Factors that can damage the stomach lining

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Le Nguyen Hong Tram - Gastroenterologist - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital

Gastritis is a very common disease that can progress to ulcers, bleeding or even cancer if not detected and treated early. For effective prevention, you need to avoid agents that damage the stomach lining.

The thin or weakened lining of the stomach increases the risk of gastritis. Factors that damage the stomach lining include:
Helicobacter pylori infection : Although Helicobacter pylori is common worldwide, only some infected people develop gastritis or other diseases. other digestive system. Patients with gastritis are often hereditary or related to habits of daily living, such as smoking and diet. Regular use of pain relievers: Common pain relievers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can cause acute and chronic gastritis. Frequent or excessive use of these drugs can weaken the protective lining of the stomach lining. Aging: The lining of the stomach thins over time, putting older adults at a higher risk of gastritis. In particular, older adults are more likely to be infected with Helicobacter pylori or autoimmune disorders than younger people. Drinking too much alcohol: Alcohol can be irritating and corrosive, making it easier for digestive juices to damage the lining of the stomach. Therefore, the excessive use of alcohol can easily cause acute gastritis. Stress: Medical conditions such as trauma, burns, severe infections or major surgery can trigger acute gastritis. The stomach is attacked by your own body: This condition is called autoimmune gastritis, your body produces antibodies that attack and destroy the cells that make up the stomach lining, weakening the stomach. fence protects this organ. Autoimmune gastritis is common in people with other autoimmune disorders, including Hashimoto's disease and type 1 diabetes. Other factors such as: Using cocaine, smoking, digestive disorders, viral infections or vitamin B12 deficiency ... are also causes of gastric mucosal damage.

The treatment of gastritis depends on the cause. If gastritis is caused by NSAIDs or other medications, those agents should be avoided to relieve symptoms. Gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria is usually treated with antibiotics such as amoxicillin, metronidazol, levofloxacin...
In addition to antibiotics, some other drugs are used to treat gastritis such as:
Inhibitors proton pump: The drug works by blocking acid-producing cells in the stomach. Common proton pump inhibitors include Omeprazole (Losec), Lansoprazole (Prevacid), Esomeprazole (Nexium), and Rabeprazole (Pariet). However, long-term use of these drugs, especially at high doses, can lead to an increased risk of bone fractures, kidney failure, dementia, and nutrient deficiencies. Acid reducers: Helps relieve the pain of gastritis and allows the stomach lining to heal. Antacids: Can neutralize acid in the stomach, providing quick relief from pain. However, a side effect of antacids can be diarrhea or constipation. Probiotics: Proven to help replenish digestive bacteria and heal stomach ulcers.

Helicobacter pylori can be transmitted from person to person or through food. Therefore, gastritis can be prevented by:
Frequent hand washing with soap. Eating cooked and drinking boiling water will help prevent infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Keep a healthy lifestyle, limit stress, stay away from agents that damage the stomach lining such as tobacco, alcohol... Gastritis is very common, the disease may not be serious and improves quickly with treatment. treat. However, if not treated properly, gastritis can turn into chronic, ulcer and increase the risk of cancer. Avoiding agents that damage the stomach lining will help reduce the risk of gastritis.
In particular, when there are any symptoms of gastritis such as: epigastric abdominal pain, belching, heartburn, burning, nausea, digestive disorders... then the patient needs to go to a medical facility for treatment. Timely examination, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, avoiding dangerous complications in the future. Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the national hospitals for examination, diagnosis and treatment of digestive diseases, including stomach diseases. In particular, the screening techniques for gastric cancer and gastric polyps at Vinmec were performed using the Olympus CV 190 endoscope, the NBI function (Narrow Banding Imaging - endoscopy with narrow light frequency band) for imaging results. clearer picture of mucosal pathology... so that the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and give a timely treatment plan.
Not only has a system of modern equipment, Vinmec is also a place to gather a team of experienced doctors and nurses, especially, with a space designed according to hotel standards, Vinmec guarantees to bring make the patient comfortable, friendly, and secure.

References: Mayoclinic.org, Healthline.com