Gastritis - Definition, Classification, Pathophysiology and Prevention

Definition of Gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammation localized or diffuse, in the gastric mucosa that develops when the mucosal protective mechanisms are filled with bacteria or irritants. (J. Reves, 1999).


Classification of Gastritis

Gastritis by type divided into 2 (two), namely :

1. Acute gastritis
Gastritis (inflammation of the gastric mucosa) is most often caused by carelessness diet, such as eating too much, too fast, eating food too much seasoning or infected food. Other causes include alcohol, aspirin, bile fefluks and radiation therapy. Gastritis can also be the first sign of acute systemic infection. Form a more severe acute gastritis caused by strong acid or alkali, which can lead to gangrene or perforation of the mucosa.

2. Chronic gastritis
Prolonged inflammation caused by both benign and malignant gastric ulcers, by the bacteria H. Pylori. Chronic gastritis may be classified as Type A or Type B. Type A occurs in gastric fundus or corpus. Type B (H. Pylori) the antrum and pylorus. May be related to the bacteria H. Pylori. Dietary factors such as hot drinks, seasonings, use of drugs, alcohol, smoking or reflux of intestinal contents into the stomach.


Pathophysiology of Gastritis

Foodstuffs, drinks, drugs and chemicals that go into the stomach causing irritation or erosion of the gastric mucosa to lose barrier (protective). Furthermore an increase in diffusion of hydrogen ions. Diffusion in mucosal disruption and increased gastric acid secretion is increased / lot. Stomach acid and digestive enzymes. Then invades the gastric mucosa and inflammatory reaction occurs. This is called gastritis. Response of the gastric mucosa against irritants are mostly with mucosal regeneration, therefore such disturbances often disappears by itself.

With the constant irritation, tissue become inflamed and can bleed.
The introduction of substances such as strong acids and bases are corrosive resulting in inflammation and necrosis of the stomach wall (gastritis corrosive). Necrosis can result in perforation of the stomach wall to the next due to bleeding and peritonitis.
Chronic gastritis can lead to a state of atrophy of the gastric glands and the state of mucosal thickening patches are gray or greenish gray (gastitis atrophic). The loss of the gastric mucosa will ultimately result in reduced gastric secretion and the onset of pernicious anemia. Atrophic gastritis may be a precursor to gastric carcinoma. Chronic Gastritis may also occur in conjunction with peptic ulcer or may occur after the action gastroyeyunostomía.


Prevention of Gastritis

Although infection of H. pylori can not always be prevented, here are some suggestions to reduce the risk of gastritis:

1. Eating correctly. Avoid foods that can irritate especially spicy foods, acidic, fried or fatty. Which is just as important as the selection of the right foods for health is how to eat it. Eat a sufficient amount, on time and done with ease.

2. Avoid alcohol. The use of alcohol can irritate and erode the mucous lining of the stomach and can cause inflammation and bleeding.

3. Do not smoke. Smoking affect the protective stomach lining, making the stomach more susceptible to gastritis and ulcers. Smoking also increases stomach acid, thereby delaying the healing of the stomach and is a major cause of gastric cancer. However, to be able to quit smoking is not easy, especially for heavy smokers. Consult with your doctor about methods that can help to stop smoking.

4. Do exercise regularly. Aerobic exercise can increase heart rate and breathing, also can stimulate bowel muscle activity that helps remove food waste from the intestines more quickly.

5. Control stress. Stress increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, lowers the immune system and can lead to skin problems. Stress also increases the production of stomach acid and slow down the speed of digestion. Because stress for some people can not be avoided, then the key is to control it effectively by way of a nutritious diet, adequate rest, regular exercise and adequate relaxation.

6. Replace pain medication. If possible, avoid the use of NSAIDs, this class of drugs will cause inflammation and will make existing inflammation worse. Replace with pain relievers containing acetaminophen.

7. Follow the doctor's recommendations.

Nursing Care Plan for Gastritis