Gastritis is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases in the population and can affect people of different ages and lifestyles. According to the City Hall of São Paulo, about 50% of the Brazilian population lives with gastritis, often without realizing it, since the symptoms are not always evident. Even so, when not diagnosed and treated properly, the condition can progress and compromise quality of life.
In this article, you will understand what gastritis is, what its causes are, and the importance of ongoing treatment of the disease.
What is gastritis?
Gastritis can be defined as an acute or chronic inflammation of the stomach lining. This inflammation can lead to intense pain, heartburn, and burning sensations. In addition, the patient may also experience loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
Gastritis can manifest in different forms, classified as erosive and non-erosive, depending on the severity of the lesion in the mucosa.
Non-erosive
is Non-erosive gastritis characterized by changes in the gastric lining. These changes can range from atrophy to tissue transformation (metaplasia). In this case, it is common and frequent for various types of white blood cells to accumulate in the stomach, leading to different levels of inflammation, which can occur throughout the stomach or only in part of the tissue.
Erosive gastritis
is Erosive gastritis considered a more serious condition than non-erosive gastritis. This is because, in addition to inflammation, it can also lead to corrosion of the gastric lining. In this case, it may manifest as bleeding, or present few or no symptoms.
Furthermore, the classification of gastritis as acute or chronic varies according to the type of inflammatory cell.
Causes and risk factors of gastritis
The causes of gastritis are varied. In general, infectious factors, emotional stress, injuries, medications, alcohol consumption, and immune system disorders can cause the condition. However, the specific causes vary depending on the type of gastritis.
In the case of erosive gastritis, for example, some of these factors can cause the condition. Among them are alcoholic beverages and stress from illness or irritating substances. However, the most common causes are more specific and include radiation, bacterial and viral infections, ingestion of corrosive substances and internal injuries, or Crohn's disease.
Non-erosive gastritis, on the other hand, usually occurs due to infection by the bacterium H. pylori. When not identified early, the bacterium can lead to the worsening of non-erosive gastritis to erosive gastritis. The infection can also lead to peptic ulcers and certain types of stomach cancer.
How is gastritis diagnosed and treated?
Gastritis is usually asymptomatic. However, it can manifest through pain, discomfort, nausea or vomiting, and digestive problems. The intensity and variation of symptoms also depend on the type of gastritis.
In addition to the symptoms, to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor should order an endoscopy to investigate the matter further. During the examination, the doctor analyzes images to examine the stomach and part of the small intestine. In some cases, a biopsy of the gastric lining may also be necessary.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor begins treatment with medications that reduce or inhibit acid production, in addition to advising on changes in routine and eating habits. When the condition is infectious, antibiotics are also necessary to treat the infection. In more severe cases, surgical intervention to remove part of the stomach may be required.
The importance of medical follow-up
Although gastritis is a common condition, it should not be underestimated. When not diagnosed and treated properly, it can develop into more serious conditions, such as ulcers, bleeding, and even more complex diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, when experiencing persistent or recurring symptoms, the patient should seek specialized medical evaluation. With correct diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and lifestyle adjustments, it is possible to control inflammation, relieve symptoms, and preserve stomach health in the long term.
Furthermore, ongoing medical follow-up is essential to ensure the effectiveness of treatment and prevent recurrence of gastritis. The gastroenterologist can adjust medication, monitor the body's response, and identify potential complications early, especially in chronic cases or those associated with H. pylori.
Maintaining regular checkups also allows for guidance on lifestyle changes and dietary habits. These factors directly influence the progression of the disease and contribute to maintaining long-term gastrointestinal health.
