Acute gastric mucosal inflammation
causes
An acute (sudden) Inflammation of the stomach lining begins very quickly and often shows a connection with the ingestion of substances that damage the mucous membrane.
The Gastric mucosa has an alkaline protective film that protects it from aggressive Stomach acid and protects the enzymes of the stomach. This protective layer can be attacked by various factors, so that the gastric mucosa can be attacked.
The acute inflammation of the gastric mucosa is often a problem Alcohol excess and / or excessive Nicotine consumption (smoking) underlying or excessive use of medication, such as some Painkiller how Acetylsalicylic acid (ASS 100), and NSAIDs (e.g. Diclofenac (Voltaren ®), Ibuprofen).
In some cases, inflammation of the stomach lining results from a Food poisoning, which often with Vomit is associated. Excessive Coffee consumption and spicy foods can also affect the stomach lining.
If children accidentally drink acids or alkalis, one will develop Corrosive gastritis, which represents a life-threatening emergency (see also Esophagitis (med. esophagitis)).
A radiotherapy often harbors the risk that the gastric mucosa is partially irradiated as well, leading to radiation-induced gastric mucosal inflammation.
It often happens that gastric mucosal inflammation occurs as a concomitant disease in severe general illnesses. Especially in intensive care Patientwho require ventilation, have had a major operation, or have severe burns are at risk of so-called Stress gastritis.
In these patients there is a disturbance of the blood microcirculation in the gastric mucosa. In the majority of intensive care, critically ill patients, endoscopic (Gastroscopy) superficial gastric mucosal defects (erosions = gastric ulcer) can be detected and 6% of patients even get one Gastric bleeding (Gastric ulcer).
Anatomy gastritis
The detail shows the gastric mucosa enlarged. The mucous membrane defects, which appear as red spots in the mucous membrane, as areas of locally increased blood flow and, in some cases, bleeding into the mucous membrane tissue of the stomach, are clearly visible.
Symptoms / complaints
The signs (symptoms) of an acute inflammation of the stomach lining are Pain in the upper abdomenthat appear convulsively and even in the move can radiate. nausea and Vomit can occur especially with food poisoning. Patients also complain of frequent belching, bad taste in the mouth, and over Loss of appetite.
Unspecific symptoms like Flatulence, Digestive problems and general malaise are also part of the symptom complex.
Read a lot more information on this topic at: Symptoms of inflammation of the stomach lining
Layers of the stomach lining
- Mucosa (mucous membrane)
- Gastric ulcer
- Submucosa (connective tissue)
- Blood vessels
If the mucous membrane is damaged, it extends into the connective tissue underneath, which can lead to gastric bleeding.
Complications
The Gastric bleeding This can occur in the form of small punctiform (petechial) bleeding in the gastric mucosa, which can be seen with the endoscope. In the worst case, it can lead to fulminant bleeding with vomiting of blood (hematemesis). If it bleeds slowly and the stomach acid has time to break down the blood, it comes to one Coffee-like vomit.
These brown to black Blood mass can also be in the stool watch if the bleeding is not heavy enough to get around Induce vomiting. This phenomenon is also called Tarry stool (Melena).
However, if it bleeds very quickly, white blood will be vomited. If the bleeding is so heavy, the lack of blood can cause it to develop very quickly Circulatory shock (life-threatening drop in blood pressure) come.
Smaller bleeding will only be detected in a stool examination, including the smallest blood components (so-called occult, hidden blood) is able to recognize. With the bare eye such amounts of blood cannot be seen.
Of course, significant blood loss can also be determined with a blood test. It shows a lowered value for the red butterscotch (Hemoglobin (Hb)). The clinical picture of Anemia we as anemia designated.
Diagnosis of gastric mucosal inflammation
In the patient interview (Anamnese) can often be the seminal symptoms and causes of acute Inflammation of the stomach lining already raise. During the physical examination, pressure often falls in the upper abdomen (stomach triangle below the Sternum) on.
Sometimes the blood test shows the typical changes in Laboratory values with signs of inflammation (leukocytes, CRP value) elevated. Ultimately, the diagnosis can be made through a Gastroscopy (Gastroscopy) to back up.
Gastroscopy (gastroscopy):
The "reflection" (Endoscopy) of the stomach is used for direct assessment and classification of mucosal damage. A tube camera (endoscope) transfers images to a monitor so that the examiner can see the inside of the stomach. During the Endoscopy can also take tissue samples (Biopsy) taken from suspicious areas of the mucous membrane (tissue with suspected gastric mucosal inflammation) and examined under the microscope (histological = fine tissue). (Read more on the topic: Endoscopy)
The mucous membrane appears in acute gastric mucosal inflammation (gastritis) reddened and swollen. It may also have small punctiform (petechial) bleeding or appear very red, which indicates a strong tendency to bleed (hemorrhagic gastritis).
A microscopic examination then often shows the migration of inflammatory cells (leukocyte infiltrate) into the mucous membrane.
Bleeding can also be detected using an endoscope, which can then be stopped if necessary.
