In contrast to acute gastritis which is temporary, chronic gastritis symptoms appear repeatedly in the long term. Symptoms of chronic gastritis should not be ignored, because if it is not treated, it can lead to more serious complications.
Chronic gastritis or also called chronic gastritis is a digestive disorder due to inflammation of the stomach wall that appears slowly and can last for months or even years.
The emergence of chronic ulcer symptoms can be caused by several factors, ranging from bacterial infections to Helicobacter pylori, side effects of certain drugs, excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, diabetes and kidney failure, to disorders of the immune system that cause inflammation of the stomach wall.
Variety GSymptoms of Chronic Ulcer
Although chronic gastritis does not always cause symptoms, some sufferers can feel symptoms of chronic gastritis. Here are some of the symptoms that can appear:
- Abdominal pain in the pit of the stomach
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach feels bloated
- A feeling of fullness or bloating in the upper stomach after eating
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
Complications of Chronic Gastritis
Untreated chronic gastritis can lead to serious complications, including:
1. Stomach ulcer
Gastric ulcers are sores on the stomach wall. This condition can occur in chronic gastritis caused by infection Helicobacter pylori or long-term use of NSAIDs. People with peptic ulcers will usually experience symptoms of severe pain in the upper abdomen.
2. Atrophic gastritisfi
Atrophic gastritis occurs when chronic inflammation of the stomach lining causes loss of the lining and glands in the lining of the stomach wall.
3. Anemia
Chronic gastritis that develops into atrophic gastritis can cause impaired absorption of vitamin B12 in the stomach. The long-term impact is a lack of vitamin B12 which can cause pernicious anemia.
4. Kanker
Untreated chronic gastritis can erode the lining of the stomach and cause changes in the structure of the lining. This condition is at risk of developing gastric cancer.
Types of Chronic Gastritis Based on the Cause
Chronic gastritis is divided into 3 types based on the cause. The following are the types of chronic gastritis:
Type A chronic gastritis
Type A chronic gastritis is an ulcer that occurs because the immune system can attack stomach cells. This type of chronic gastritis can increase the risk of vitamin deficiency, anemia, and even cancer.
Type B chronic gastritis
This type of chronic gastritis is the most common type. The cause is infection Helicobacter pylori. This condition can cause stomach ulcers, intestinal ulcers, and stomach cancer.
Chronic gastritis type C
This condition is caused by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and long-term consumption of alcoholic beverages. This type of chronic gastritis can cause erosion of the stomach wall and bleeding.
Other types of chronic gastritis that can appear are: giant hypertrophic gastritis associated with protein deficiency, and eosinophilic gastritis associated with allergic conditions, such as asthma or eczema.
Chronic Gastritis Treatment
In dealing with chronic gastritis, there are several ways you can do, including:
Healthy eating pattern
To reduce symptoms of chronic gastritis, your doctor may recommend dietary changes. If the symptoms of chronic gastritis that you feel make your stomach uncomfortable when eating, you are advised to eat smaller portions but more often.
You will be advised to avoid foods and drinks that can irritate the stomach, such as:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Caffeinated Drinks
- Spicy or sour food
- Foods high in salt and fat
In addition, you will also be advised to eat foods that are safe for the stomach, such as:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Foods high in probiotics, such as yogurt and kimchi
- Vegetable protein, such as tofu and tempeh
- Animal protein that is low in saturated fat, such as chicken breast and fish
You may also be given nutritional supplements to meet the reduced intake of nutrients due to your stomach condition, such as vitamin B12 or iron.
Drugs
Generally, doctors will prescribe antacids to relieve stomach acid. In addition, your doctor may also prescribe proton pump inhibitors to block stomach acid production. Antibiotics may also be needed for cases of chronic ulcers caused by bacterial infections H. pylori.
Symptoms of chronic gastritis can seriously interfere with daily activities. However, these symptoms can improve if controlled with a good diet and drugs taken regularly. In addition, regular monitoring of the condition of the stomach to the doctor is also necessary to anticipate complications.
If the symptoms of chronic gastritis that you experience are getting worse and more frequent, especially if they are accompanied by symptoms of black stools, vomiting blood, and continuing to lose weight, immediately consult a doctor for examination and treatment.