گاستریت مزمن یکی از شایع‌ترین بیماری‌های گوارشی است که به التهاب طولانی‌مدت مخاط معده اطلاق می‌شود. این بیماری می‌تواند به‌طور تدریجی و گاهی بدون علائم شدید بروز کند، اما در صورت عدم درمان مناسب، ممکن است منجر به مشکلات جدی‌تری مانند زخم معده یا حتی سرطان معده شود. گاستریت مزمن معمولاً به دلیل عواملی مانند عفونت هلیکوباکتر پیلوری، مصرف طولانی‌مدت داروهای ضدالتهابی غیر استروئیدی (NSAIDs) یا بیماری‌های خودایمنی ایجاد می‌شود. در این مقاله، به بررسی علائم گاستریت مزمن و روش‌های درمانی آن خواهیم پرداخت تا به شما کمک کنیم تا این بیماری را شناسایی کرده و از عوارض احتمالی آن جلوگیری کنید.

گاستریت مزمن چیست؟

گاستریت مزمن به التهاب طولانی‌مدت مخاط معده گفته می‌شود که به‌تدریج و در بازه زمانی طولانی ایجاد می‌شود. این بیماری معمولاً به‌صورت مداوم یا دوره‌ای ادامه دارد و شدت آن می‌تواند از خفیف تا شدید متغیر باشد. In many people, chronic gastritis may remain without obvious symptoms for a long time or with only mild gastrointestinal symptoms.

The most common cause of chronic gastritis is infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, but factors such as long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol consumption, smoking, long-term stress and autoimmune diseases can also cause it. If not properly diagnosed and treated, chronic gastritis may lead to complications such as stomach ulcers, anemia, or an increased risk of stomach cancer.

Symptoms of chronic gastritis

Chronic gastritis usually develops slowly and over time, so its symptoms may be mild or even imperceptible at first. Many people may have this disease for a long time without being aware of it. Symptoms of chronic gastritis often worsen after eating and can appear continuously or intermittently. Recognizing these symptoms is very important, because if neglected, chronic gastritis can lead to more serious problems such as stomach ulcers or damage to the gastric mucosa. Feeling of heaviness in the stomach

In general, the symptoms of chronic gastritis can be mild and gradual, and therefore are sometimes ignored. However, the persistence of these symptoms can indicate long-term inflammation of the stomach that requires medical attention. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent the progression of the disease and complications such as stomach ulcer or anemia. If the symptoms persist or worsen, it is the best course of action to see a doctor.

Types of Gastritis Gastritis

Gastritis is inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining that can occur suddenly (acute) or continuously (chronic). This inflammation may be caused by various causes, including infection, drug use, stress or other environmental factors and diseases. Gastritis is usually accompanied by symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, heartburn, and bloating. If not treated properly, gastritis can lead to more serious problems such as stomach ulcers or stomach cancer.

🔹 Acute gastritis: sudden and severe inflammation of the stomach, which is usually caused by infection, drug use, or extreme stress.

🔹 Chronic gastritis: long-term inflammation of the stomach, usually due to Helicobacter pylori infection or long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. (NSAIDs) occurs.

🔹 Atrophic gastritis: Chronic inflammation that destroys the stomach mucosa and can increase the risk of stomach cancer.

🔹 Eosinophilic gastritis: A rare type of gastritis that occurs due to the accumulation of immune cells in the stomach and usually occurs due to allergic reactions or autoimmune diseases.

href="https://amani.doctor/what-is-helicobacter-pylori/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Helicobacter pylori: Gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection, which is the most common cause of chronic gastritis and stomach ulcers.

Gastritis is a common digestive disease that may occur mildly or severely. Accurate diagnosis of the type of gastritis is very important to choose the right treatment. If you experience symptoms of gastritis such as stomach pain, heartburn or nausea, it is necessary to consult a doctor for evaluation and treatment. With timely diagnosis and proper treatment, more serious problems such as stomach ulcers or permanent damage to the stomach can be prevented. Paying attention to lifestyle changes, healthy diet and following medical orders can be effective in preventing gastritis and reducing its symptoms.

