Dry mouth from fear: causes of the problem, treatment, advice

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• Gastritis: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Gastritis is perhaps the most common disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Almost every second resident of our country suffers from it. That is why it is so important to know the first signs and symptoms of this disease in order to start treatment on time and not neglect your health.

Gastritis (from the Latin gastritis, from the ancient Greek γαστήρ (gaster) - “stomach” + -itis inflammatory or inflammatory-dystrophic changes in the mucous membrane) is a collective concept that is used to refer to various inflammatory and dystrophic changes in the gastric mucosa. Damage to the mucous membrane can be primary, considered as an independent disease, caused by poor nutrition, and secondary, caused by other infectious and non-infectious diseases or intoxication.

Types of gastritis

Acute gastritis

In modern medicine, there are several types of acute gastritis:

Simple (catarrhal) gastritis develops as a result of ingestion of stale food contaminated with pathogenic microbes (foodborne toxic infection), rotavirosis, allergies, or as a result of damage to the gastric mucosa by medications. With catarrhal gastritis, the surface layer of the mucous membrane is destroyed, which is quickly restored after the cessation of the irritating factor.

Corrosive (erosive) gastritis. This type of gastritis develops after concentrated acids or alkalis enter the stomach, which corrode the gastric mucosa. In this case, not only the superficial, but also the deep layers of the gastric mucosa are destroyed, so this form of the disease often gives rise to peptic ulcers or the formation of scars.

Phlegmonous gastritis is a purulent inflammation of the stomach that can develop as a result of penetration of a foreign object (for example, a fish bone) into the stomach wall with subsequent infection of this area. A distinctive feature of this type of gastritis is high fever and unbearable pain in the epigastric region. Phlegmonous gastritis requires immediate surgical intervention, as it can develop into peritonitis (extensive inflammation of the abdominal organs) and be fatal.

Fibrinous gastritis. It occurs very rarely against the background of sepsis (blood poisoning).

With proper treatment, acute gastritis (depending on the form) lasts up to 5 - 7 days, but complete recovery of the stomach occurs much later.

Often acute gastritis can become chronic.

Chronic gastritis

Chronic gastritis can develop as a consequence of acute gastritis or as an independent disease. Its danger lies in the fact that it can occur for a long time without showing any symptoms.

In the development of the disease, as a rule, there are periods of exacerbation and remission. During periods of exacerbation of chronic gastritis, short-term attacks of pain, discomfort in the upper abdomen, a feeling of heaviness, nausea after eating, and heartburn may appear, which indicates a dysfunction of the natural “valves” of the stomach and the reflux of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus.

A characteristic feature of chronic gastritis is the gradual growth of connective tissue in the gastric mucosa, replacing the cells that produce gastric juice (atrophy of the gastric mucosa). Chronic gastritis is often accompanied by a decrease in the production of gastric juice and acid (hypoacid gastritis).

Helicobacter pylori infection, which parasitizes the stomach, disrupts the renewal processes of the mucous membrane; thus, when old cells die, new ones cannot be formed. This leads to gradual degradation of the gastric mucosa with loss of function of the glands that produce gastric juice.

Survey

Patients complaining of dry mouth usually consult a dentist, and then may be referred to other specialists to clarify the diagnosis. A diagnostic search involves the appointment of laboratory and instrumental methods aimed at clarifying the condition and function of the salivary glands and identifying the original cause of the symptom. The most informative are:

• Sialometry
  . Measurement of the amount and rate of saliva secretion from the parotid gland in response to stimulation is done to determine the severity of xerostomia. The method can be used to monitor the quality of patient treatment.
• Sialography
  . X-ray examination of the excretory ducts and body of the gland is used to identify structural disorders and mechanical obstacles to the secretion of saliva. Contrast radiography can detect cysts, abscesses, and tumors.
• Ultrasonography
  . Ultrasound of the salivary glands is performed for quick non-invasive diagnosis of their condition. Sonography helps to detect nonspecific signs of inflammatory processes and space-occupying formations, and morphological changes.
• Obtaining a biopsy sample
  . A biopsy of the salivary glands is prescribed when the etiology of dry mucosa is unclear, when it is necessary to exclude autoimmune diseases or amyloidosis. Most often, material is collected from the minor salivary glands of the lower lip.
• Other instrumental methods
  . The plan for further examination is determined based on the patient’s complaints and objective status. According to indications, rhinoscopy and pharyngoscopy are recommended; ultrasound and radiography are used to assess the condition of the abdominal organs.

