WHAT IS PANGASTRITIS?
Before answering the question of what PANGASTRITIS is, it would be better to define what GASTRITIS is. Because PANGASTRIT is only one of the titles that define gastritis cases. GASTRITIS is a condition in which the inner layer of the stomach becomes inflamed due to many reasons. Gastritis also depends on its duration; if it develops in the last three weeks, it is called ACUTE GASTRITIS , and if it continues for six weeks or longer,it is called CHRONIC GASTRITIS . There is alsoa condition defined as SUBACUTE GASTRITIS , which describes the period in which the exacerbation period of acute gastritis has passed and is moving towards recovery.
Definitions are made according to the depth of erosion caused by gastritis on the stomach wall. Superficial Gastritis is a definition used for mild superficial involvements. Edematous Gastritis presents a slightly more serious picture and accompanying edema has also been added to the picture. Hemorrhagic Gastritis means that there is bleeding along with gastritis. Erosive Gastritis is a condition of gastritis with tissue loss on the stomach surface. Ulcerous Gastritis is a severe condition that describes the formation of wounds in the stomach along with gastritis.
Gastritis is also named according to which part or part of the stomach it affects. DISTAL Gastritis affects the parts of the stomach close to the exit area and is also called ANTRAL Gastritis . PROXIMAL Gastritis affects the upper parts of the stomach. DIFFUSE Gastritis is a term indicating that gastritis affects a large area. PANGASTRITI , on the other hand, indicates involvement of the entire stomach and is sometimes called Total Gastritis . SUBTOTAL Gastritis is used to describe gastritis that affects the majority of the stomach.
WHAT ARE THE SUBTYPES OF PANGASTRITIS?
Pangastritis is called ACUTE PANGASTRITIS, SUBACUTE PANGASTRITIS and CHRONIC PANGASTRITIS depending on its duration .
Pangastritis, depending on the damage it causes on the stomach surface, is called SUPERFISCAL PANGASTRIT, EDEMATOUS PANGASTRIT, HEMORRHAGIC PANGASTRITIS, EROUSIVE PANGASTRITIS and ULCEROUS PANGASTRITIS .
HOW DOES PANGASTRITIS OCCUR?
There is a gel-like, slimy secretion that coats the inner surface of the stomach like an armor, this secretion is called mucus. Thanks to mucus, the inner surface of the stomach prevents both digestive system secretions and food from direct contact with the stomach surface. In this way, the inner surface of the stomach is protected from the damaging effects of digestive secretions and food.
Erosion of the mucus layer is an important triggering factor in cases of pangastritis. In addition, the increase in gastric acid secretion and the reflux of bile-containing small intestine contents into the stomach ( ALKALINE REFLUX ) also cause erosion in the mucus layer. Apart from these, disruption or decrease in the diversity (flora) of beneficial microorganisms in the stomach may also initiate the inflammatory process (Helicobacter Pylori colonization in the stomach, etc.). The acid content of the stomach and the stomach flora are one of the most important defense mechanisms against pathogens coming from outside. Disruption of these mechanisms causes damage to the stomach and intestinal flora.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES THAT CAUSE PANGASTRITIS?
The main causes of pangastritis are:
- Decreased mucus secretion or deterioration of mucus quality due to dysfunction in the mucus-secreting cells in the stomach.
- Reasons that increase stomach acid secretion (Stress, Gastrinoma, etc.)
- Foods that contain excessive acid and cause acid secretion (dark chocolate, orange, lemon, etc.)
- excessive alcohol consumption
- Stomach surface burns caused by chronic exposure or intentional consumption of some chemicals
- Disruption of stomach flora (Helicobacter Pylorus infection etc.)
- Long-term hunger (Hunger strike, death fasts, fasting, inability to feed orally)
- Deep nutritional deficiencies
- ALKALINE REFLUX GASTRITIS DUE TO PYLOOR DYSFUNCTION, which is the valve mechanism at the stomach outlet
- Especially high doses or long-term use of painkillers known as Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory (Apranax, Aprol, Dicloron, etc.)
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PANGASTRITIS?
Stomach pain, nausea, weakness, insomnia, depression, attention disorders, anemia, indigestion, excessive gas, burping, bad breath, bloating, loss of appetite, weight loss.
HOW IS PANGASTRITIS DIAGNOSED?
The most important and diagnostic method with the highest diagnostic value is endoscopic examination. In all endoscopic examinations, pathological examination is also performed by taking multi-point biopsy in order to detect Helicobacter pylori and tumoral development.
WHAT CAN CAUSE PANGASTRITIS?
- Unrest
- Depression
- Sleeping disorder
- bad breath
- Anemia
- stomach bleeding
- Stomach and intestinal discomfort
- stomach perforation
- Chronic wounds in the stomach
- STOMACH TUMOR
WHAT HAPPENS IF PANGASTRITIS IS NOT TREATED?
Pangastritis cases become chronic if left untreated. It is not possible for chronic cases to heal on their own. Acute Pangastritis causes stomach perforation and bleeding. Chronic cases pave the way for stomach cancer. In addition, anemia often accompanies chronic Pangastritis.
HOW IS PANGASTRITIS TREATED?
The factor that causes pangastritis is determined and treatment programs are applied based on the cause.
Acute Pangastritis cases are easier to treat than chronic cases. However, acute cases usually present to healthcare institutions in a very dramatic and noisy manner and are extremely agitated. However, they usually respond quickly and positively to treatment. The situation is a little more difficult in chronic pangastritis and treatment may take a long time.
The most important element in treatment is to eliminate the underlying cause. While this is sometimes an intense painkiller used and it is possible to prevent it, sometimes there may be situations where it is not possible to stop it, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
If the cause is Helicobacter Pylori, it can be treated with FLORA TRANSPLANTATION. Helicobacter Pylori is most often treated with multiple antibiotics for 3-4 weeks. However, antibiotic treatment is a double-edged sword as it kills the remaining flora.
A significant portion of pangastritis cases are caused by increased gastric acid secretion. In these cases, PPI (proton pump inhibitor) drugs (Panto, etc.) that reduce acid secretion and acid-neutralizing antacid drugs (talcid, rennie, etc.) are used.
Since pangastritis mostly damages the inner surface of the stomach due to direct contact of gastric secretions and food due to a decrease in mucus secretion, drugs that form a mucus-like coating on the inner surface of the stomach are given four times a day on an empty stomach (Antepsin, etc.).
TREATMENT OF PANGASTRITIS COMPLICATIONS
Pangastritis is accompanied by serious complications and these often require treatment. The most common complication treatment is the treatment of the factors that cause anemia. These come in the form of iron preparations and Vit B12 supplements.
It may be necessary to give supportive treatment due to excessive gas.
Sedating drug supplements may be required for insomnia.
Stomach bleeding requires hospitalization and treatment.
One of the most serious conditions is stomach perforation. The only treatment for these is surgery.
It should also be monitored at regular intervals for stomach cancer.