Stomach Disorders: Gastritis Flashcards
What are the two types of gastritis?
- Acute
* Chronic
Regardless of type, gastritis is…
- The inflammation of the stomach or gastric mucosa
* Gastritis only directly affects the stomach, while gastroenteritis affects both the stomach and the intestines.
What is acute gastritis?
• Acute gastritis is a sudden inflammation or swelling in the lining of the stomach.
The most common causes of acute gastritis are…
- Poor diet
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and
- Corticosteroids.
What does acute gastritis look like?
• Thickened, reddened mucous membrane w/ prominent rugae
What are the s/s of acute gastritis?
- Abdominal discomfort
- Anorexia
- N/V
- HA
- Hiccups
- Hemorrhage (from repeat irritation/alcohol abuse)
True or False
It is possible for acute gastritis to resolve through regeneration and healing.
• True
What are the interventions for acute gastritis?
- NPO with fluids rest and antiemetics
- Monitor for signs of hemorrhagic gastritis
- Abx, bismuth salts
- When stomach is calm, resume diet slowly avoiding acidic or spicy food
How long does it usually take for acute gastritis to resolve itself w/ appropriate self-care?
• 3 days
What do bismuth salts do for the stomach?
- Bismuth salts to help eliminate bacteria that cause stomach problems such as diarrhea and stomach ulcers.
- Bismuth salts also work like an antacid to treat problems such as indigestion.
- Bismuth also might speed up blood clotting.
What medications are typically used for acute gastritis?
- PPIs
* Pepsid (H2R Blocker via IV) may to calm acidity of stomach
What needs to be monitored while treating acute gastritis?
• Electrolyte levels, especially potassium
What are some signs of low potassium?
• A low potassium level can make muscles feel weak, cramp, twitch, or even become paralyzed, and abnormal heart rhythms may develop.
True or False
Milk is a preferred method for dealing with s/s of acute gastritis.
• False, it will stimulate acid production and exacerbate the issue
What are the physical attributes to chronic gastritis?
• Patchy, diffuse inflammation of the mucosal lining that leads to stomach atrophy and mucosal lining becomes thin and normal cells are destroyed
What are the two types of chronic gastritis?
- Type A: Autoimmune
* Type B: H. pylori infections
What are the s/s of chronic gastritis?
- Belching
- Anorexia
- N/V
- Heartburn after eating
- Sore taste in mouth
- Vit B12 deficiency
How are the s/s of chronic gastritis managed?
- Avoid acidic/spicy foods
- Abx, bismuth salts
- Vit B12 injections if needed
What is the cause of type A chronic gastritis?
• It is an inherited autoimmune condition directed against the parietal cells
As parietal cells of the stomach are lost, what occurs?
- Decrease of HCl production
- Inadequate intrinsic factor leading to Vitamin B12 malabsorption
- Pernicious anemia
- Peripheral neuropathy
True or False
Type A chronic gastritis does not increase risk of ulcers and gastric cancer
• False, it does.
What Is pernicious anemia and why would it occur with Type A chronic gastritis?
- Pernicious means “deadly”, thus life threatening anemia
- This occurs because of the lack of intrinsic factor produced by parietal cells that then decrease vitamin B12 absorption
- B12 absorption is critical in the creation of RBCs, so if there is not enough B12, it reduces the overall count of RBCs and the downward spiral goes
What is peripheral neuropathy?
• Weakness, numbness, and pain from nerve damage, usually in the hands and feet
How does chronic gastritis cause peripheral neuropathy?
- A lack of B12 damages the myelin sheath that surrounds and protect nerves.
- Without this protection, nerves cease to function properly and conditions such as peripheral neuropathy occur
What is the cause of Type B chronic gastritis?
- H. pylori infection
* Triggers lymphocyte and neutrophil response that releases inflammatory cytokines and damages gastric mucosa
What is the non-medical tx for type B chronic gastritis?
- Alcohol and drug cessation
- Small, frequent, non-irritating diet
- Antacids after meals
What is the medical approach of tx for type B chronic gastritis?
- Abx for the H. pylori
* Cobalamin (B12) supplements for the pernicious anemia
What is the diagnostic approach for gastritis?
- Hx drug/alcohol abuse (causal)
- Endoscopic exam w/ biopsy (definitive dx)
- CBC for anemia
- Serum antibody tests for parietal cells and intrinsic factor (B12 deficiency)
- Breath, urine, serum, stool and gastric tissue to determine H. pylori infection
