When someone gets gastropathy, the lining of their stomach swells up. The inflammation can be acute, with a sudden onset and short duration, or chronic, with a long-lasting and recurring nature. It can affect individuals of any age and may lead to various symptoms and complications if left untreated.
Symptoms
The symptoms of gastritis can vary depending on the type and severity of the inflammation, but common signs may include:
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Indigestion
Bloating and belching
Black, tarry stools (indicating bleeding in the stomach)
Vomiting blood (hematemesis) – a sign of severe bleeding
Causes
Helicobacter pylori infection: This bacterium is the most common cause of gastritis, especially the chronic form.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Prolonged use of NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can irritate the stomach lining and cause gastritis.
Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can lead to acute or chronic gastritis.
Stress: Severe stress or traumatic injuries can trigger gastritis.
Autoimmune diseases: Certain autoimmune disorders can cause the body’s immune system to attack the stomach lining, leading to gastritis.
Bile reflux: Backflow of bile into the stomach from the small intestine can cause irritation.
Pathophysiology
The inflammation in gastritis is typically a result of damage to the protective mucous layer that lines the stomach, allowing digestive acids to irritate the underlying tissues. In acute cases, the inflammation is often superficial and resolves once the underlying cause is addressed. In chronic cases, the inflammation persists, leading to structural changes in the stomach lining, which can be more challenging to treat.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing gastritis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, such as:
Endoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the mouth to visualize the stomach lining directly.
Biopsy: During endoscopy, small tissue samples may be taken for laboratory analysis to identify H. pylori infection or signs of other diseases.
Blood tests: To check for H. pylori antibodies and assess blood counts in cases of severe bleeding.
Stool tests: To detect H. pylori infection or evidence of bleeding.
X-rays or CT scans: To evaluate the stomach and surrounding structures
Treatment
The treatment of gastritis depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. It may include:
Medications: Antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or histamine receptor blockers to reduce stomach acid and promote healing.
Antibiotics: If H. pylori infection is present, antibiotics are used to eradicate the bacteria.
Discontinuation of irritants: Avoiding NSAIDs and alcohol can help in cases caused by these factors.
Dietary changes: Consuming a bland diet and avoiding spicy, acidic, and greasy foods.
Stress management: Techniques to manage stress may be beneficial for stress-related gastritis.
Prognosis
The prognosis for gastritis is generally good if the underlying cause is identified and treated promptly. Acute gastritis often resolves with appropriate management. However, chronic gastritis may require long-term management and monitoring.
Complications
Peptic ulcers: Gastritis can increase the risk of developing open sores in the stomach lining or upper part of the small intestine.
Gastrointestinal bleeding: Chronic inflammation can cause erosions or ulcers that bleed, leading to anemia or even life-threatening hemorrhage.
Gastric polyps: Prolonged inflammation may lead to the development of polyps in the stomach lining, some of which could be precancerous.
Increased risk of stomach cancer: Although rare, chronic gastritis, especially due to H. pylori infection, can increase the risk of stomach (gastric) cancer in the long term.
Gastritis in Ayurveda
Ayurveda frequently refers to gastritis as “Amlapitta,” which translates to “sour stomach” or “hyperacidity.” Ayurveda is a traditional medical system that has its roots in India. It places a strong emphasis on finding a balance between the body, mind, and spirit in order to achieve optimal health.
According to Ayurveda, gastritis is mostly brought on by an imbalance of the “Pitta” dosha, which stands for the body’s water and fire aspects. Pitta is responsible for controlling digestion and metabolism, and when it’s out of balance, it can cause an overproduction of stomach acid, which can cause acid reflux and heartburn.
Nidana
Ahara : Consuming extremely hot, spicy, greasy, and fried foods might increase pitta and cause acid reflux, according to Ahara (dietary factors). Additionally, the illness may be exacerbated by overeating, inconsistent eating patterns, and combining unsuitable foods.
Vihara (Lifestyle Factors): Certain lifestyle practises, such as severe stress, sleep deprivation, and sedentary behaviour, might upset the doshas’ normal equilibrium and cause Amlapitta.