Ultrasound examination of the salivary glands

Causes of gastritis

The main causes of gastritis are:

• poor nutrition;
• hasty eating and poorly chewed food or dry food;
• eating food that is too hot or too cold;
• eating savory foods (mostly spicy and highly salted);
• smoking;
• alcohol consumption;
• stress;
• infection with the microbe Helicobacter pylori;
• chewing gum on an empty stomach.

Treatment

You should pay close attention to the problem, since ignoring a symptom or delaying seeking help can lead to the following undesirable manifestations:

1. Constant feeling of thirst.
2. Improper functioning of taste buds.
3. Difficulty swallowing.
4. Change in tongue color, burning sensation.
5. Formation of cracks on the lips and tongue, peeling of the lips.
6. Bad breath, plaque formation on the gums and tongue.
7. Breathing problems.

If the manifestation of a symptom is provoked by psychogenic disorders, it is recommended to consult a psychotherapist. Therapy for dry mouth during stress will be aimed at finding and subsequently working through the reasons that caused the appearance of undesirable symptoms.

As a rule, after special psychological techniques, both physical and psychological states are normalized. The main methods of psychotherapeutic assistance are Gestalt therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, NLP, hypnosis and psychoanalytic techniques.

For self-help (at times of severe anxiety), it is suitable to perform breathing exercises and take sedatives (Motherwort or Valerian). You can use the following relaxation technique: short inhale through the nose - long exhale through the mouth. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that exhalations are accompanied by a feeling of complete release of air. You can also take 3-4 short inhalations and exhalations, making sure that the exhalations are as high quality as possible.

We should not forget that the occurrence of discomfort in the oral cavity can be the result of some other problems in the body, namely: influenza, acute respiratory infections, tonsillitis, endocrine disorders, diabetes, anemia.

Bad habits, poor diet, and the use of antibiotics or diuretics can also negatively affect the condition of the oral cavity and cause dryness. If symptoms occur, it is strongly recommended to seek professional help and undergo prescribed treatment.

Symptoms of gastritis

So, how can you recognize that you have begun to develop gastritis? It is worth listening to your body and analyzing why pain bothers you, at what time it occurs and how often it happens.

Symptoms of gastritis:

• abdominal pain: sharp paroxysmal or constant painful;
• nausea is constant or intermittent, often occurring immediately after eating;
• heartburn;
• belching with a sour smell;
• repeated vomiting (in the case of acute gastritis, vomiting with blood is possible, since internal bleeding may open in the stomach);
• increased salivation;
• sometimes dry mouth;
• bowel dysfunction: constipation or diarrhea;
• from the whole body: severe general weakness, dizziness, headache, sweating, increased temperature, decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate - tachycardia;
• decreased appetite;
• unpleasant taste in the mouth;
• feeling of heaviness in the stomach after eating;
• bloating, rumbling in the stomach, flatulence;
• anemia, brittle and dry hair, split nails.

Eliminate dry mouth

If dry mouth is caused by drinking alcohol and smoking, then it can only be eliminated by getting rid of the bad habit. It is recommended to reduce the consumption of salty and sweet foods. Pay attention to how you breathe - through your nose or mouth. If nasal breathing is difficult, the cause must be diagnosed and nasal breathing restored. To do this, you will have to see a doctor. It is also important to monitor the humidity in the room.

Dry mouth can be the first symptom of many diseases. Therefore, if you often experience a feeling of dry mouth, it is necessary to understand its nature, determine the cause and, if necessary, consult a doctor and begin treatment for the disease that caused this symptom.

