The stomach is one of the main organs of the digestive system. It is located in the abdomen just below the ribs. Swallowed food is mixed with gastric juices containing enzymes and hydrochloric acid. The mucous membrane of the stomach, called epithelium, is multilayered. The epithelium is covered with mucus, which is produced by special glands. The balance between the production of aggressive digestive juices and the protection of the mucous membrane from aggression allows us to feel good. If the synthesis of acid and enzymes is impaired or there is not enough protective mucus, inflammation occurs. This is gastritis - damage to the gastric mucosa.
Gastritis is a term commonly used by patients and doctors to describe episodes of stomach discomfort (usually after eating), sometimes associated with nausea or vomiting. We also sometimes call this condition indigestion. However, strictly speaking, gastritis is the formal medical term for the diagnosis made by a pathologist when a biopsy taken during an endoscopy shows signs of inflammation and damage to the gastric mucosa. And it may seem strange, but when the term is truly used, there are usually no episodes of indigestion. There are two types of gastritis, acute and chronic.
What is acute gastritis?
Acute gastritis means a sudden inflammation of the gastric mucosa, which is caused by aggressive factors. When a gastroenterologist performs an endoscopy, the mucosa appears red and the samples show many acute inflammatory cells (mostly white blood cells). There may be small, fine tears on the surface of the mucosa, called acute erosions ("erosive gastritis"), and even tiny areas of bleeding.
What is chronic gastritis?
Chronic gastritis refers to long-term but mild inflammation and damage to the stomach lining. The lining of the stomach becomes thinner as normal cells are destroyed. Inflammatory cells include lymphocytes, which indicate an immune response. This is a very common disease. When gastritis has been present for many years, changes in the lining may progress to a stage called metaplasia, with a slight increase in the risk of stomach cancer.
Any form of gastritis requires adequate treatment, and you may need gastritis pills that eliminate inflammation, protect the mucous membrane from irritation, eliminate excess acid, or help suppress infection, as one of the key problems of inflammation.
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In the treatment of gastritis, various medications with different spectrums of action are used. Doctors often prescribe several drugs at once, aimed at different mechanisms of inflammation. We will discuss the most prescribed medications for gastritis.
Sea buckthorn oil
Sea buckthorn oil. Manufacturer: Altaivitamins
Of the natural preparations that are effective for gastritis, ulcers and as part of the restoration of the gastrointestinal tract after operations, sea buckthorn oil in capsules is used. It stimulates the healing of the mucous membrane and has a general strengthening effect.
Due to its natural composition, it has a limited list of contraindications. Children under 12 years of age should not use it and if they are diagnosed with:
- cholecystitis,
- pancreatitis,
- hepatitis.
It is recommended to discuss the dosage and duration of use with your doctor.
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Nexium
Nexium
Nexium is one of the drugs that reduces the secretion of aggressive gastric glands during gastritis and peptic ulcers. This drug contains esomeprazole, which is used in the treatment of acid-related gastrointestinal diseases.
Suitable for:
- healing of ulcers;
- eliminating the symptoms of gastritis;
- with reflux disease.
Nexium can be taken by children from one year of age as part of the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. In case of severe renal failure, the drug is used with caution.
Panzinorm
Panzinorm. Manufacturer: KRKA
The drug Panzinorm can be used as part of complex therapy for gastritis with low acidity. The capsules contain Pancreatin, which is why digestion is stabilized when used.
It is used for inflammatory and dystrophic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in adults and children. During exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis, Panzinorm is not recommended. The effect of the drug is reduced if taken together with antacids (Rennie, Gastal, Almagel, etc.).
Gastrofarm
Gastrofarm. Manufacturer: НBIOVET
Gastrofarm has a protective effect on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines due to lactobacilli in its composition. They produce lactic acid, which is involved in the regeneration of the mucosa. Quite often it is prescribed if the patient is taking medications that negatively affect the gastrointestinal tract.
Indicated for use when:
- acute and chronic forms of gastritis;
- stomach and duodenal ulcers.
Release form: tablets that must be chewed or dissolved in water after crushing. Allowed for children over 3 years old. There are no contraindications for use.
