Atrophy of the gastric mucosa is a pathological process that develops as a result of inflammation, which is accompanied by the gradual death of functional cells and their replacement by scar tissue. The disease is a precancerous stage and therefore requires immediate treatment.
It is impossible to completely cure the disease; you can slow down the process of irreversible changes, reduce the area of the degenerated area and restore the functionality of the stomach.
We will tell you:
- Causes of gastric atrophy
- Consequence of lack of treatment
- Treatment of atrophy of the gastric mucosa
- Diet for illness
- Is it possible to cure gastric atrophy forever?
- The effectiveness of using Neurodoctor for treatment
Drug treatment of atrophic gastritis in adults: review of drugs and their effects
The atrophic form of gastritis is a very serious disease that, if not treated in a timely manner, leads to stomach cancer.
Treatment of the disease consists of medication and diet. Drug treatment of atrophic gastritis in adults is aimed at restoring the functions of the gastric mucosa, relieving pain and destroying the causative agent of gastritis (Helicobacter pylori bacteria). The choice of medications, as well as the course of their use, depends on the causes of the disease. Let's figure out how to treat atrophic gastritis of the stomach.
How to avoid such problems?
Remember that atrophic gastritis can be cured only if you consult a specialist in time and follow all his recommendations. It is necessary to eat properly, in small portions 5-6 times a day. The stomach should not be overloaded with a huge amount of food.
To prevent gastritis, you should definitely get enough sleep. At night, it is advisable to leave the window open to allow fresh air to enter the room. Any stressful situations should be avoided, and during physical activity you should not allow yourself to become overworked, since this interferes with the production of gastric juice.
If you follow all these tips, after the disease goes into remission, you can live a full life without worrying about your health.
Symptoms of the disease
The chronic inflammatory process that causes atrophic gastritis of the stomach leads to thinning of the mucous membrane of the internal organ, resulting in a disruption in the secretion of gastric juice and the absorption of beneficial substances supplied with food by the mucosal cells.
During the development of the disease, part of the functional cells of the inner lining is replaced by connective tissue, which does not perform the desired function, so this type of gastritis occurs with low acidity. Patients complain of:
- lack of appetite;
- epigastric pain;
- heaviness in the stomach after eating;
- burping of stale food.
Due to poor digestion, patients do not want to eat, their immunity decreases, and dyspeptic disorders (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting) are observed. The lack of nutrients in the body leads to patients' nails breaking and hair falling out. In addition, patients complain of constant fatigue, lethargy, and decreased performance.
The presence of these symptoms, together with the results of laboratory and instrumental studies, makes it possible to make a diagnosis: atrophic gastritis.
Causes and mechanism of disease development
Chronic atrophic gastritis autoimmune . Atrophy of the gastric mucosa in autoimmune gastritis develops due to the fact that the immune system produces antibodies to parietal cells that produce hydrochloric acid and internal Castle factor, which is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12. These antibodies cause their death. As autoimmune inflammation progresses, there are fewer and fewer such cells in the stomach. Because of this, it is observed:
- atrophy of the mucous membrane;
- reduction in the production of hydrochloric acid, up to its complete absence;
- development of B12-dependent anemia.
The causes of autoimmune gastritis are not fully understood, but it is believed that heredity plays an important role in this.
Chronic atrophic gastritis multifactorial . Most experts believe that almost any type of chronic inflammation of the stomach sooner or later ends in the death of cells of the mucous membrane and its atrophy. On average, from the moment of diagnosis of ordinary superficial gastritis, which can even be accompanied by increased acidity, and until the loss of parietal cells, about 17-19 years pass.
It is believed that the gastric mucosa undergoes atrophy due to the fact that its regenerative ability gradually weakens. Normally, mucosal cells are renewed every 2-6 days. Any surface of an ulcer or erosion can be covered with new cells already in the first days due to the fact that cells migrate from the nearest folds of the mucosa. But in the case of frequent exacerbation of the inflammatory process, the resources for recovery are increasingly depleted, so hyperacid gastritis eventually turns into gastritis with normal and then reduced production of hydrochloric acid (HCl).
The following factors contribute to the appearance of prolonged inflammation and the subsequent development of atrophy:
- spicy and fatty foods;
- duodenogastric reflux - periodic reflux of bile and duodenal contents into the stomach;
- concomitant chronic illnesses that impair the blood supply to this organ;
- presence of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach;
- taking NSAIDs, hormones and other drugs that irritate the gastric mucosa;
- smoking;
- alcohol;
- addiction to hot spices;
- heredity;
- erratic daily routine;
- autoimmune reactions and much more.
