Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach that must be treated quickly to avoid its possible complications, such as gastric ulcer and even cancer of the stomach.
Although treatment is usually easy, it is very important to find out what its causes are to prevent it from recurring causing very uncomfortable symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or poor appetite. Learn how to identify the symptoms of gastritis.
Thus, the most common causes of gastritis are:
1. Excessive stress
Stress is one of the most common causes of gastritis and other gastric discomforts. In some intense moments of life, the stomach can produce more hydrochloric acid and less protective mucus from the stomach lining and this can lead to irritation and inflammation of the stomach, leading to gastritis. It can also be called nervous, acute or erosive gastritis, which is characterized only by a superficial lesion. Learn more about nervous gastritis.
What to do: Usually this type of gastritis cures with the control of anxiety and nervousness that caused it. It is very common for students in periods of tests and exams to develop acute gastritis, as well as people subjected to a lot of pressure at work, for example.
2. Consumption of contaminated food
Consumption of food contaminated by the bacteriaHelicobacter pylori it is a common cause of gastritis and often the person remains symptom-free for many years. The bacteria remains on the surface of raw foods and, when ingested, colonize the stomach. This causes an infection, disrupting the control of hydrochloric acid secretion and causing a decrease in mucosal defense. See the symptoms ofHelicobacter pyloriin the stomach.
What to do: Gastritis is usually cured with the eradication of the bacteria, through the use of specific antibiotics, guided by the gastroenterologist. The definitive diagnosis of the presence of the bacteria can be made through a biopsy of the stomach tissue, removed during a digestive endoscopy.
Not all people who ingest the bacteria are sensitive to it, however, some people develop gastritis by eating food contaminated with this bacteria. See what the diet should be like to treat gastritis and ulcers.
3. Use of some medications
The need to take some medications, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause gastritis, being a very common cause of gastritis in older people. This is because this type of medicine weakens the lining of the stomach, causing gastritis. Gastritis caused by prolonged drug use is known as chronic gastritis and usually progresses slowly, with the possibility of ulcers and bleeding. Understand what chronic gastritis is and what to eat.
What to do: The lesions present in gastritis caused by the continued use of medicines usually disappear with the suspension of the use of the medicine according to the doctor's guidance.
4. Alcohol and cigarette consumption
Both alcohol and cigarettes can irritate and inflame the lining of the intestine and stomach, which can lead to the formation of gastric ulcers and gastritis. See what are the main diseases caused by alcohol and smoking.
What to do: To reduce the symptoms of gastritis caused by the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes, it is important to eliminate these habits from the routine and adopt healthy habits, such as the practice of regular physical exercises and the adoption of a balanced diet. Check out simple tips for healthy eating.
5. Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease, which corresponds to inflammation of the digestive system, can also lead to gastritis, in addition to characteristic symptoms such as the presence of ulcers, diarrhea and the presence of blood in the stool. See what are the symptoms and what causes Crohn's disease.
What to do: Crohn's disease has no cure, being recommended by the doctor to improve eating habits, such as reducing the amount of fat consumed and milk derivatives. Know what to eat in Crohn's disease.
Watch the video to identify the symptoms:
Was this information helpful?
Yes No
Your opinion is important! Write here how we can improve our text:
Any questions? Click here to be answered.
Email in which you want to receive a reply:
Check the confirmation email we sent you.
Your name:
Reason for visit:
--- Choose your reason --- DiseaseLive betterHelp another personGain knowledge
Are you a health professional?
NoMedicalPharmaceuticalsNurseNutritionistBiomedicalPhysiotherapistBeauticianOther