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Motilium
Motilium. Photo: anssen-Cilag SpA
The drug contains domperidone, which normalizes gastric motility. Motilium is a kind of quick help for the gastrointestinal tract. It is prescribed to relieve the symptoms accompanying chronic gastritis:
- heaviness and discomfort in the stomach;
- nausea and vomiting.
Take the drug in tablet form before meals. Approved for use in the form of a suspension in children over 12 years of age weighing more than 35 kg. During pregnancy and lactation, Motilium is contraindicated, as well as for persons with an allergic reaction to the active substance of the drug. You cannot combine Motilium with Erythromycin and Ketoconazole. In case of chronic heart failure, as well as bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, you should refrain from taking this drug.
Vikalin
Vikalin. Manufacturer: AVVA RUS
The release form of the drug is coated tablets, sold with a doctor’s prescription. The medicine has a combined effect due to the combination of components of plant origin and bismuth compounds. The drug contains bismuth subnitrate, calamus rhizomes, buckthorn bark, magnesium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, rutoside. The drug has an antacid (acid-quenching), antispasmodic, astringent and laxative effect. Helps in healing damaged gastric mucosa.
The drug is used:
- for peptic ulcers of the stomach and intestines;
- with hyperacid gastritis;
- for dyspepsia.
Among the contraindications, you should pay attention to the prohibition of use in children under 18 years of age, pregnant and lactating women. You should not take the medicine if you have gastritis with low acidity, kidney failure, enterocolitis, or appendicitis. Side effects include allergies and diarrhea.
Good to know
List of tablets that may be useful for stomach pain
De-Nol
De-nol. Manufacturer: R-Pharm/Ortat
The medicine is produced only in tablet form and is sold with a prescription from a specialist. The drug is classified as a gastroprotective drug, the active ingredient is bismuth citations. When taken orally, the medicine creates a thin protective film on the surface of the stomach. It also has antimicrobial activity against Helicobacter, which causes gastritis and ulcers, has an astringent effect, and an anti-inflammatory effect. Helps protect damaged areas of the mucosa from the aggression of gastric juice.
Indications for use:
- dyspepsia;
- stomach or intestinal ulcer;
- gastritis with increased acidity;
- irritable bowel syndrome.
It is important to take into account possible contraindications to taking the medication - severe kidney damage, pregnancy, and subsequent breastfeeding. Side effects include discomfort in the digestive tract, rashes and headaches.
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Ranitidine
Ranitidine. Photo: Stada
The drug is available in the form of regular tablets and injection solutions. Sold by prescription, the main active ingredient is ranitidine. The drug suppresses the activity of the digestive glands in the stomach, blocking the formation of excess volumes of gastric juice and the concentration of acid in it. Helps reduce its formation during the day and night.
Shown:
- with peptic ulcer of the stomach and intestines;
- for gastritis with high acidity;
- heartburn due to gastroesophageal reflux;
- for dyspepsia.
The drug has a number of contraindications for use - sensitivity to the components of the drug, age under 12 years, all trimesters of pregnancy, severe liver damage, kidney failure. Side effects include digestive disorders, general malaise, and headaches.
Omeprazole
Omeprazole.
Manufacturer: OZONE The medicine is available in the form of capsules or solution for injection. Sold by prescription from a doctor. Belongs to a group of drugs that suppress the production of excess acid in the stomach with the active substance omeprazole. By suppressing the proton pump, the synthesis of hydrochloric acid is reduced, which reduces its aggressive effect on the mucous membrane. Indications for use:
- gastritis with increased acidity;
- ulcerative lesions associated with excess acid;
- episodes of gastroesophageal reflux;
- complex therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection.
The drug has a number of contraindications for use - sensitivity to individual components in the product, age under 18 years, pregnancy, lactation. Side effects may include digestive problems, malaise, headaches, and dizziness.
Rennie
Rennie. Manufacturer: Delpharm Gaillard
This product is available in the form of tablets that dissolve slowly in the mouth. It can be bought at a pharmacy without a prescription. The medicine belongs to the category of antacids, that is, it suppresses the activity of hydrochloric acid, which the stomach produces in excess. Due to its active components - calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, the medicine binds excess hydrochloric acid, which helps soothe irritated mucous membranes.
