【In 2019, among MSH CHINA clients, chronic gastritis was the fifth most common disease by claim type and the third most expensive, with an average cost per claim 2,249 RMB.】
As summer approaches, with it the risk of developing chronic gastritis rises as well. Although this isn't usually a serious disease, it can severely impact your day-to-day life.
What should we do to prevent Gastritis?Here are some practical advice from MSH China's medical director George.
01.What is Chronic Gastritis?
Every time we eat foods, the acids and enzymes present in your stomach and digestive tract break the food down into smaller and more manageable pieces.
These acids and enzymes are extremely acidic and strong enough to break down any foods in your stomach.
Luckily, your stomach mucosa secretes mucus that protects itself from acid erosion.
Gastritis occurs when the lining of your stomach becomes inflamed and produces less mucus to protect itself. Chronic gastritis occurs over a long period of time.
02.What Causes Chronic Gastritis?
The most common cause of chronic gastritis is infection from a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).
This bacterium is passed from person to person through contaminated food or water.
Another common cause of gastritis is excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
Taking these painkillers once in a while is no problem but taking them continuously or in large quantities will may wear down your stomach lining.
There are a number of behaviors that can worsen chronic gastritis.These include,but are not limited to:
excessive alcohol consumption;
eating extremely spicy foods;
chronic stress;
cocaine use;
smoking cigarettes.
These behaviors generally won’t cause gastritis and ulcers on their own but can exacerbate symptoms and make gastritis worse.
Drinking milk may temporary relief if you’re feeling pain but will not cure gastritis.
03.What are the Common Symptoms of Gastritis?
Some people with gastritis might experience no symptoms at all, and in fact don’t even realize they’re suffering from gastritis.
For people who do experience symptoms, the most common are:
Nausea
A recurring “upset stomach”
Abdominal bloating or pain
Vomiting(depending on the severity of the case, your vomit can be clear, green or yellow, or completely bloody)
Indigestion
Belching(which does not reduce stomach pain, if present)
Expected weight loss
There are various other illnesses with similar symptoms.Some cases of gastritis,especially milder ones,will self-heal and go away on their own.
Others will require medical attention, and if left untreated, may result in stomach ulcers or in a few cases, stomach cancers.
04.Why Might I Be at Risk for Chronic Gastritis?
Your diet and lifestyle habits may put you at greater risk or increase the severity of chronic gastritis.
Some of the most common risk factors are having a high fat and high salt diet,smoking,or prolonged,long-term consumption of alcohol.
If you have an autoimmune disorder or Crohn’s disease, you highly increase your risk of developing chronic gastritis with these lifestyle choices.
05.What Will My Doctor Do?
While stomach pains are not necessarily due to chronic gastritis, you should visit your doctor if your symptoms last longer than a week or occur regularly.
If you vomit blood, develop a rapid heartbeat, have difficulty breathing or swallowing, experience extreme drowsiness, or pass out suddenly, seek immediate medical attention.