Gastritis
What may be behind your stomach pain
What is gastritis?
The term “gastritis” originates from Ancient Greek. The word “gaster” means “stomach”, while the suffix -itis indicates an inflammation. Gastritis, also called inflammation of the stomach lining, is an inflammatory reaction of the gastric mucosa that can range from general discomfort to severe upper abdominal pain. Typical symptoms include gastric pressure, burning stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, loss of appetite, a feeling of fullness, bloating and belching. The condition can occur suddenly (acute form) or over a longer period (chronic form).
The chronic form develops gradually, unlike acute gastritis, and can persist for a long time. Affected people often do not have specific symptoms or attribute their complaints to other causes. Occasional symptoms include mild general stomach pain, a feeling of fullness, flatulence, bad breath (halitosis) in bacterial gastritis and sometimes diarrhoea.
There are three types of chronic gastritis, distinguished by their cause. Type A gastritis is classified as an autoimmune disease in which the body produces antibodies against the parietal cells of the stomach lining and destroys them.
Type B gastritis is believed to account for about 80% of all inflammations of the stomach lining. This form is attributed to the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
Type C gastritis arises from repeated irritants to the stomach. These include drugs such as non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, aspirin or diclofenac), certain antibiotics, alcohol, excessive coffee consumption, mould toxins, as well as drinks that are too cold or too hot and overly spicy foods. A chronic low‑grade poisoning, for example from amalgam in dental fillings, is even discussed as a possible trigger of chronic gastritis.
Another cause of inflammation of the stomach lining can be so‑called bile reflux. Bile fluid that should remain in the duodenum flows repeatedly in the wrong direction – into the stomach. The effects of stress, excitement, conflicts and worries on the gastrointestinal tract are often underestimated. Long‑lasting stress can strain the stomach so much that it alone may lead to inflammation of the stomach lining.
Wie beugen Sie heute einer Gastritis vor?
How does gastritis develop?
The stomach lining that lines the inside of the stomach plays a crucial role in digestion by producing gastric juice. A thin mucus layer covers the stomach lining towards the gastric lumen and serves as a protective barrier against aggressive stomach acid, which is a component of the gastric juice. Although stomach acid is indispensable for digestion, prolonged exposure can damage the stomach. That is why the stomach is lined with this protective mucous layer to keep stomach acid and possible pathogens away from the stomach wall.
Gastritis is the result of irritation or damage to the stomach lining. Chronic gastritis can develop from an acute inflammation, but it can also arise insidiously without a preceding acute stage. The symptoms of chronic gastritis can resemble those of the acute form, but it can also be entirely asymptomatic.
editorial.facts
- The bacterium Helicobacter pylori is often blamed for inflammations of the stomach lining. Finding the bacterium in the stomach of an affected person is not surprising, however, as it is present in at least half of the population. Therefore it is also detected in people who are currently experiencing gastritis.
- There is increasing evidence that a moderate presence of Helicobacter pylori may offer some protection against chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. A team of Greek gastroenterologists from the First Gastroenterology Clinic in Athens demonstrated this in a scientific study.
- Women most commonly present with this condition between the ages of 45 and 64, while men are more often affected from around age 65. In people over 50 it is estimated that about half have chronic gastritis, which often has few symptoms and therefore frequently goes unnoticed.
- Occasionally, bacteria such as staphylococci or salmonella can cause a contagious gastritis. The pathogens are excreted in the stool, meaning healthy people can be easily infected through shared toilet use or poor hygiene.
How can inflammation of the stomach lining be detected?
If signs of acute inflammation of the stomach lining appear, in most cases observing the course is initially sufficient. If symptoms persist for several days or particularly severe abdominal pain occurs, various investigations are available.
During a gastroscopy the inside of the stomach is examined and small tissue samples are taken. The examination is not painful and is performed under light sedation. A histological examination of the tissue samples helps to determine whether gastritis is present. Further laboratory tests can be helpful in determining the exact type of gastritis. The bacterium Helicobacter pylori can also be detected by a breath test or a stool test.
Blood tests can reveal changes in the blood count and vitamin B12 deficiency in type A gastritis.
What helps against pain in gastritis?
