What is Gastritis?

Gastritis refers to the inflammation of the stomach lining. The stomach is where food is exposed to a highly acidic environment, allowing for digestion and breakdown of the majority of ingested food. While this acidic content is necessary for proper digestion, it can also pose a significant risk to the stomach itself. To protect against this hazardous content, the stomach regularly produces a thick, protective mucus that coats the entire inner surface.

However, certain factors can disrupt this protective mechanism. Some medications can interfere with the stomach's protective lining, as well as stress and eating disorders, or the intake of undigested food alongside new meals. The burning acid comes into contact with the gastric mucosa, the inner lining of the stomach, causing irritation. This condition is known as gastritis.

Why Does Gastritis Become Chronic and What Happens Then?

If gastritis persists for a long time or frequently recurs, it can result in the deterioration of the stomach lining. Burn marks may appear in various areas, and there is an increased tendency for the development of ulcers or damage. Certain foods, especially poorly chewed solid particles, can cause further injury to these areas.

In this condition, the person no longer has peace of mind. Acid secretion increases, especially in the evenings, and the burning effect of the acid causes significant irritation in the vulnerable damaged areas. As a result, patients feel more restless and experience more discomfort in the evenings.

How is it Treated?

In the treatment of gastritis, most medications work by reducing acid secretion. There are also a few active substances that improve the quality of the protective secretion of the stomach lining. They are more effective when used together. However, these treatments are far from eliminating the root cause or repairing the damage that has occurred in the stomach.

Acupuncture, on the other hand, is an effective treatment method for reducing acid secretion, enhancing the quality of the protective mucus, and promoting the healing of existing damage. Additionally, it provides a comprehensive rehabilitation opportunity by addressing underlying issues such as stress and eating disorders.

Dr. Mehmet Salih Özaytürk