The drug is used:
- to eliminate heartburn with gastritis with high acidity;
- with dyspepsia with unpleasant sensations;
- in violation of the diet with irritation of the stomach walls;
- in the complex treatment of ulcers.
Contraindications include allergies to components, serious kidney disease, excess calcium and lack of phosphorus in the blood, urolithiasis, age under 12 years, galactose and lactose intolerance.
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Relieving stomach pain with anticholinergics
A gastroenterologist will help you prescribe an effective drug.
This group of drugs acts directly on the receptors of the nervous system, blocking them. An additional consequence of taking such medications is a decrease in mucosal secretion and an antispasmodic effect. This versatility makes anticholinergics indispensable painkillers for gastritis.
- Platifilin (analogue of palyufin). It is used in several dosage forms - tablets (1-3 times a day), drops (10 drops 2 times a day), injections (1-2 ml 2-3 times a day).
- Gangleron. In addition to an excellent analgesic effect, it helps to enhance the motor function of the stomach. You can take it in capsules (0.04 g before meals 3-4 times a day), or do subcutaneous or intravenous injections (2 ml of 1.5% solution 3 times a day).
- Gastrozem. Excellently reduces the excessive activity of the mucosal glands to produce acid, which causes pain. Taken twice a day, 25 mg for 2-3 weeks.
- Histodil. It has a similar effect by blocking cholinergic receptors. It is prescribed 0.2 g three times a day with meals, and a double dose of the drug is taken at night.
- Taking anticholinergics such as Aprofen, Atropine, Buscopan, Ganglefen, Difacil, Gastrocepin will be effective.
How to choose tablets for gastritis
It is important to consult a doctor; only a specialist can make the correct diagnosis and select a drug for the treatment of various forms of gastritis. Therapy varies depending on whether it is an acute or chronic process.
On a note
Gastritis of the stomach: what diet to follow with such a diagnosis
Diet features
Proper nutrition is the key to minimizing relapses of gastritis.
- Regular fractional meals in equal portions.
- Only high-quality food, freshly prepared.
- Lack of fatty, spicy, smoked, fried foods containing a lot of spices and additives, raw vegetables, buns, legumes.
- Eating steamed or boiled foods.
- The presence in the menu of cereals, mashed potatoes, chicken, lean meat and fish, weak tea, cocoa with milk, honey, crackers, etc. on the recommendation of a doctor.
Treatment of acute gastritis
Obviously, the most important part of treating acute gastritis is removing the irritating substance when it is detected. Simple antacid medications, more potent H2 antagonists, or proton pump inhibitors are useful in reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. Anti-nausea medications may be needed.
Consultation with a doctor for further investigations and more advanced treatments will be necessary if symptoms do not resolve quickly or if the vomit contains blood. When helicobacteriosis is diagnosed, treatment includes antibiotics, often in combination with bismuth preparations for up to two weeks. Most cases resolve quickly if the irritant or infection is removed.
Causes of the disease
Most often , gastritis of any form occurs in schoolchildren . The age from 6 to 17 years is a period of active development and growth, which creates favorable factors for damage to the body. Reasons include:
- unhealthy diet (chips, fast food, carbonated drinks, fatty and spicy foods, smoked foods). This is the most common cause of gastritis;
- eating spoiled food containing harmful microorganisms;
- lack of system in eating - irregular meals with long intervals and excessively large portions;
- excessive physical activity;
- lack of physical activity;
- psycho-mental excessive stress at school, lack of rest, leading to impaired production of gastric juice, poor appetite;
- damage by infections and/or toxins;
- general allergic reactions.
Treatment of chronic gastritis
Elimination of any causative infection (usually Helicobacter pylori) with antibiotics is important to prevent the progression of chronic gastritis, but the gastric mucosa rarely returns to normal. Vitamin B12 deficiency is treated with intermittent injections.
Patients with severe changes in the lining of the stomach (ie, precancerous changes in the lining of the stomach) may need an upper endoscopy every year to identify and treat lesions that may develop into cancer.
