Chronic gastritis: what it is, symptoms and treatment

Chronic gastritis is inflammation of the gastric mucosa that lasts for more than three months and, in many cases, does not cause any symptoms. This is because this inflammation has a very slow evolution, occurring more frequently in elderly people who take daily medication, which leads to irritation and continuous inflammation of the stomach.

However, chronic gastritis can also happen in people who have an infection with some type of bacteria in the stomach, usually H. pylori , or who consume alcohol in excess, for example.

Although, in most cases, chronic gastritis does not have very specific symptoms, some people may report mild pain in the upper abdomen, especially when they go without eating for a long time. The diagnosis can be made by a gastroenterologist based on the symptoms, but also on the result of an exam known as digestive endoscopy, which allows you to view the internal walls in the stomach. Check out how digestive endoscopy is done and what the preparation is.

Main symptoms

In many cases, as a condition that evolves very slowly, chronic gastritis does not cause any specific symptoms. However, people who have symptoms usually report abdominal discomfort, associated with other symptoms that are listed below. Check the symptoms you have:

1. Constant and prick-shaped stomach pain Yes No
2. Feeling sick or having a full stomach Yes No
3. Swollen and sore belly Yes No
4. Slow digestion and frequent belching Yes No
5. Headache and general malaise Yes No
6. Loss of appetite, vomiting or retching Yes No

In addition, chronic gastritis can lead to the formation of stomach ulcers, which are very painful wounds that cause symptoms such as a full stomach, pain and burning in the middle of the abdomen. Find out what are the symptoms of gastric ulcer.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of chronic gastritis is not always easy, as it is a condition that usually does not cause symptoms. However, in the case of people who report some type of discomfort, the doctor usually starts by asking for an endoscopy, which is an exam through which it is possible to observe the inside of the stomach walls, allowing to see if there is inflammation.

When there is inflammation, the doctor usually evaluates the person's history, to identify if there is any type of medication or habit that may be causing this change. In addition, during the endoscopy exam, it is also common for the doctor to take some samples to analyze in the laboratory if there is any infection by H. pylori .

Classification of chronic gastritis

Chronic gastritis can be classified according to the stage of inflammation or according to the part of the stomach that has been affected.

According to the stage of inflammation, chronic gastritis can be classified into:

Mild or superficial chronic gastritis, in which only part of the stomach has been affected, usually the outermost part, and represents the initial phase of chronic gastritis; Chronic moderate gastritis, in which the stomach is already much more affected, being considered a more advanced phase; Gastric atrophy, which occurs when the stomach wall is completely inflamed and has lesions that can turn into stomach cancer, is the most severe phase of chronic gastritis.

Regarding the part of the stomach that has been affected, chronic gastritis can be:

Antral chronic gastritis, in which the final part of the stomach is affected and usually happens due to the infection of the bacterium Helycobacter pylori - see how to get it and how to treat the infection by H. pylori ; Chronic gastritis in the body of the stomach, where inflammation is seen in the central region of the stomach and usually occurs due to reactions of the immune system.

Depending on the type of gastritis, the gastroenterologist can determine the best form of treatment.

How the treatment is done

The treatment for chronic gastritis is established by the gastroenterologist and includes the use of drugs that inhibit acid production such as Omeprazole and Ranitidine, which will form a protective layer on the stomach wall, preventing gastric juice from causing inflammation and leading to ulcers. gastric. See what are the remedies used for gastritis.

In addition, it is necessary to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole foods that are easy to digest, avoiding foods rich in fats, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, as they increase inflammation in the stomach. Here's how the diet should be:

Here are some more tips on what the diet for gastritis and ulcer should look like.

Who is most at risk of gastritis

The risk of developing chronic gastritis is greater in people who have unhealthy habits for stomach health, such as:

Eating a diet that is very high in fat; Having a diet with a lot of salt; Being a smoker; Drinking alcohol in excess; Using medication daily, especially anti-inflammatory drugs.

In addition, having a very stressful lifestyle or having an autoimmune disease can also lead to changes in the functioning of the immune system that end up preventing the stomach cells from protecting themselves, being more affected by gastric acid.