Gastric infection is inflammation of the stomach wall. This inflammation is initiated by an imbalance of stomach acid which then attacks and erodes the stomach wall.
The stomach wall that is eroded by stomach acid can become sores or ulcers. If left untreated, this condition can lead to an infection caused by the H. pylori bacteria. Below are some more complete explanations of how gastric infections occur, what are the symptoms, and what dangers can occur.
How Do Stomach Infections Occur?
The stomach basically produces acid which functions to digest food, besides that the stomach also kills bacteria in the stomach. So that the stomach wall is not damaged by stomach acid, the stomach produces mucus as a natural protector. The amount of protective mucus and gastric acid under normal circumstances is in balance. In addition to protecting the stomach wall, this mucus also protects the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Gastritis or the early stages of stomach infection can occur if the amount of stomach acid is more than the protective mucus, so that stomach acid erodes the stomach wall.
Other Causes of Stomach Infection
In more severe conditions, the cause of gastric infection is not only due to imbalanced stomach acid levels, but also the presence of H. pylori bacteria in the stomach.
H. pylori is a bacterium that grows in the digestive tract that is spiral-shaped and can attack the stomach wall. Infections caused by these bacteria can increase a person's risk of developing inflammation in the stomach or stomach ulcers.
In addition, gastric infections can also be caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, consumption of alcoholic beverages, autoimmune disorders that make the immune system attack body tissues and cells. Stressful conditions due to accidents, critical illness or major surgery, can also cause gastritis or stomach infections.
Stomach Infection Symptoms
Symptoms of a stomach infection include:
- Throw up.
- Nauseous.
- bloating.
- Pain or stinging sensation.
If the gastric infection is severe it progresses to a peptic ulcer (stomach ulcer), then the symptoms that appear are:
- Pain at the bottom of the breastbone, or just above the stomach.
- Bloating, vomiting, and not feeling well.
Ignoring the symptoms, not treating them properly, or not following the doctor's advice, can lead to a more dangerous condition. For example, gastric bleeding, a hole in the stomach wall, food that wants to be channeled from the stomach to the small intestine is blocked, and infection of the lining of the abdominal cavity.
Immediately consult your condition to the doctor, if you experience some of the symptoms above. In addition, also change your lifestyle to be healthier, avoid drinking alcohol, and consume healthy foods. Do not let the stomach infection get worse, give treatment as soon as possible.