Diagnosis of gastritis

Today, the main way to determine gastritis is fibrogastroduodenoendoscopy or FGDS, which consists of studying the condition of the inner surface of the stomach using a probe, as well as a biopsy - removing a small fragment of tissue for examination.

FGDS makes it possible not to confuse gastritis and ulcer and to determine the type of disease: erosive or non-erosive.

Also, a gastroenterologist, to make a correct diagnosis, may prescribe the following tests:

1. General blood analysis.
2. Fecal occult blood test.
3. Histological examination of a biopsy specimen of the gastric mucosa.
4. Cytological examination of a biopsy specimen of the gastric mucosa.
5. Two tests for the determination of H. pylori.
6. Blood chemistry.
7. General urine analysis.

Diet for gastritis

For gastritis with low acidity

Can:

• boiled lean meat: chicken, rabbit;
• meat broths;
• lean fish: pink salmon, hake, cod;
• vegetables in the form of puree or grated: carrots, potatoes, green peas, beets;
• ground fruits, compotes and jelly from apples, raspberries and strawberries;
• porridge (oatmeal, semolina, rice);
• low-fat cottage cheese, milk;
• only squeezed cabbage juice;
• alkaline mineral waters, for example Borjomi (1 glass an hour before meals).

It is forbidden:

• hot and spicy dishes;
• canned food;
• mustard;
• pepper;
• onion;
• hot sauces.

For gastritis with high acidity

Can:

• pureed vegetarian soups;
• dairy products;
• lean fish and boiled meat;
• scrambled eggs;
• porridge, jelly, jelly;
• vegetable purees;
• compotes from fresh (not sour) fruits;
• carrot juice;
• White bread.

It is forbidden:

• coffee and strong tea;
• meat broths;
• smoked meats;
• mustard;
• onion;
• garlic.

For all types of gastritis, split meals are very important - 5-6 times a day.

Gastritis (from the Latin gastritis, from the ancient Greek γαστήρ (gaster) - “stomach” + -itis inflammatory or inflammatory-dystrophic changes in the mucous membrane) is a collective concept used to refer to inflammatory and dystrophic changes in the gastric mucosa of different origins and course. Damage to the mucous membrane can be primary, considered as an independent disease (due to poor nutrition), and secondary, caused by other infectious and non-infectious diseases or intoxication.

Gastritis is perhaps the most common disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Almost every second resident of our country suffers from it.

If you are really looking for your doctor...

Feeling of a lump in the stomach

Gastritis

15788 21 August

IMPORTANT!

The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment.
In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, diagnostic tests should be prescribed only by the attending physician. To make a diagnosis and properly prescribe treatment, you should contact your doctor. Feeling of a lump in the stomach: causes of occurrence, what diseases it occurs with, diagnosis and treatment methods.

The feeling of a coma in the stomach is described when one experiences a feeling of heaviness, discomfort and fullness in the stomach, even when it is only slightly filled. Sometimes patients find it difficult to determine the exact location of the coma and point to the lower third of the sternum or solar plexus. In some cases, a feeling of a lump and cramps in the stomach may occur on an empty stomach.

Types of feeling of a coma in the stomach

A feeling of heaviness or coma in the stomach can be an independent symptom, but may be accompanied by other unpleasant sensations. Sometimes it is heartburn, sour belching, bloating, constipation.

In some cases, a feeling of a lump appears when swallowing

, making it difficult for chewed food to pass through.
In addition, patients may complain that food did not enter the stomach, but stopped in the esophagus.
In such patients, vomiting of unchanged food is possible. When describing symptoms, you should pay attention to the time of onset of discomfort - before

or
after eating
.

The patient may feel heaviness in the stomach with pain or heartburn, on an empty stomach or after eating, and night pain also occurs.

Sometimes the sensation of a lump in the stomach occurs
regardless of food intake
.
In such cases, they complain of stomach spasms
, sometimes accompanied by a feeling of a lump in the throat.

What diseases cause a sensation of a lump in the stomach?

Eating more than your usual amount of food

, accompanied by a feeling of fullness and heaviness in the stomach. This condition is not a manifestation of the disease and goes away on its own after some time.

It should be noted that stomach capacity varies depending on eating habits.

