Gastritis
Gastritis is inflammation of the lining of the stomach. There are two mechanisms. The first is the damage to the protective layer on the inner surface of the stomach, and the second is the increase in the acid level in the stomach.
Cigarettes, coffee, alcohol and unhealthy foods spoil the protective layer of the stomach. This causes the usual acidic contents in the stomach to damage the stomach wall. In addition, aspirin and pain relievers can also disrupt this protective layer.
The bacteria named Helicobacter Pylori (HP), which is quite common in Turkey (6-7 out of 10 people), also changes the acidic structure of the stomach and creates a living space for itself. The bacteria multiplying here spoils the tissue of the stomach over time. It can cause stomach cancer over many years. However, in proportion to its prevalence, gastric cancer is not as common as HP. In other words, there is no need to panic because anyone with HP in their stomach will get stomach cancer. In fact, not every person with a positive HP test has to be treated. We have some criteria for treatment. Some of these;
Having a stomach or duodenal ulcer
Having stomach cancer in the person or family
Having stomach complaints
The person’s desire to be treated
It’s the doctor’s decision.
So how is the presence of HP detected? No method is 100% reliable with this coupon. First of all, only the physician can decide according to the clinic. Complaints that do not go away with stomach medications can be treated. If there is duodenal ulcer seen with endoscopy, HP treatment should be started without the need for testing. Diagnosis can be made by biopsy taken from the stomach. However, the result may not always be reliable, clinical and endoscopic appearance is important.