Kala (Seasonal Factors): Pitta is naturally aggravated during the hot summer months, which could make the condition worse.
Weak Digestive Fire (Agni Mandya): When the digestive fire is weak, food is not adequately digested, causing ama (toxins) to build and pitta to become more aggravated.
Poorvaroopana
They might consist of:
Sudden acute pain, also known as tikshna utklesha, may strike a patient’s upper or lower abdomen.
Abdominal colic, also known as Udara Shoola, refers to colicky pain in the abdomen.
Aruchi (Tastelessness): There may be a diminished or nonexistent sense of taste.
Guru : A heavy, bloated feeling in the stomach is called gaurava (heaviness).
Agni Mandya (Weak digestion): Patients may have symptoms such as feeling full after only a modest meal and flatulence.
Samprapti
The following elements are implicated in the aetiology of amlapitta according to Ayurveda:
Excessive consumption of foods that aggravate pitta, such as those that are hot, greasy, and acidic.
Pitta imbalance can also be influenced by emotional elements including stress, rage, and anxiety.
The digestive process might be hampered by irregular eating patterns, excessive eating, or eating too soon.
Pitta dosha can also be aggravated by ingesting incompatible food combinations, such as milk and sour fruits.
Lakshana
According to Ayurveda, amlapitta symptoms include heartburn and a burning sensation in the chest and throat.
A mouthfeeling of sourness or acid reflux.
Vomiting and nauseous.
Abdominal heaviness and a sense of being full.
Decrease in appetite.
Excessive slurring.
Belching or gurgling.
Flatulence and bloating.
Prognosis
Curable
Chikitsa
Sodhana
Ayurvedic treatment must include Sodhana Chikitsa, also referred to as Panchakarma or purifying therapy. It seeks to get rid of the built-up poisons (ama) in the body, which are regarded to be the main factor in a number of illnesses, including Amlapitta. The therapy entails a number of purifying techniques, such as Vamana (therapeutic vomiting), Virechana (purgation), Basti (medicated enema), Nasya (nasal medication delivery), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting).
By removing excess Pitta (one of the three doshas in Ayurveda), Vamana and Virechana are particularly helpful in curing Amlapitta. But because these treatments must be specifically adapted to a person’s unique constitution and state of health, it is crucial to receive them under the supervision of a skilled Ayurvedic practitioner.
Samana
Samana Chikitsa is the name for palliative or pacifying therapies that concentrate on regulating the body’s agitated doshas, particularly Pitta in the case of Amlapitta. This method uses a variety of Ayurvedic herbs and preparations to relax the digestive tract, lessen inflammation, and treat acidity symptoms. Yashtimadhu, haritaki (Terminalia chebula), amla (Indian gooseberry), licorice (Yashtimadhu), and shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) are a few of the herbs frequently utilised in Samana Chikitsa for Amlapitta.
Commonly used medicine
Avipattikar Churna
Ingredients:
Amla (Emblica officinalis)
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)
Shunthi (Ginger – Zingiber officinale)
Maricha (Black pepper – Piper nigrum)
Pippali (Long pepper – Piper longum)
Musta (Cyperus rotundus)
Vidanga (Embelia ribes)
Ela (Cardamom – Elettaria cardamomum)
Twak (Cinnamon – Cinnamomum verum)
Patra (Cinnamomum tamala)
Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea)
Directions for use:
Take 1-2 tablespoons of Avipattikar Churna twice daily after meals with warm water or honey. It’s crucial to eat a balanced diet, stay away from acidic and spicy foods, and lead a lifestyle that supports digestive health.