Usual treatment of acute inflammation of the stomach lining primarily consists of avoiding the triggering substance, a one‑ to two‑day fast and the gradual intake of solid, easily digestible foods.
After recovering from an inflammation of the stomach lining, one should avoid fried, breaded, deep‑fried, fatty and other hard‑to‑digest foods as well as alcohol for several weeks.
What should you not eat with gastritis?
To alleviate gastritis, it is advisable to avoid certain foods: wheat bread, rolls, pasta and pizza, sugar and fructose‑rich products, fatty foods, pork and cow's milk. Potatoes should only be eaten in small amounts and preferably as jacket potatoes or boiled potatoes.
What helps with gastritis? The most effective tips
- Avoid nicotine and alcohol: these substances can irritate the stomach and impair healing. It is recommended to avoid them temporarily, preferably permanently.
- Avoid coffee and acidic drinks: it is advisable to refrain from these drinks for a while and then consume them only in moderation.
- Avoid very spicy and fatty foods. These can stimulate the production of stomach acid and should therefore be avoided.
- Consider a bland diet. It may be helpful to eat nothing for one or two days or at least switch to easily digestible foods such as oatmeal porridge and rusks. Pregnant women, people with existing illnesses or those taking medication should seek medical advice first. When you start eating again, it is advisable to begin with several small portions.
- Avoid eating too much at once. It is better to stop when you feel about 80% full. If necessary, have an additional snack, preferably with protein‑rich foods like yoghurt or quark.
- Green smoothies can be a good option, but they should be made without acidic fruits in case of gastritis. It is recommended to use as few different ingredients as possible. For example, mix two different leafy greens with water and a banana. Avocados are also suitable for smoothies or cold summer soups and serve as an easily digestible source of fat. As a fat source that can be absorbed without bile acids, a small spoonful of coconut butter or coconut oil can be used.
- The following herbs and spices are considered particularly stomach‑strengthening and can also help with excess stomach acidity: fresh wild garlic leaves, hops as a tea, ginger as a tea or spice, fresh okra, caraway, flaxseed as a tea and juniper berries.
- Due to their high mucilage content, flaxseeds have a soothing effect on the damaged stomach lining. You can benefit by soaking 3 tablespoons of flaxseeds overnight in ½ litre of water and briefly bringing the liquid to a boil the next morning. Strain the decoction through a cloth and sip it in small amounts throughout the day.
- A study found a lower risk of Helicobacter infection in people who drank green or black tea at least once a week. Honey also has a positive effect. Regular consumption of honey, at least once a week, can reduce the risk of gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori, since honey, especially Manuka honey, has antibacterial properties. If inflammation is already present, tea and honey can of course be taken more frequently for therapeutic purposes.
- Medicinal clay, zeolite or bentonite can effectively reduce excess acid in gastritis. Take one teaspoon with plenty of water, ideally a large glass (250 ml) per teaspoon.
- A disturbed gut flora (dysbiosis) can be an important factor for the proliferation of Helicobacter pylori and thus for the development of gastritis. Therefore, it may make sense to rebuild the gut flora with a high‑quality probiotic in cases of stomach lining inflammation.
- Active substances such as acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), ibuprofen and diclofenac can damage the stomach lining. When taking painkillers, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice and report all pre‑existing conditions and medications taken.
- Drink at least 1.5 litres of herbal tea daily, for example chamomile, fennel, sage, yarrow or dandelion. These teas are particularly soothing for the stomach. Wormwood tea is also recommended; although very bitter, it has a calming effect on the stomach.
- Reduce stress. Persistent stress can cause gastritis and hinder its healing. It is important to recognise common stress triggers and learn to cope better with them. Relaxation techniques can help reduce stress. It can also be advisable, with the support of therapists or self‑help groups, to clarify the causes of stress and find solutions.
- See a doctor if such gastrointestinal complaints recur or persist for a long time. Severe pain or vomiting blood may indicate particularly severe gastritis or a bleeding stomach ulcer. This is an emergency and requires immediate medical assessment.
Gastritis is a common condition caused by various factors such as diet, stress, medications and bacterial infections. With a holistic approach that includes stress management, restoration of a healthy gut flora, appropriate nutrition and targeted therapies, you can help get your stomach back on track.
