What is dangerous erosive antral gastritis? Symptoms, features and treatment
In practical gastroenterology, erosive antral gastritis is frequently recorded, lesions of the fundus of the stomach accompanying a decreased secretion of the gastric glands, as well as gastric pathology against a background of high acidity, which can be transferred to peptic ulcer. If we talk about erosive gastritis with lesions of the antral part of the stomach, then it has a rather severe course, as it is characterized by severe pain syndrome and a serious complication in the form of internal bleeding, which is manifested by the appearance of blood in the contents of the stomach or too dark stool color.
Etiology of erosive antral gastritis
The main cause of this disease is considered to be the influence of a specific microorganism - Helicobacter pylori. At the basis of acute or chronic erosive lesions of the gastric mucosa lie its defects that arise when exposed to various damaging factors. It should be noted that such defects are located mainly in the antral part of the stomach, and only within the mucous membrane, so timely treatment of erosive antral gastritis can prevent damage to deeper layers of this organ.
In this pathology, mucosal lesions can be single, localized in a separate area of the stomach or fused, forming large volume zones of necrosis, which cause damage to the blood vessels, which causes bleeding. The following factors contribute to the formation of erosions on the gastric mucosa:
- chronic diseases of the digestive system, including esophageal pathology and superficial gastritis;
- burns large areas of the body and burns disease;
- cancer;
- taking certain medications( hormones, cytotoxic drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs);
- smoking;
- alcoholism or a single intake of a large amount of alcohol;
- erosive gastritis of the stomach can occur with frequent use of acute and hot food;
- stress, depression and neurosis;
- vascular pathology and blood circulation disorders by the portal vein system.
Clinic of the disease
Gastritis, in which erosion is formed, is symptomatic similar to the stomach ulcer. The main complaint of patients - intense pain and burning in the epigastrium. In addition, heartburn is noted, which is worse after eating, nausea and vomiting. In chronic forms of such gastritis, the symptoms of the disease may be absent or insignificant, so patients often ignore them, which causes the destruction of large areas of the mucosa, which further complicates the treatment.
It should be noted that chronic erosive antral gastritis is often accompanied by bleeding( a hemorrhagic form of the disease develops).Bleeding at the same time are sluggish, permanent, but in some cases, there may be a sudden breakthrough blood loss from the stomach vessels, which is accompanied by typical symptoms in the form of melena and dark stool. Vomiting can also develop, in which there are veins of blood in the vomit.
If gastric bleeding is often repeated, the patient develops signs of anemia: dry skin, split hair, distortion of flavors( patients eat chalk, ground or raw meat), severe muscle weakness. In severe cases, it becomes difficult for patients to walk through general exhaustion, they have a fever, cardiovascular disorders develop, immunity decreases, resulting in frequent infectious diseases. Because of this, gastritis takes place in a more severe form.
Diagnosis and treatment of
The examination of patients with erosive antral gastritis must necessarily include instrumental examination methods. The most valuable in terms of diagnosis is fibrogastroscopy with targeted biopsy. It allows you to clearly locate the location of erosion, as well as the volume and depth of damage to the mucous membrane. For the purpose of monitoring, fluoroscopy, ultrasound or CT can be used.
Erosive antrum gastritis is a serious pathology, so it's important to consult a doctor in time. Properly diagnosed and adequate therapy contributes to a more favorable prognosis of the disease, since massive bleeding in some cases, a lethal outcome is recorded. I must say that the hemorrhagic form of the disease is the most dangerous stage, which requires in-patient treatment, self-medication at home is a danger to the life of patients.
An important role in the treatment is played by dynamic monitoring of the condition of patients and therapeutic nutrition. Diet in acute erosive gastritis is a fasting, which should last up to two days. This allows the stomach to cleanse itself of food, rest and restore its functions. At this time, only drink mineral water or loose tea.
In the future, the diet is expanded. You can eat boiled and well-washed dishes in small portions( porridges, vegetable purees, soups on the water, meat only lean varieties).Strictly prohibited alcohol, strong coffee, smoking, canned food, sharp, smoked and fried foods.
Next to the therapeutic diet, antibiotics are administered. In this case, local antibacterial drugs or beta-lactam antibiotics of the penicillin group, metronidazole, as well as omeprazole in combination with amoxicillin or clarithromycin are prescribed. If a patient experiences erosive antral gastritis, the diet is extremely important, but it should be remembered that her isolated application will not give a full therapeutic effect. Treatment should include a whole complex of pharmacological preparations, which are selected for each patient individually.