Symptoms and treatment of biliary reflux gastritis

Pathologies of the digestive system are often found among the population. Diseases associated with reflux are common. What are their features?

Reflux esophagitis

The disease is a chronic inflammation of the esophagus, which arises from the constant ingress of acidic stomach contents into it. Pathology is associated with insufficiency of the lower esophageal sphincter, which normally protects the esophagus from the penetration of gastric juice into it.

Acute biliary reflux-gastritis

This form is characterized by the development of acute inflammation in the mucous membrane as a result of the influence of bile in the composition of the food lump. There are several variants of acute gastritis:

1. Catarrhal gastritis, the main manifestation of which is a slight hyperemia and swelling of the stomach wall. It thickens and becomes covered with a layer of thick mucus. The mucous membrane has pinpoint hemorrhages and small erosions.
2. Fibrinous gastritis, in which zones of necrosis of epithelium, infiltrated by fibrinous-purulent exudate, are formed in the wall. The manifestation of this phenomenon is a thin fibrin film on the surface of the affected parts of the mucous membrane. Superficial gastritis is characterized by the friability of this film, and with deep inflammation it fuses with the epithelium.
3. Necrotic gastritis, which in addition to the epithelium affects other layers of the mucosa. Under necrosis is understood the death of cells under the influence of aggressive factors.
4. Purulent gastritis is the most severe form of inflammation. The process can involve all layers of the stomach, which is a threat to perforation. The manifestation of this variant is the presence of purulent exudate, as well as intensive infiltration of the mucous membrane with leukocytes.

Chronic biliary reflux-gastritis

This type is characterized by a combination of inflammatory and dystrophic phenomena. Regular ingestion of bile and pancreatic enzymes into the stomach leads to the development of chronic inflammation. Also this form can be the outcome of acute gastritis. As a result of alkalinization in the mucosa increases the amount of histamine, which makes it edematic and hyperemic.

Pathogenesis

Between the stomach, its antrum, and the duodenum, there is a sphincter, which was called the "gatekeeper." The work of this muscle is aimed at moving the chyme (food lump) from the stomach into the intestine for further digestion and subsequent absorption of nutrients. Violation of the sphincter may lead to the development of biliary reflux gastritis, the treatment of which requires a combination of medications and proper nutrition. To this disease leads untimely opening of the sphincter, resulting in a lump of food, which joins the bile, produced by the liver, returns back to the stomach. The composition of bile has a detrimental effect on the state of its mucous membrane. It contains salts, acids and enzymes, which are considered to be factors of aggression.

Etiology

The causes of the development of biliary reflux gastritis are associated with a disruption of the normal functioning of the sphincter - the gatekeeper. This may lead to any surgery that affects the motility of the gastrointestinal tract. Also among the etiological factors can be identified such diseases as hepatitis, cholecystitis and chronic duodenitis. Weak muscles sphincter and increased pressure in the intestines are often the causes of gastritis, and lead to this can a number of pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract. Important role of predisposing factors. For example, constant stresses reduce the protective properties of the mucosa, and it is weaker than the action of irritating factors. The same applies to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which increases the risk of gastritis several times. These drugs affect the synthesis of prostaglandins, and they perform an important function - stimulating the formation of mucus goblet cells, which increases the protective properties of the mucosa. Anti-inflammatory drugs block the enzyme cyclooxygenase, and as a result, the amount of prostaglandins and, consequently, the amount of mucus is also reduced.

The formation of reflux esophagitis leads to ascites, which increases the pressure in the abdominal cavity, narrowing the pyloroduodenal opening. Additional factors can be malnutrition, tight clothing, drugs, stress and tobacco smoking. This phenomenon can occur during pregnancy, then it is not associated with pathology.

Biliary reflux gastritis and reflux esophagitis: symptoms

The main symptoms of reflux esophagitis are heartburn and acidic eructations, which usually occur after eating, as well as when tilted forward. Addition to this is discomfort in the epigastric region.

The biliary reflux-gastritis differs more saturated with the clinic. Symptoms of this disease include pain syndrome and other disorders. Often patients are concerned about the feeling of bursting and swelling of the abdomen, as well as the severity of the epigastric region. Pains usually appear on an empty stomach, and their intensity can be different - from strong sharp to aching. Often there is vomiting.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of biliary reflux gastritis is carried out after special studies and anamnesis. Some complaints for this are not enough, they only help to predict the development of the disease. First of all, the patient is sent for the surrender of stool, in which the experts reveal latent blood. It is also mandatory to conduct FGDs, which will help visually assess the condition of the mucous membrane, detect pathologically altered foci. Increased pressure in the duodenum can be detected by manometry.

Reflux-esophagitis is diagnosed mainly with the X-ray method using contrast medium. This method allows you to track the time of casting the contents of the stomach into the esophagus. It is also recommended to carry out an endoscopy study that will assess the condition of the mucosa and take biological material for further study.

Treatment

Biliary reflux gastritis and reflux esophagitis require immediate treatment. This will help improve the patient's condition and avoid possible complications. When an esophagitis is found, it is necessary to abandon bad habits, as well as intense physical exertion on the abdominal area.

Drug therapy is based on the appointment of antacid drugs, which will reduce the aggressive effect of gastric juice on the mucosa of the esophagus. Among them we can distinguish "Almagel", "Maalox", applied by the course. They envelop the walls of the stomach and reduce acidity.

In addition, it is recommended to use drugs that reduce the secretion of gastric juice ("omeprazole"). Prokinetics can improve the tone of the sphincter, which is a protection against the casting of acidic contents. Among such preparations it is possible to allocate "Motilium" and "Motilak". If conservative therapy does not work, surgery may be required, which is performed with the help of endoscopic equipment.

How is the treatment of such a disease as biliary reflux gastritis? Symptoms and treatment of this pathology are inextricably linked. Patients require a complex of pharmacological and non-drug measures that will improve the condition, relieve the clinical manifestations. First of all, one should normalize the way of life - rejection of bad habits, proper nutrition. Among medications, usually blockers of histamine receptors are prescribed, which will reduce secretion. Do not do without gastroprotectors - they will accelerate the healing of lesions of the mucous membrane. In addition, it is necessary to bind bile acids, which is produced with ursodeoxycholic acid. Prevent the casting of chyme in the stomach will help drugs such as Domperidone and Metoclopramide.

Prevention

Prevent the formation of biliary reflux gastritis and esophagitis will help to correct nutrition and timely diagnosis of pathological processes. It is recommended to conduct regular endoscopic examinations for the purpose of prevention, which will help to identify the disease at an early stage. This will increase the effectiveness of conservative therapy, will avoid surgical interventions and the occurrence of severe complications.

In addition, the protective properties of the mucosa should be increased. To do this, it is recommended to abandon bad habits (or reduce them to a minimum), try to eat healthy foods and avoid stressful situations.

Also a predisposing factor is the frequent use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce mucus in the stomach, as a result of which the mucosa becomes vulnerable. An important role is played by prevention and timely treatment of concomitant diseases.

The problem of the occurrence of biliary reflux gastritis and esophagitis is urgent, as these pathologies can not only worsen the patient's condition, but also cause complications. Timely diagnosis will allow you to start treatment on time.