Other Commonly Used Herbal Preparations
Chitrakagrandhyadi Kashayam
Chiruvilwadi Kashayam
Dusparsakadi Kashayam
Gandharvahastadi Kashayam
Nayopayam Kashayam
Vaiswanara Churna
Dadimashtak Churna
Takrarishta Churna
Vayu Gulika
Dhanwantharam Gulika
Dasamulaharitaki
Vilwadi Leham
Nayopayam Leham
Parushakadi Leham
Brand available
AVP, Coimbatore
Dabur
Baidyanath
Himalaya herbals
Vaidyaratnam Oushadhasala
Zandu
Kottakkal Aryavaidyasala
Kerala Ayurveda
Sitaram Ayurveda
Diet
The following food recommendations could be helpful for treating amlapitta:
Low-Acid Foods: Limit or avoid foods that are very acidic, such as tomatoes, vinegar-based products, citrus fruits (lemons, oranges), and citrus fruits. These could cause acid reflux.
Non-Citrus Fruits: Choose low-acid fruits instead of citrus fruits, such as bananas, apples, pears, and melons, as they are less prone to aggravate acid reflux.
Vegetables: Limit your intake to low- or non-acid vegetables such leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, and carrots.
Whole Grains: Opt for whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole wheat rather than processed grains because they may be easier on the stomach.
Avoid Foods That Set Off Acid Reflux: Make a list of any particular foods that set off your acid reflux symptoms and cut them out of your diet. Spicy meals, chocolate, mint, coffee, and fizzy drinks are some examples of common triggers.
Small and Regular Meals: To ease the strain on the stomach and lessen the risk of acid reflux, try eating smaller, more often meals rather than fewer, larger ones.
Eat slowly and fully chew your food to promote digestion and lessen the likelihood of overeating.
Avoid Eating Right Before Bed: Avoid eating large meals right before bed because doing so increases the risk of acid reflux.
Yoga
A seated twist known as Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose) can assist to stimulate the digestive system and ease gastrointestinal distress.
Legs straight in front of you when you sit.
With your right knee bent, position it just outside of your left knee and next to your hip.
Your left foot should be on the ground when you cross your right knee with it.
As you rotate to the right and place your left hand on the floor behind your back, inhale, stretch your spine, and then exhale.
As you further the twist, place your right hand on your left knee.
Deep breathing is required as you hold the position for 30 to 60 seconds.
Continue on the other side.
Bidalasana (Cat-Cow Pose):
Begin in a tabletop position with your hands and legs together.
Taking a breath in, elevate your head and tailbone while arching your back (Cow Pose).
Continue alternating between these two positions while matching your breathing to the motion.
This easy stretch can ease any abdominal stress while massaging the digestive system.
Balasana (Child’s Pose):
Kneel down on the ground with your big toes in contact and your knees apart.
Lower your torso towards the floor as you lean back on your heels and stretch your arms in front of you.
Place your forehead down and unwind your entire body.
Hold the position for a few breaths or longer while taking deep breaths.
The Child’s Pose is a meditative position that can ease tension and ease amlapitta symptoms.
The Food and Drug Administration, United States has not evaluated these statements. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your GP before the intake.
Please consult Dr. Rajesh Nair here-
https://www.ayurvedaforall.com/online-consultation.html
Writer:
Dr. Rajesh Nair, the co-founder and chief consultant of Ayurvedaforall.Com, is a graduate of prestigious Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College (affiliated with the University of Calicut), Kerala, India. Additionally, he holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Yoga Therapy from Annamalai University.
Dr. Nair offers consultation at two busy clinics in and around Haripad, Alleppey, Kerala, the southern state famous worldwide for authentic ayurvedic treatment and physicians. While offering consultation on all aspects of ayurvedic treatments Dr. Nair has a special interest in Panchkarma, Yoga, and Massage.
Through Ayurvedaforall, Dr. Nair offers online consultation to patients worldwide and has served hundreds of patients over the last 20 years. In addition to his Ayurvedic practice, he is the chief editor of ayurveda-amai.org, the online portal of Ayurveda Medical Association of India, and the Secretary of the Kerala State Committee of Ayurveda Medical Association of India.
Dr. Nair is a regular speaker at Ayurveda-related conferences and has visited Germany to propagate Ayurveda. You can write directly to him-rajesh@ayurvedaforall.com
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