Therapy for acute gastric mucosal inflammation
Depending on the extent of the gastric mucosal inflammation, the therapy can be very different. First, however, you should always identify the triggering substance (alcohol, nicotine and Medication) strictly avoid.
In the harmless cases, one is sufficient diet to be adhered to, which in most cases arises by itself, as the patients often do not feel an appetite and at this point in time cannot tolerate food anyway. One should be later slow diet start with tea and rusks (Diet for gastritis). In the case of light forms, a Hot water bottle be very beneficial and pain relieving on the stomach.
For more severe forms, it may be necessary to initiate drug therapy. Against nausea and vomiting Nausea medication (Antiemetics) how Metoclopramide (Paspertin®) or Dimenhydrinate (Vomex A®) administer. If vomiting is very rapid and persistent, sometimes there is one Infusion with electrolytes necessary against salt loss.
Heartburn medication how Proton pump inhibitors (Omeprazole (Antra®) and for binding gastric acid like Antacids (Riopan®) can prevent further damage to the mucous membrane.
With strong Stomach cramps helps one antispasmodic drug how Buscopan®.
Gastric bleeding is a medical emergency and must be treated as quickly as possible. Since the hemorrhagic inflammation of the gastric mucosa is rather diffuse, the remedy is given Sucralfatewhich is deposited like a precipitate on the stomach lining and forms a kind of protective layer. It particularly protects erosions and ulcers (Gastric ulcer) from the aggressive stomach acid and thus accelerates its healing.
Medication for acute inflammation of the gastric mucosa
Probably the most frequently used group of drugs for acute gastric mucosal inflammation is the group of so-called Proton pump inhibitors. The problem with an inflamed stomach lining is stomach acid. This is permanently produced in the stomach, with production reaching its maximum during food intake. Stomach acid contains hydrochloric acid, which extremely damages the cells of the stomach lining. Therefore, the most effective therapy is to prevent gastric acid production. Without stomach acid, the cells of the stomach lining can recover without being constantly exposed to aggressive acid.
By inhibiting the so-called proton pump, which is responsible for the production of stomach acid, it can be prevented that stomach acid is produced at all. The best known representatives of the so-called proton pump inhibitors are Pantoprazole and Omeprazole. These drugs are only on recipe from the general practitioner in the pharmacy.
There are many alternatives to this group of drugs. However, they cannot achieve the enormous potency of proton pump inhibitors, which do not even produce stomach acid, as they only reduce production or only attack when the stomach acid has already been produced. Nevertheless, they are important, on the one hand, when proton pump inhibitors are not allowed to be used and, on the other hand, in the case of mild inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
The so-called gastric acid production can decrease (but not completely inhibit) H2 receptor blockers. These block binding sites in the gastric mucosa to which substances normally bind that stimulate the production of gastric acid. If these binding sites are already blocked by the medication, the stimulus cannot penetrate and it will produces less stomach acid. The production of stomach acid can be reduced by less than half with these drugs.
The most common representatives from this group are Cimetidine, Ranitidine and other descendants. A few representatives from this group are also available without a prescription.
Another group of substances cannot influence the production of gastric acid, but they can neutralize existing gastric acidwhich means that the acid can no longer harm the stomach. The most important representatives here are the so-called Antacids. There are over 50 different fabrics here, which sometimes even without a prescription are available at the pharmacy.
Against the stomach cramps, which are often associated with acute gastric mucosal inflammation, there are Anticonvulsant as the Butylscopolamine (e.g. Buscopan®). Although these cannot effectively alleviate the cause, they can combat the cramp-like pain very effectively.
There are also effective drugs that effectively relieve nausea and nausea, which are another stressful symptom of acute gastric mucosal inflammation. A frequently used representative here is that Dimenhydrinate (Vomex®).
Also read: Medicines for gastrointestinal diseases
Home remedies for an acute gastric mucosal inflammation
In the treatment of acute gastric mucosal inflammation, there are a large number of home remedies for the drugs mentioned that can support the therapy and are very popular. In mild forms of acute gastric mucosal inflammation, home remedies can help to reduce drug therapy to a minimum. Can be used as simple home remedies to relieve pain warm compressesthat you lay on your stomach. However, caution is advised here against compresses that are too hot, as these can cause burns to the skin and should therefore only be used while the temperature is controlled.
Many herbal substances from domestic foods are also suitable for treating acute gastric mucosal inflammation. For example, it is easy to manufacture Potato juicewhich can be drunk before every meal and helps the inflammation heal. Alternatively, raw potatoes can also be eaten. With both options, the mucous substances in the potatoes are deposited protectively over the inflamed areas of the gastric mucosa. Just as easily produced are suitable Carrot and spinach juice. Mixing these juices is also possible. Also taking gingertea, for example, can relieve pain and improve digestion. It is recommended to take ginger before meals in order to stimulate digestion to relieve pain.
