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Chronic ulcer symptoms occur for a longer period of time than ordinary ulcer symptoms. This condition should not be ignored because there will be a risk of serious complications if not treated properly
Chronic gastritis or also called chronic gastritis is a digestive disorder due to inflammation of the stomach wall. This condition appears slowly and can last for months or even years.
The emergence of chronic ulcer symptoms can be caused by several factors, namely:
- Helicobacter pylori infection
- Side effects of certain drugs
- Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Suffering from chronic diseases, such as diabetes, kidney failure, to disorders of the immune system that cause inflammation of the stomach wall
Various Symptoms of Chronic Gastritis
Although it doesn't always cause symptoms, some people with chronic gastritis can feel the symptoms. Here are some symptoms of chronic gastritis that may appear:
- Stomach pain in the solar plexus
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach feels bloated
- Feeling full or bloated in the upper stomach after eating
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
Chronic gastritis can be categorized into 3 types based on the cause, including:
- Chronic ulcer type A, which is an ulcer that occurs because the immune system damages stomach cells
- Chronic ulcer type B, which is a common stomach ulcer caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria
- Chronic ulcer type C, which is an ulcer caused by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and long-term consumption of alcoholic beverages
Other types of chronic gastritis that can occur are giant hypertrophic gastritis associated with protein deficiency and eosinophilic gastritis associated with allergic conditions, such as asthma or eczema.
Chronic Ulcer Complications
Untreated chronic gastritis can lead to some serious complications, including:
1. Stomach ulcer
Peptic ulcers are sores on the stomach wall caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or long-term consumption of NSAIDs. People with peptic ulcers will usually experience severe pain in the upper abdomen. Gastric ulcers are classified as type B chronic ulcers.
2. Atrophic gastritis
Untreated chronic gastritis symptoms can worsen and become atrophic gastritis. This condition causes the loss of lining and glands in the stomach wall.
3. Pernicious anemia
Chronic gastritis that develops into atrophic gastritis can cause impaired absorption of vitamin B12 in the stomach. As a result, the body will lack vitamin B12 which can cause pernicious anemia. This condition is included in the type of chronic gastritis type A.
4. Cancer
Untreated chronic gastritis can erode the lining of the stomach and cause changes in the structure of the lining. This condition can increase the risk of stomach cancer. Just like pernicious anemia, cancer is also classified as type A chronic gastritis.
Chronic Ulcer Treatment
In dealing with chronic gastritis, there are several ways you can do, including:
Live a he althy diet
To reduce symptoms of chronic gastritis, your doctor may advise you to adopt a he althy diet. If the symptoms of chronic gastritis that you feel make your stomach uncomfortable while eating, you are advised to eat smaller portions but more often.
In addition, you are also advised to avoid foods and drinks that can irritate the stomach, such as:
- Alcoholic drinks
- Caffeinated Drinks
- Spicy or sour food
- Foods high in s alt and fat
In addition, you will also be advised to eat foods that are safe for the stomach, such as:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Foods high in probiotics, such as yogurt, natto, and kimchi
- vegetable protein, such as tofu and tempeh
- Animal protein low in saturated fat, such as chicken breast and fish
Drug consumption
In addition to adjusting your diet, the doctor will also prescribe the following drugs:
- antacids to relieve stomach acid
- Proton pump inhibitors to inhibit gastric acid production
- Antibiotics if chronic gastritis is caused by pylori infection
Chronic ulcer symptoms can be very disruptive to daily activities. However, this condition can improve if you apply a good diet and take medication regularly. In addition, periodic examination of the condition of the stomach is also necessary to anticipate complications.
If the symptoms of chronic gastritis that you are experiencing are getting worse and more frequent, especially accompanied by black stools, vomiting blood, or drastic weight loss, consult a doctor for proper examination and treatment.