Drugs for the treatment of atrophic gastritis
The choice of medications depends on what causes gastritis. The following drugs are recommended for atrophic gastritis of the stomach:
- If the disease is caused by the bacterium X. pylori, then medications are prescribed that can destroy the pathogen ( Metronidazole ).
- Medicines are prescribed that stimulate the production of gastric secretions ( Plantaglucid ).
- Antacid drugs . Reduce the negative effect of hydrochloric acid on the inner lining of the stomach ( Almagel , Phosphalugel ).
- Gastroprotectors . Renew damaged cells of the gastric mucosa ( Solcoseryl ).
- Painkillers and antispasmodics ( No-shpa , Platyfillin ).
- To improve gastric motility, pyrokinetics ( Motylium , Cirukal ) are used.
- If research results reveal that the stomach does not produce secretions at all (0 acidity), then replacement therapy is used. That is, they give the patient gastric juice, abomin.
- In case of insufficient pancreatic function, patients are prescribed enzymes ( Panzinorm or Mezim , Creon ).
- For the atrophic form of gastritis caused by autoimmune disorders, glucocorticoids .
- Vitamin preparations. Increases the body's resistance to inflammatory processes.
- Antidiarrheal medications ( Loperamide ).
- If gastritis occurs due to an unstable emotional state (neurosis, psychosis), then sedatives are used ( Persen , Novo-passit ).
Types and characteristic symptoms
Chronic hyper- or normacid gastritis . Although usually mass cell death does not occur with this type of inflammation, when the process spreads deeper in places, focal atrophy of the mucosa in the antrum of the stomach is observed. Inflammation also often affects the duodenum, causing duodenitis. In this case, the following may be observed:
- constipation;
- heartburn;
- belching with sour air;
- occasional nausea.
Pain with this form of gastritis, especially in combination with duodenitis, often resembles that of a peptic ulcer - at night, on an empty stomach, 1.5-2 hours after eating (however, unlike an ulcer, they are less intense and less likely to be associated with seasonality, subside when following a diet and occur when it is inaccurate).
Symptoms revealed using laboratory and instrumental methods:
- Contrast radiography - impaired motility, thickening of the folds of the inner lining of the stomach, signs of hypersecretion of gastric juice on an empty stomach.
- FGDS - redness, swelling of the mucous membrane, the presence of mucus or bile in the stomach.
- Histology - a picture of superficial gastritis and focal atrophy in the antrum of the stomach, unchanged mucosa or superficial gastritis in the fundus.
- Palpation of the abdomen - moderate or slight pain in the epigastric region and slightly to the right.
- pH-metry - normal or increased secretion of HCl.
Omeprazole for atrophic gastritis
The drug is prescribed for the treatment of chronic gastritis. The medicine belongs to the group of PPIs (proton pump inhibitors). Their action is aimed at reducing the aggressive effect of hydrochloric acid on the gastric mucosa by reducing the acidity of gastric secretions. Thus, omeprazole promotes the healing of the affected wall of the internal organ.
Often, a drug is prescribed for gastritis with reduced secretion only when the disease is caused by bacteria. Omeprazole in this case has an antimicrobial effect.
When treated with omeprazole, patients may experience:
- headache;
- sleep disturbance;
- apathy;
- drowsiness;
- decreased performance;
- changes in blood formula;
- muscle weakness;
- allergy.
Any adverse reactions to omeprazole should be reported to your doctor. He will adjust the dose or replace the drug.
Types of medicines
Treatment of atrophic gastritis involves taking medications. To relieve pain symptoms, discomfort, as well as eliminate the cause of the pathology, special medications are prescribed. There are types of medicines for atrophic gastritis that must be used as part of the therapeutic course:
- antibiotics;
- inhibitors;
- gastroprotectors;
- blockers;
- antispasmodics;
- products containing enzymes;
- antioxidant, tonic drugs;
- vitamin complexes.
Therapy is carried out in accordance with the form and severity of atrophic gastritis. The tablets can be taken after the gastroenterologist has made an accurate diagnosis.
Antibiotics
The use of potent medications is aimed at removing pathogenic substances and infections from the body, which often cause damage to stomach tissue. They should be taken together with medications that restore the natural intestinal microflora after a course of antibiotics.
Potent drugs that are prescribed for the atrophic form of gastritis include:
- Panclave;
- Ospamox;
- Flemoxin.
The substances should be taken for 7 to 10 days, two to three times a day. In adults, the dose of the drug is calculated based on the form of development of the pathology, in children - the weight category. Antibiotics can be presented in the form of tablets, capsules, suspensions.
