Chronic gastritis is the most "popular" disease, and nearly half of the world's population experiences the effects of this insidious ailment. Chronic gastritis is characterized by the accumulation of inflammatory processes on the stomach walls, leading to damage to the mucous membrane. The disease may manifest as periodic flare-ups and can also occur in a hidden form.
Causes
In most cases, the occurrence of chronic gastritis in the stomach is associated with the penetration of Helicobacter pylori into the body. It is also facilitated by the intake of large amounts of food that the stomach cannot adequately digest and break down. The same applies to stomach fasting – when it remains empty, the digestive function begins to affect the stomach walls and the mucous membrane.
In addition to the effects of Helicobacter pylori, the following factors can provoke the onset of gastritis:
- Duodenal reflux (destructive effect of gastric juice on the mucous membrane)
- Production of antibodies affecting stomach cells
- Irregular eating habits, failure to adhere to a healthy diet
- Genetic inheritance
- Smoking, alcoholic beverages
- Diffuse toxic goiter
- Obesity
- Diabetes mellitus.
Diagnosis of Chronic Gastritis in Israel
There are various forms of gastritis, and each individual case has its specific etiology.
The field of gastroenterology, through long-term practical observations, identifies the following main symptoms and signs common to all types of chronic gastritis:
- Constant pain in the epigastric region, attacks at night, in a state of an empty stomach
- Bloating, flatulence, nausea, vomiting
- Uncontrollable belching (regardless of food intake)
- Persistent heartburn
- Disruption of bowel movements (frequent constipation, diarrhea)
- White coating on the tongue
- Loss of appetite, weight loss.
Correctly and accurately analyzed symptom indicators and examination results will help choose the right treatment path and significantly speed up the recovery process. For this purpose, specialists develop and daily update a set of necessary diagnostic measures aimed at thorough investigation and detailed study of the clinical picture of the disease.
In diagnosing gastritis, experts from Israeli clinics use the following methods:
- Stomach probing (studies the amount of gastric secretion)
- Blood analysis (checks the amount of gastrin, degree of anemia)
- Immunological test (studies the activity of antibodies, their effect on the stomach mucous membrane cells)
- Gastrointestinal endoscopy (allows detection of lesions and taking tissue samples for detailed analysis)
- pH-metry (studies the level of acidity in the stomach)
- X-ray method.
Treatment of Chronic Gastritis in Israel
Treatment of chronic gastritis is a very delicate and multi-stage process. In most cases, a course of medication therapy, supported by the use of special diets that do not irritate inflamed areas and neutralize pain sensations, helps to eliminate this problem. Depending on the level of hydrochloric acid, Israeli gastroenterologists may prescribe medications that reduce gastric secretion in cases of increased acidity. For decreased acidity, medications that promote the production of enzymes and acids or replacement medications are prescribed.
Typically, the comprehensive medication therapy includes the following groups and types of medications:
- Antacids
- Receptor blockers
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Organic acid medications
- Hydrochloric acid medications
- Concentrates of pancreatic enzymes.
Modern antimicrobial agents are used to target Helicobacter pylori.
For some types of gastritis, laser therapy is effectively used, and in cases of less inflamed gastritis, various physiotherapeutic procedures are applied:
- magnetic therapy
- ultrasound therapy
- paraffin therapy
- diadynamic currents.