Gastritis is inflammation in the soft mucous lining of your stomach. This lining is a protective barrier in your stomach. When it’s inflamed, it means it’s under attack. It might be from an infection, a substance you ingested or digestive chemicals.
2. Gastritis
• Gastritis (inflammation of the gastric or
stomach mucosa) is a common GI problem,
accounting for approximately 2 million visits
to outpatient clinics annually in the United. It
affects women and men about equally and is
more common in older adults.
3. • Gastritis Types :
1. Acute, lasting several hours to a few days
2. Chronic , resulting from repeated exposure to irritating agents or
recurring episodes of acute gastritis.
Acute gastritis may be classified as( erosive or nonerosive) based upon
pathologic manifestations present in the gastric mucosa .
A. The erosive form of acute gastritis is most often caused by
1. local irritants such as aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen )
2. Alcohol consumption
3. Gastric radiation therapy .
B. The non erosive form of acute gastritis is most often caused by an
infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) . It is estimated that 70% of
individuals in developing countries and between 30% and 40% of individuals
in the United States and other industrialized countries are infected with H.
pylori.
4. Clinical Manifestations of Acute Gastritis
1. May have rapid onset of symptoms: abdominal discomfort.
2. Headache
3. lassitude.
4. Nausea.
5. Anorexia
6. Vomiting
7. hiccupping
Clinical Manifestations of Chronic Gastritis
1. • May be asymptomatic.
2. • Complaints of anorexia
3. heartburn after eating,
4. belching.
5. A sour taste in the mouth
6. nausea and vomiting.
7. Patients with chronic gastritis from vitamin deficiency usually have
evidence of malabsorption of vitamin B12.
5. Assessment and Diagnostic Findings
• • Gastritis is sometimes associated with achlorhydria or hypochlorhydria
(absence or low levels of hydrochloric acid) or with high acid levels.
• • Upper gastrointestinal (GI) x-ray series, endoscopy.
• • Biopsy with histologic examination are performed.
• • Serologic testing for antibodies to the H. pylori antigen and a breath
test may be performed.
Medical Management
Acute Gastritis
The gastric mucosa is capable of repairing itself after an episode of gastritis.
As a rule, the patient recovers in about 1 day, although the appetite may be
diminished for an additional 2 or 3 days. The patient should refrain from
alcohol and eating until symptoms subside. Then the patient can progress to
a nonirritating diet. If symptoms persist, intravenous fluids may be
necessary. If bleeding is present, management is similar to that of upper GI
tract hemorrhage If gastritis is due to ingestion of strong acids or alkali,
dilute and neutralize the acid with common antacids (eg, aluminum
hydroxide); neutralize alkali with diluted lemon juice or diluted vinegar.
6. If corrosion is extensive or severe, avoid emetics
and lavage because of danger of perforation.
Supportive therapy may include nasogastric
intubation, analgesic agents and sedatives,
antacids, and IV fluids. Fiberoptic endoscopy
may be necessary; emergency surgery may be
required to remove gangrenous or perforated
tissue; gastric resection (gastrojejunectomy)
7. Chronic Gastritis
• Diet modification, rest, stress reduction,
avoidance of alcohol and NSAIDs.
• Pharmacotherapy are key treatment
measures.
• Gastritis related to H. pylori infection is
treated with selected drug combinations.
8. Complications of untreated chronic gastritis
include:
1. Anemia: Erosive gastritis can cause chronic bleeding
which, in turn, can lead to anemia
2. Atrophic gastritis: Chronic inflammation in the stomach
can cause the loss of both the stomach lining and glands
3. Peptic ulcers: Ulcers can form in the lining of the
stomach and duodenum
4. Growths in the stomach lining: The risk of both benign
and malignant growths increases in people with gastritis.
If Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria cause gastritis,
they also increase the risk of a specific form of cancer
known as gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue
(MALT) lymphoma.
Acute gastritis does not typically lead to complications.