Complications of Chronic Gastritis

Chronic gastritis can cause serious complications to a person's health over time if not properly diagnosed and treated. Long-term inflammation of the gastric mucosa may cause gastric and duodenal ulcers, which in some cases are accompanied by gastrointestinal bleeding. Continuing this condition can lead to anemia, especially due to reduced absorption of iron or vitamin B12, causing symptoms such as weakness and fatigue. Also, in some patients, chronic gastritis causes thinning and destruction of the stomach mucosa (atrophic gastritis), which increases the risk of stomach cancer. In addition, persistent digestive pains and indigestion can significantly reduce a person's quality of life. For this reason, timely diagnosis and basic treatment of chronic gastritis play an important role in preventing these complications. If chronic gastritis is not diagnosed on time or not treated properly, it can cause various complications over time. The most important complications of chronic gastritis are:

• 🔴 Decreased quality of life
• 🔴 Gastric and duodenal ulcers
• 🔴 Gastric bleeding
• 🔴 Anemia (especially lack of iron or vitamin B12)
• 🔴 Thinning and destruction of the stomach mucosa (atrophic gastritis)
• 🔴 Decreased absorption of nutrients
• 🔴 Increased risk of developing Stomach cancer
• 🔴 Chronic gastrointestinal pain and discomfort

As a result, chronic gastritis can lead to more serious complications such as stomach ulcers, anemia, and even stomach cancer. Therefore, timely diagnosis and proper treatment are very necessary to prevent these complications.

The cause of chronic gastritis

Chronic gastritis refers to long-term inflammation of the stomach mucosa, which can be caused by various reasons. This disease usually develops gradually and over a long period of time, and its symptoms may appear mildly or intermittently. Factors that cause chronic gastritis include bacterial infections, taking certain medications, autoimmune problems, unhealthy lifestyle, and even stress. Understanding the causes of chronic gastritis can help identify this disease more quickly and treat it more effectively.

1. Helicobacter pylori infection: This bacterium is one of the most common causes of chronic gastritis that damages the stomach mucosa and causes long-term inflammation. 2. Long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin can cause irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining, especially if they are used continuously.

3. Alcohol and smoking: excessive consumption of alcohol and smoking can cause damage to the stomach mucosa and increase its inflammation.

4. Autoimmune diseases: In some people, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks stomach cells, causing chronic gastritis. This type of gastritis is usually known as autoimmune gastritis.

5. Chronic stress: long-term stress can increase the production of stomach acid and lead to inflammation of the stomach mucosa. 6. Improper diet: Spicy, fatty or acidic foods, high consumption of coffee and processed foods can aggravate stomach inflammation.

Chronic gastritis can be caused by a combination of various factors such as Helicobacter pylori infection, long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs, stress and improper diet. Identifying the exact cause of this disease is necessary for effective treatment and prevention of its complications. Appropriate treatment can help reduce stomach inflammation, improve quality of life, and prevent more serious problems.

How to diagnose chronic gastritis

Diagnosis of gastritis is usually done through a combination of evaluating clinical symptoms and using specialized tests. The doctor will first check your symptoms and evaluate your medical history. Then, to confirm the diagnosis and check the severity of stomach inflammation, he may prescribe some tests and imaging methods. These methods help the doctor identify the exact cause of gastritis, such as bacterial infection or damage caused by drugs.

• 🔹Gastric endoscopy: Direct observation of the stomach lining using a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) to check for inflammation or damage.
• 🔹 Blood test: to identify symptoms of Helicobacter pylori infection, anemia due to stomach bleeding and other related problems.
• 🔹 Breath test: A test to identify Helicobacter pylori infection by measuring the amount of specific compounds in the patient's breath.
• 🔹 Stool test: to identify hidden blood in stool and diagnose infections or other digestive problems.
• 🔹 CT scan or Radiography: in certain cases, to check other digestive problems and the state of the stomach using imaging.

A precise diagnosis of gastritis helps the doctor to identify the cause of stomach inflammation and prescribe appropriate treatment. This treatment can include anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics (in case of Helicobacter pylori infection), stomach acid inhibitors, and dietary changes. Timely diagnosis and correct treatment prevent the progression of the disease and the occurrence of more serious complications such as stomach ulcers or stomach cancer.

Treatment of chronic gastritis

Chronic gastritis is a long-term disease that requires treatments appropriate to its cause. The goal of treatment is to reduce stomach inflammation, relieve symptoms and prevent more serious complications such as stomach ulcers or stomach cancer. Treatment usually includes a combination of medications, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. Accurate diagnosis of the cause of chronic gastritis and continuous follow-up of treatment is necessary to improve the condition and prevent further digestive problems. If chronic is caused by Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection, the doctor usually prescribes treatment with antibiotics to eliminate this bacteria. class="wp-block-spacer">