Introduction
Gastritis, characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining, is a common digestive ailment affecting people worldwide. Understanding the multifaceted nature of this condition, including its causes, symptoms, and management strategies, is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers.
Causes and Etiology
Gastritis can be caused by a variety of factors, each contributing to the inflammation of the stomach lining. Common culprits include infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), excessive alcohol consumption, and autoimmune disorders. Stress, smoking, and certain viral infections may also play a role in the development of gastritis.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The symptoms of gastritis can range from mild discomfort to more severe manifestations. Individuals with gastritis may experience abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness after consuming small amounts of food. In some cases, there may be the presence of blood in the stool or vomit. Diagnosis often involves a combination of a detailed medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests, including endoscopy, blood tests, and imaging studies.
Types of Gastritis
Gastritis is a nuanced condition with various subtypes, each distinguished by its underlying causes and characteristics. Acute gastritis may result from sudden irritants like NSAIDs or excessive alcohol intake, while chronic gastritis may develop gradually due to factors such as H. pylori infection or autoimmune diseases. Erosive gastritis involves visible damage to the stomach lining, whereas non-erosive gastritis may cause inflammation without evident structural harm.
Prevention and Lifestyle Changes
Preventing gastritis involves adopting a lifestyle that supports digestive health. This includes moderating alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and managing stress through activities like exercise or meditation. Maintaining a balanced diet with regular meals, limiting the intake of spicy or acidic foods, and practicing good hygiene to prevent H. pylori infection are crucial preventive measures.
Nursing Intervention for Gastritis
1. Risk for activity intolerance related to physical weakness.
Goal:
Activity limitation is resolved.
Expected results:
Clients are not assisted by the family in the activity.
Nursing Intervention for Gastritis
Increase bed rest or sit, give a quiet and comfortable environment, limit visitors, encourage the use of relaxation techniques, review the tenderness in the stomach, give the medicine according to the indication.
2. Acute Pain related to inflammation of gastric mucosa
Goal:
Pain can be reduced / lost.
Expected results:
Pain gone / controlled, looked relaxed and able to sleep / rest, pain scale shows the number 0.
Nursing Intervention for Gastritis
Review pain scale and location of pain, observation Vital Signs, provide a quiet and comfortable environment, encourage relaxation techniques with breath in, do the collaboration in the provision of drugs in accordance with the indication to reduce the pain.
3. Impaired nutrition needs Less than body requirements related to inadequate intake, anorexia.
Goal :
Nutritional deficiencies resolved.
Expected results:
Stable weight, normal laboratory values albumin, no nausea and vomiting, weight within normal limits, normal bowel sounds.
Nursing Intervention for Gastritis
Assess food intake, body weight measured regularly, give oral care on a regular basis, encourage clients to eat little but often, give food in warm, auscultation bowel sounds, assess food preferences, supervised laboratory tests such as: Hb, Ht, Albumin.
Bibliography:
1. Fashner, J., Gitu, A. C., Douglass, A. B., & Lando, J. (2015). Diagnosis and treatment of peptic ulcer disease and H. pylori infection. American Family Physician, 91(4), 236-242.
2. Chey, W. D., & Leontiadis, G. I. (2017). Howden CW. ACG clinical guideline: treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 112(2), 212-239. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2016.563