Inhibitors
Such drugs are prescribed for gastritis with high acidity. Inhibitors help reduce the level of hydrochloric acid and protect the walls of the digestive organ from the occurrence of stomach ulcers. Medicines are aimed at normalizing acidity and the amount of enzymes in the production of gastric juice. Proton pump inhibitors include:
- Omeprazole;
- Ezocar;
- Nolpaza.
These medications are prescribed to be taken once a day before bedtime. The course of taking inhibitors ranges from 14 to 30 days.
Gastroprotectors
Drugs with protective effects ensure the envelopment of damaged cells of the gastric mucosa, as a result of which it is impossible for harmful substances and microorganisms that negatively affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract to penetrate into the organ of the digestive system. Gastroprotectors are also suitable for eliminating disturbing symptomatic signs - heartburn, nausea, cramps. Protective equipment includes:
- Hilak Forte;
- De-Nol;
- Venter;
- Vikair.
Blockers
Preparations of this type help prevent the production of substances that negatively affect the epithelium of the inflamed walls of the stomach, cause vomiting, nausea, and also prevent an increase in hydrochloric acid. For atrophic gastritis, the best medicine is Famotidine, which blocks the production of histamine. Taking the drug with meals up to 2 times a day is allowed for 14 to 60 days.
Antispasmodic drugs
With the atrophic form of gastritis, patients complain of frequent pain syndromes. To relieve discomfort in the stomach, you can take antispasmodic drugs, which include:
- Smazmolgon;
- No-Shpa;
- Metacin et al.
For severe stomach pain, you should resort to the use of products consisting of metamizole sodium. Such antispasmodics are contraindicated for pregnant women and children.
Products containing enzymes
Medicines containing pepsin and betaine are prescribed for atrophic gastritis with low acidity. Enzymes enhance the production of gastric juice, the glands of which are responsible for digestion, and restore the level of secretion. To improve the process, which promotes the absorption of the resulting vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, acid-containing drugs are prescribed:
- Pancreatin;
- Enzistal;
- Panzinorm.
The therapeutic course of taking enzymes can last for several years as a preventive measure to maintain the balance of secretion.
Antioxidant, tonic drugs
Medicines are aimed at restoring damaged areas of the epithelium and improving metabolism in the body. Drugs that affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract include Solcoseryl, Befungin.
Vitamin complexes
For atrophic gastritis, it is necessary to use drugs containing vitamins of group 12, which in this pathology cease to be absorbed. An effective drug is Cyanocobalamin, which is available in injection forms.
Gastritis of the atrophic form must be treated comprehensively: in addition to drug therapy, it is recommended to monitor nutrition and follow a diet, as well as use folk remedies for indigestion.
The atrophic form of gastritis is a dangerous type of gastrointestinal disease. It leads not only to deterioration of the digestive system, but also to the possible development of cancer. After confirmation of the diagnosis, it is recommended to follow preventive measures throughout life: this is not only proper nutrition, alternative treatment, but also drug therapy.
We recommend: What is hypoacid gastritis and how is it treated?
De-nol
The drug has a wide spectrum of action ( antimicrobial , astringent , gastroprotective ). Under the influence of the drug, a film is formed on the surface of the stomach lining, protecting the mucous membrane from the harmful effects of hydrochloric acid. A protective film is formed only on the affected areas, which promotes speedy healing.
De-nol for atrophic gastritis, reviews of which are mostly positive, is recommended by doctors because it has an antimicrobial effect against the bacteria X. pylori , which causes gastritis. Under the influence of the drug, the vital functions of microorganisms and their ability to reproduce occur. In addition, the drug helps restore cells in the inner lining of the stomach.
When treating with de-nol, you should refrain from using antacids (they reduce its effect).
Omeprazole and de-nol are used to treat chronic gastritis with increased secretion. In the case of using these drugs for the treatment of the atrophic form of the disease, which occurs with reduced acidity, hydrochloric acid preparations (pepsin) are prescribed to improve the digestion process. During the treatment period, the doctor prescribes a diet and recommends giving up bad habits.
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Classification of the disease
There are several types of chronic gastritis. Depending on the degree of destruction of the mucous membrane, there are:
- Inflammation of the stomach with focal atrophy. This pathology is accompanied by high acidity. Certain areas of the stomach stop producing gastric juice, and the remaining healthy cells try to compensate for the lack of hydrochloric acid by increasing its secretion.
- Atrophic gastritis of the antral type. As a rule, ulcers appear on the damaged mucosa, and in rare cases, malignant formations.
- Atrophic hyperplastic gastritis, treatment of which with folk remedies allows you to stop the development of the disease. Due to metaplastic rearrangements of the mucosa, there is a high risk of developing oncological processes.
- Diffuse atrophic gastritis. This disease most often occurs in patients who abuse alcohol.