What to do to prevent illness
In fact, dealing with Helicobacter pylori, stopping frequent use of painkillers, not drinking too much alcohol and not taking too long breaks between meals is the best prevention of gastritis. And in order to prevent functional dyspepsia (after all, it is this that most often causes stomach discomfort), Alexey Golovenko advises not to forget about training: regular physical activity reduces unpleasant symptoms. It is also useful to learn how to cope with stress more easily - meditation can help with this.
Popular questions and answers
We asked questions about the causes of gastritis and their elimination to gastroenterologist, therapist Vera Samsonova.
Why can there be gastritis?
Acute gastritis is caused by acute irritants that coat the mucous membrane that protects the stomach tissue.
Irritants include aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), poisons (including strong alcohol), and some infections, including the early stages of Helicobacter pylori infection. The inflammation usually resolves quickly when the irritant is removed. Helicobacter pylori is one of many bacteria that is commonly found in the stomach. It is estimated that more than half the world's population has this bacteria but never experiences any problems. However, Helicobacter pylori infection may increase the risk of developing stomach cancer, gastritis, or peptic ulcers. Chronic gastritis usually results from Helicobacter Pylori infection. In our country, the infection is present in approximately 20% of children, and more than 50% of adults and elderly people. Infection rates among adults in underdeveloped countries can reach 90%.
Other causes of chronic gastritis may include:
● autoimmune disease; ● specific rare infections (ie HIV/AIDS); ● Crohn's disease; ● gastric operations, which increase the effect of bile entering it on the stomach.
What to do if you have gastritis?
Acute gastritis usually causes acute indigestion with upper abdominal pain or discomfort as the body tries to get rid of the irritant.
Other symptoms may include: ● nausea and vomiting, severe bloating with flatulence; ● weight loss or lack of appetite. In the vast majority of cases, chronic gastritis does not cause symptoms. When damage to the mucosa is severe and long-lasting, the stomach loses its ability to produce acid. This may cause digestive upset. There is also a loss of the ability to secrete a substance called intrinsic factor, which is necessary for the absorption of an important vitamin, B12. Vitamin B12 deficiency eventually leads to a condition called pernicious anemia.
When the symptoms of acute gastritis are quite severe, you need to see a doctor. Diagnosis can usually be made based on medical history. However, direct examination of the gastric mucosa using EGD is needed when the problem persists or bleeding occurs. Inflammatory changes are usually limited to the stomach. Other tests - blood tests, x-rays and scans - are not usually carried out unless an alternative condition is suspected during the test.
When should you call an ambulance?
Dangerous symptoms of gastritis that require immediate help should be: ● vomiting blood, black stools; ● constant nausea with vomiting and weight loss; ● severe malaise, dizziness, loss of consciousness.
Is it possible to do the treatment yourself?
Once the cause is determined, steps can be taken to avoid exposure.
For example, if alcohol causes inflammation, you may want to stop drinking alcohol or reduce the amount you drink. Anti-inflammatory drugs taken to treat other conditions may need to be stopped or replaced with others. Medications – Tablets are available to reduce stomach acid. You may need to take these medications for several weeks or months, depending on your situation.
Dietary modifications – such as limiting or avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which can irritate the stomach lining.
Why folk remedies and dietary supplements will not help
Self-medication of gastritis or stomach ulcers with dietary supplements, as well as plantain decoction, sea buckthorn oil, badger fat and other “finds” of traditional medicine, even if they once helped your grandmother, according to experts, is useless and may even worsen the condition. When you try a “magic pill,” you are participating in a lottery: such remedies have not been tested in clinical studies, which means you can only guess what the result will be.
Alexey Paramonov cites a case that happened to his patient: a man was diagnosed with three stomach ulcers, but instead of the prescribed treatment, he went to hunt a badger - he remembered that badger fat saves him from illness. As a result, the fat for breakfast, lunch and dinner provoked severe bleeding from the ulcers - the patient was saved at the last moment. And after the extermination of Helicobacter and a course of drugs that reduce acidity, the person managed to fully recover in less than a month.