People who are small or
have undergone gastric resection
can eat a small portion, otherwise they will not only experience a feeling of heaviness or fullness in the stomach, but also vomiting.

A sensation of coma may occur when consuming foods that cause excess gas.

, as well as
food that is difficult to digest
(salads with mayonnaise, fatty, fried and smoked dishes) and
highly carbonated drinks
.
When eating dry and hastily,
an unpleasant sensation in the epigastric region is caused by poor processing of the food bolus with saliva and insufficient secretion of gastric juice.

However, a feeling of coma or discomfort in the stomach, or more precisely, in the epigastric region, may appear after eating even a small amount of food

.
This condition can be caused by diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or other reasons.
First of all, they assume indigestion, or functional dyspepsia. Its symptoms most often include pain and discomfort immediately after eating, a feeling of heaviness and fullness in the stomach, heartburn, belching, nausea, sometimes vomiting, reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus, bloating and bowel dysfunction.

Dyspepsia can be a symptom of both functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and organic diseases.

Functional causes of dyspepsia are often caused by errors in diet and medications.

Iron ions have an irritating effect on the gastric mucosa, which is most pronounced when taking medications based on ferrous iron. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are systematically taken for rheumatic and non-rheumatic diseases of the musculoskeletal system, also cause undesirable effects: heaviness and discomfort in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, and dyspeptic disorders.

Neurological disorders

(neuroses, depression), psychological trauma almost always affects the state of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to impaired motility.

Functional dyspepsia is not accompanied by erosive or ulcerative lesions of the stomach; its symptoms disappear when the general state of health is normalized.

One of the common causes of discomfort in the stomach immediately after eating is
gastritis
. It is accompanied by functional and inflammatory processes that have a negative effect on the gastric mucosa. Symptoms of gastritis include heaviness and pain in the stomach, indigestion, nausea, heartburn, sour belching and bloating when eating any food. The inflammatory process leads to atrophy of the mucous membrane and disruption of the glands that secrete gastric juice.

Insufficient gastric juice and weak peristalsis of the stomach and intestines make it difficult to digest food.

Gastritis is often accompanied by dyspepsia. In addition to a feeling of heaviness and aching pain in the epigastric region after eating, poor appetite, weakness, fatigue, and irritability are noted. When pressing on the abdomen, a dull pain appears in the projection of the stomach.

Impaired motor-evacuation functions

upper digestive tract is always accompanied by a feeling of coma or a feeling of heaviness in the stomach. Disorders of esophageal motility are usually caused by incoordination of the esophageal sphincters. Uncoordinated work of the esophageal muscles can lead to a delay in the bolus of food on the way to the stomach, the reflux of food particles into the respiratory tract, and reflux (return of stomach contents into the esophagus). Impaired gastric motility leads to slow emptying, which is accompanied by a feeling of heaviness and fullness even with a small amount of food consumed, pain in the epigastric region, heartburn, nausea and vomiting.

Motility disorders of the esophagus and stomach may be associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, tumors and stenoses (narrowings), metabolic disorders (hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia), postoperative complications of gastrectomy, taking certain medications (opiates, antidepressants, hormones), alcohol and nicotine .

Peristalsis worsens with a sedentary lifestyle and with age.

Stomach cancer can also cause symptoms such as a feeling of heaviness or a lump in the stomach. Moreover, depending on the location of the tumor, its manifestations vary. If the tumor is located closer to the esophagus, problems with swallowing food occur. This is accompanied by increased salivation, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the epigastric region. When the tumor is localized in the lower parts of the stomach, closer to the duodenum, a prolonged feeling of heaviness after eating and bloating is characteristic. When burping, a putrid odor may be felt.

Which doctors should you contact if you feel a lump in your stomach?

If there is a constant feeling of a lump in the stomach or a feeling of heaviness, it is necessary to contact or to make a preliminary diagnosis. The gastroenterologist may also refer the patient to an oncologist. A consultation may also be required.

Diagnosis and examination if you feel a lump in the stomach

First of all, clinical blood and stool tests are necessary for differential diagnosis.