. Nausea in this case often turns into vomiting, which worsens the patient’s well-being.

Pain and causes of pain in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract are interrelated. However, even doctors sometimes find it difficult to immediately determine the pathology itself, since some diseases are dangerous due to the irradiation of pain along nerve endings from distant areas. So, a person may suffer from pain in the stomach and assume gastritis, although in fact a serious pathology of the pancreas develops. Therefore, it is impossible to engage in self-diagnosis and self-treatment in this case!

Causes of stomach pain and nausea:

1. The most common cause of unpleasant symptoms is gastritis, which is characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining. There are several forms of gastritis that develop due to the peculiarity of the functionality of the stomach itself, as well as other digestive organs. Only accurate diagnosis using medical equipment allows you to determine the type of gastritis and prescribe effective treatment.
2. Peptic ulcer – often develops against the background of chronic gastritis, where there is no medical treatment. This pathology has a chronic form and is manifested by relapses, with diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, severe pain at night and with long breaks between meals.
3. Pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas, but pain often encircles the stomach. The inflammatory process in the pancreas leads to a decrease in the production of juice, without which all digestive organs are irritated.
4. Cholecystitis is an inflammatory process of the gallbladder, which leads to a violation of the digestive process. This, in turn, leads to stomach problems.
5. Infection caused by pathogenic microflora, which, if left untreated, provokes almost all of the above diseases. Most often, an infectious disease is characterized by acute, cutting, unbearable pain in the stomach, which is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and lack of appetite.
6. Malignant and benign formations that are manifested by persistent, persistent pain in the stomach. The patient suffers from loss of appetite, headache, weakness against the background of intoxication of the body. More benign tumors – polyps, lipomas, neuromas, grow slowly, do not metastasize to adjacent tissues and mucous membranes. Often they are found only after reaching a large size. However, they are also dangerous because over time, without medical intervention, they become malignant. These include adenocarcinomas, lymphomas, and carcinoids. Without timely surgical intervention, tumors give metastases, which leads to death.

Also, pain in the stomach may appear due to disorders in other organs. For example, with inflammation of the intestine (colitis), appendicitis and even coronary heart disease. In the latter case, the pain is transmitted along the nerve endings to the stomach area. In some cases, this symptom is observed in the pathology of the blood vessels of the abdominal cavity. In each case, painful sensations are manifested by certain signs – girdle, sharp or aching pain, localization in the right or left hypochondrium, spread to the back.

Diagnosis and treatment

A huge list of causes of stomach pain and nausea forces specialists to conduct a thorough instrumental and laboratory examination in case of patient complaints. Initially, the therapist, with the help of palpation and finding out the nature of the pain in the patient, determines the localization, the nature of the painful sensations. To confirm suspicions of a specific diagnosis, the following examination methods are carried out:

• ultrasound;
• delivery of laboratory tests – blood, urine, biochemical analysis;
• probing of the gastrointestinal tract;
• MRI, CT – allow to detect neoplasms in the stomach.

First, the simplest diagnostic methods are carried out, which allow to identify the most common diseases. An additional examination is required if there is a suspicion of a rare pathology. Comprehensive diagnostics makes it possible to find out the cause of stomach pain and the appearance of nausea. At the same time, if there are suspicions of diseases of other organs, then the patient is referred to such specialists as a cardiologist, oncologist, neurologist.

Medication is the most common treatment for stomach pain. First, it is recommended to consume antispasmodics and painkillers, sorbents. When the patient’s health improves, then prescribe drugs that correct the acidity of gastric juice. In some cases, antibiotics are prescribed. With a stomach ulcer and perforation on the walls, tumors, operations are prescribed.

However, whatever the diagnosis, the patient is advised to follow a sparing diet. The diet should not contain smoked, salty, canned foods, carbonated drinks, hot spices and sauces, alcohol – all this greatly irritates the stomach mucosa, which is already bad at digesting food.