Gastritis Types, Cause, Symptoms and nursing care plan

GASTRITIS

Gastritis is a common problem of peoples in different age groups. Gastritis is associated with various
medications, surgical conditions, physical stresses, social habits, chemicals and infections. Fermented
vegetables, junk foods, inappropriate timing, food habits etc. are some common reasons of gastritis.
This problem can be sorted out with smart eating habit. Antacid is the 1 st line treatment for gastritis
used by.

WHAT IS GASTRITIS

Gastritis is an inflammatory disease of stomach. There is inner lining of the stomach called mucosa.
Gastritis is the inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the mucosa. Mucosa contains special cells that
produce hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes. These enzymes help in breakdown of foods for
digestion and mucus that protects the stomach lining from acid. When inflammation occurs the stomach
lining produces less acid, enzymes and mucus resulting in slow digestion and irritated stomach.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF GASTRITIS

There are two major types of gastritis, Acute and Chronic. Chronic gastritis also divided in 4 different types.

1. Acute Gastritis: This is a painful inflammation of the lining of the stomach that occurs suddenly and may also involve bleeding of the mucosa. This bleeding normally lasts for less than 24 hours. The bacteria Helicobacter Pylori is the principal cause of acute gastritis. Other causes includes, viral infection, eating dead fish, meat, foods, bones, plastic, wood, chemicals, drugs and toxic plants.

2. Chronic Gastritis: This is a long term inflammation of the mucosal lining of the stomach. This affects the upper digestive system that can last for years. In case of chronic gastritis the sphincter above the stomach fails to close, as a result the acid goes up to the OESPHAGUS. In this condition people experiences chest pain, heart burn etc. Four major types of chronic gastritis are;
I. Erosive Gastritis.
II. Non-erosive Gastritis.
III. Acute Stress Gastritis.
IV. Atrophic Gastritis.

12 MAIN CAUSES OF GASTRITIS

1. Bacterial Infection: Infection caused by Helicobacter Pylori Bacteria results in chronic gastritis. Prolonged increases of gastric acid secretion results in breakdown of mucosa, then gastritis and leading cause of gastric ulcer.

2. Old Age: With increasing age the stomach lining tends to be thinner therefore have the more risk of having bacterial infection. Old age is also considered as a main cause of gastritis.

3. Medications: Some medicines such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Naproxen can cause both acute and chronic gastritis. Regular use of pain killers can affect mucosa in various ways that leads to gastritis.

4. Stress: Severe stress due to major surgical procedures, trauma, burn injuries/incidents or severe infections may produce gastritis and can leads to ulcers and stomach bleeding.

5. Bile Reflux Disease: Bile reflux disease is a medical condition in which due to inappropriate functioning of the pyloric valve (lower opening of stomach) bile juice can travel to stomach can leads to gastritis. This may be occurs due to surgical interventions to treat gallbladder problems.

6. Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune gastritis can be associated with vitamin B-12 deficiency. Here the immune system attacks the healthy cells in the stomach lining which can result in acute and chronic inflammation of mucosa leading cause of gastritis.

7. Parasitic Infections: Infections caused by parasites normally attacks stomach tissues and intestines that cause problems in digestion. This damaged tissue can leads to ulcer region of stomach and later in gastritis.

8. Chronic Vomiting: Vomiting irritates the stomach and the sphincter muscle opening opens in force with which the acid from stomach travels into oesophagus can lead to chronic gastritis.

9. HIV/AIDS: In this disease condition the body immune system destroys in a severe mood. Along with medication and property of the disorder the patient may experience acute or chronic gastritis.

10. Radiation Therapy: After radiation treatment along with chemotherapy for cancer gastritis may occur. Radiation can affect the lining of stomach membrane and the drugs in chemo therapy can cause acute gastritis to the patient.

11. Consumption of Alcohol: Drinking large amount of alcohol gradually damages the inner lining of stomach. Alcohol acts as a corrosive which irritates and damages the mucosa, more likely to cause acute gastritis.

12. Use of Cocaine: Cocaine is a stimulating drug that can be damaging to stomach lining that leading to stomach bleeding and gastritis.

WHAT ARE THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS THAT DEFINE GASTRITIS

• Complete blood count for anemia or low blood count.
• H. pylori tests.
• Urinalysis.
• Barium study.
• Stool test.
• X-ray of upper abdomen.
• Liver function test.
• Kidney function test.
• Histological examination (biopsy).
• Endoscopy.
• Gallbladder function test.
• Pancreas function test.

WHAT MEDICINES CAN BE USED IN GASTRITIS

1. Antibiotics: In bacterial infection gastritis some antibiotics are commonly used to treat gastritis are Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin, Metronidazole and Tetracycline.

2. Antacids: Antacids are used to neutralize the acid in stomach also relieves heart burn or dyspepsia. Side effects of antacids may include diarrhea or constipation. Commonly prescribed antacids are Aspirin, Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Alumina and Magnesia, Calcium Carbonate and Magnesia etc.

3. Antiemetics: A large number of different antiemetics can be used in emergency purpose for the severe symptoms of gastritis like nausea and vomiting. These type of medicines are available for home prescription also e.g. Ondansetron.

4. Proton Pump Inhibitors: PPI inhibits the production of acids by blocking the action of the cell parts that produces the acids of stomach. Long term use of PPI increases the risk of fractures of hip, wrist and spines. The over-the-counter medications include Omeprazole, Lansoprazole, Rabeprazole, Esomeprazole, Dexlansoprazole and pantoprazole.

5. Histamine 2 Blockers: H2 blockers are commonly called acid blockers which reduce the amount of acid released in digestive tract relieving the gastritis pain and healing. Commonly used acid blockers are Ranitidine, Famotidine, Cimetidine and Nizatidine.