Can continue ground cloves or cardamom put in the mouth for a few minutes and lightly chewed to improve the symptoms. To further calm the stomach lining can also tea help. Soothing ingredients such as chamomile, fennel or caraway are preferable. Green tea has also proven to be very effective in acute gastric mucosal inflammation, as the substances it contains bind and thus neutralize the cell toxins released by the inflammation. After the gastric mucosal inflammation has subsided, long-term consumption of green tea can reduce the risk of further gastric mucosal inflammation.
also read: Home remedies for stomach cramps and Home remedies for stomach ache
Diet for acute gastric mucosal inflammation
Food is an important trigger for gastric acid production. An inflamed gastric mucosa is often further damaged by additionally produced gastric acid. In the case of an acute gastric mucosal inflammation, the inflamed mucous membrane should therefore be included Light food are stressed as little as possible so that they can relax and regenerate in peace. Similar to the home remedies described, foods that form a protective film on the stomach wall should also be chosen so that the attacking acid cannot penetrate the stomach wall. For example, are suitable for this Yogurt or cottage cheese. Also Oatmeal and rusks are considered to be particularly gentle food. Among the carbohydrates are suitable Mashed potatoes and rice especially.
Oat flakes as well as potatoes and rice contain mucilage that forms the desired protective film on the gastric mucosa that has been damaged. All meals should be as possible little seasoned be consumed, as many spices attack the stomach lining. Fatty or other strongly acidic foods that have contributed to the development of acute gastric mucosal inflammation should be permanently removed from the menu. Every patient with acute gastric mucosal inflammation should control and change their daily menu. If fried foods are on the menu, they can alternatively be steamed, boiled or blanched, which is much more digestible for the stomach.
Overall, it is important to avoid meat, cheeses with a high fat content and also butter and instead focus on low-acid fruit, vegetables and other whole grain products. If meat is indispensable, so be it lean meat to choose and prepare this low-fat.
When consuming fruit, one should be careful not to give the body any acidic types of fruit, as the fruit acids they contain cause further damage to the mucous membrane. Low-acid fruits (e.g. bananas or apricots) are preferable to citrus fruits with a high concentration of fruit acid. It is also helpful to increase the frequency of meals and then to eat less per meal.
Anyone who is able to do so can also do so Fasting for 1-2 days insert and thus reduce gastric acid production to a minimum. In the case of acute gastric mucosal inflammation, a fasting period of just a few days can bring a significant improvement in symptoms, while chronic inflammation often requires longer periods of fasting. At the end of the fasting period, you should also start eating bland foods as described above multiple meals in smaller quantities instead of fewer large meals be taken.
The same applies to drinks as to meals. Stomach-friendly teas like Fennel, chamomile or green tea should be given preference over beverages such as carbonated sodas, coffee or alcohol. Tea should not be drunk hot, but preferably lukewarm, since excessive heat can damage the gastric mucosa further. If coffee is a necessary part of everyday life, you can switch to soft coffee. This contains less bitter substances than conventional coffee. However, the temporary one still applies No coffee as the best alternative.
Among the drinks, too, it is important to replace fatty drinks such as milk with alternatives that contain less fat.
also read: Diet for digestive disorders
Exercise for acute gastric mucosal inflammation
In the case of inflammation of the gastric mucosa, should Avoided sport in the acute phase become. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and stomach pain usually require a forced break on their own. It is important to allow the body to rest to regenerate.
After surviving the acute phase after 1-2 days, moderate exercise can be started. At first, the movement can be an easy walk.
If stress is the cause of acute gastric mucosal inflammation, exercise can help reduce stress and even support healing. However, you should listen carefully to your body and continue to pause if you have complaints.
Duration of acute gastric mucosal inflammation
An acute gastric mucosal inflammation is a disease that often starts suddenly and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and severe pain. Depending on the extent of the inflammation of the gastric mucosa, the symptoms will be milder or more pronounced and the healing and treatment phase will be correspondingly longer or shorter. In most cases, the gastric mucosal inflammation is acute food-related and only moderately pronounced and sounds like appropriate treatment within less days completely off. The treatment should be continued for a few days after the symptoms have subsided in order to protect the regenerated gastric mucosa.
Many patients feel it Complaints after consumption of alcohol. This form of acute gastric mucosal inflammation usually disappears within a day if you avoid alcohol and avoid irritating food.
Drug treatment is only necessary for a few days if the symptoms are severe. If the complaints persist for a longer period of time, there is a risk that they have occurred Spread of inflammation increased to larger areas of the gastric mucosa and the healing and treatment time will be extended accordingly and can even Weeks to months last.
The exact duration of the treatment should be adapted to the symptoms and is therefore not individually predictable. Massive manifestations of acute gastric mucosal inflammation, which also affect vessels in the gastric mucosa, are rare, and lead to an even longer course if the affected vessels have to renew themselves in addition to the gastric mucosa.
For the acute time with massive nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, a Certificate of disability to be issued. This is mostly for 1-2 days sufficient. A longer sick leave or even an inpatient hospital stay is reserved only for massive courses or is necessary in the case of complications such as gastric bleeding. Anyone can reduce the duration of acute gastric mucosal inflammation by following the applicable rules Diet and behavior rules influence and contribute to faster recovery.
