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Stomach problems can be a gastritis (gastritis)
Indigestion such as a bloated stomach, bloating and stomach ache are possible indications of gastritis (gastritis). A medical examination of the complaints is urgently required according to the communication from the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). Because the inflammation persists for a long time, injuries of the stomach wall and stomach ulcers can occur. On the portal www.gesundheitsinformationen.de the experts report on possible signs and causes of gastritis.
According to the German Society for the Control of the Diseases of the Stomach, Intestines and Liver, as well as metabolic and nutritional disorders (gastro-league), gastritis can basically be caused by three different causes: an autoimmune disease, a bacterial infection (caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori) or a chemical-toxic exposure to medications and other irritants / poisons. Much of the gastric mucosal inflammation (80 to 90 percent) is attributed to the bacterial infection with Helicobacter pylori.
Stomach disorders (Image: Henrie / fotolia) Bacteria mostly cause gastritis
Due to the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, the regulation of gastric acid production is disturbed, which leads to hyperacidity, which can damage the gastric mucous membrane and stomach wall, reports the portal of the IQWiG. However, an infection does not always lead to inflammation. For example, it is estimated that about 40 percent of people in Germany carry the Helicobacter bacterium, but only about four to eight percent of them require gastritis, gastric or duodenal ulcer. The transmission of the bacteria takes place, for example, via saliva, vomit, fecal matter or contaminated food. Presumably, most people would become infected in childhood through close contact in the family.
Chronic gastritis often without symptoms
Often, chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa, according to the experts without any symptoms and this is only discovered when complications such as stomach ulcers occur. However, sometimes those affected suffer from symptoms similar to those of acute gastritis. The latter is characterized by stomach pains, bloating, heartburn, nausea (sometimes with vomiting), belching, loss of appetite and bloating. However, the complaints are not specific to gastritis. For example, they may also be associated with reflux disease, irritable stomach, irritable bowel syndrome or gastrointestinal (gastroenteritis).
Alcohol a possible trigger of gastritis
In addition to the Helicobacter pylori bacteria and the intake of anti-inflammatory analgesics (NSAIDs) such as acetylsalicylic acid, diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen according to the portal is a possible cause of gastritis. Furthermore, excessive alcohol consumption can cause acute gastritis. In addition, smoking, prolonged stress and nutrition (for example, high-fat, sugary or spicy foods) would appear to increase symptoms in some individuals. Here, if necessary, a change in lifestyle and diet can help. By medication, the stomach mucosa can be treated by acid-inhibiting drugs and in the case of bacterial infection antibiotics are a treatment option. (Fp)