6. Cytoprotective Agents: This is a protective agent for inner lining of stomach and small intestine. But also inhibit the growth and of H. Pylori bacteria. Commonly used cytoprotective medications are Sucralfate, Bismuth subsalicylate and Misoprostal.

WHAT CAN BE THE NEXT IN GASTRIRIS

• Nasogastric tube intubation.
• Sedatives.
• Analgesics.
• Intravenous fluids.
• Fiberoptic endoscopy.
• Gastrojejunostomy.

5 POINTS TO PREVENT GASTRITIS AT HOME

1. Smart eating habit: The exact diet chart was not only included in smart eating habits. Smart eating means small and frequent meals to buffer stomach acid reaction. It recovers the frequent indigestion and prevents to having gastritis problem. In addition try to avoid citrus food, spicy food etc.

2. Alcohol: Limitation or avoidance of drinking alcohol can prevent gastritis. Alcohol can erode the mucous lining of stomach causing internal bleeding and inflammation.

3. Smoking: Quite smoking to prevent gastritis. The smokes can increase the production of stomach acid and delayed the healing process of inflammation too.

4. No Pain Killers: Say no to pain killers to prevent gastritis. NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen tablets can irritate the stomach lining. These groups of medicines can cause burning symptoms of stomach and upper abdomen or can worsen the condition.

5. Perfect Medication: Follow the doctor’s recommendation strictly if you really want to stop gastritis problem. According to your problem and cause of gastritis the definite prescribed medicine should be taken at proper time with perfect dose according to your age.

NURSING CARE PLAN FOR PATIENT WITH GASTRITIS WITH NURSING DIAGNOSIS

NURSING DIAGNOSIS:

1. High risk for fluid and electrolyte imbalance related to inadequate intake of fluids and abnormal loss of fluid and electrolytes.

2. Imbalanced nutrition less than body requirement related to loss of appetite and poor food intake.

3. Acute pain related to irritation of gastric mucosa.

4. Anxiety related to disease condition and examination procedures.

5. Knowledge deficit related to disease condition, process of healing and diet.

High risk for fluid and electrolyte imbalance related to inadequate intake of fluids and abnormal loss of fluid and electrolytes.

Nursing Goal: To maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.

Nursing interventions:

1. Observe the patient for vital signs in every 2 hours and blood pressure, respiration, pulse rate and temperature for every 4 hours.

2. Assess for skin texture, color, condition and status of oral mucus membrane frequently.

3. Monitor intake and output chart for early signs of dehydration and electrolyte balance.

4. Monitor daily weight for proper nutritional status.

5. Administration of intravenous fluids as prescribed by physician.

6. Provide skin and mouth care for hygiene maintenance.

7. Administration of prescribed medicines as ordered.

8. Provide plenty of fluids and water by mouth if there is no contraindication.

Evaluation: After implementation patient’s fluid and electrolyte balance is maintained well in evidence
by no sign of dehydration.

Imbalanced nutrition less than body requirement related to loss of appetite and poor food intake.

Nursing Goal: To maintain proper nutrition.

Nursing interventions:

1. Observe patient for vitals in every two hour.

2. Monitor intake and output chart and record properly for any imbalance.

3. Report to physician if any abnormal loss of fluids noticed.

4. Monitor weight in daily basis after voiding.

5. Provide small and frequent meals to avoid indigestion.

6. Provide nutritional supplements in between the meals.

7. Provide dietary consultation for a proper diet with dietician.

8. Administration of medication as prescribed by the physician.

Evaluation: After implementation patient’s nutrition level is balanced in evidence by appropriate
weight gain.

Acute pain related to irritation of gastric mucosa.

Nursing Goal: To reduce pain.

Nursing interventions:

1. Assess for nature and level of pain using by pain scale.

2. Assist for a comfortable position to the patient such as semi fowler’s position.

3. Restrict the patient for physical mobility that may aggravate pain.

4. Restrict spicy and fried foods that may irritate and be more painful.

5. Restrict tea, coffee and other beverages.

6. Strict restriction on NSAIDs and other self prescribed drugs.

7. Provide plenty of water and other fluids as hydrotherapy.

8. Provide a cool and calm environment for sleep.

Evaluation: After implementation patient’s pain level is reduces to some extant as evidence by a good sleep after meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I. What is the main cause of gastritis?

There is one leading cause of gastritis i.e. Bacterial Infection. In addition indigestion, parasitic infection, frequent vomiting, use of NSAIDs, drinking alcohol, smoking, bad food habits and some diseases also can be considered as cause of gastritis.

II. How do I get gastritis to go away?
You can try 5 tasks to get gastritis go away.
a. Small and frequent eating of meals.
b. Quit smoking.
c. Limit and avoid drinks.
d. Say no to pain killers.
e. Get proper medication with prescription.

III. How long does it take to heal stomach gastritis?

Acute gastritis can be resolved within a week with proper treatments or home appliances. But in case of chronic gastritis perfect timing of diagnosis and treatment is very much important. Untreated chronic gastritis can results in gastric ulcer and may worsen the health condition. It may take weeks, months or years.

IV. Can gastritis be fully cured?

Both acute and chronic gastritis can be fully cured with proper medication and homecare. With medicine you should avoid drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes and taking pain relievers to get fully cured. You must take at least 6 small and frequent meal a day. But in case of chronic gastritis there must some restrictions inn diet chart and food habits.

V. Does drinking water help gastritis?

Yes. Drinking a large amount of water neutralizes the gastric juice i.e. hydrochloric acid in stomach. This condition helps in quick healing of mucosa, the inner lining of stomach. But never drink water just before and after having a meal, it can slower the digestive process may cause indigestion. Indigestion is a leading cause of gastritis itself.