Chronic Gastritis
What is Chronic Gastritis
Chronic gastritis is a long-lasting inflammation of the stomach lining (gastric mucosa), which develops slowly over months or years.
It leads to gradual thinning (atrophy) of the protective mucous membrane and decreased acid secretion, disturbing digestion and nutrient absorption.
In simple terms: the inner lining of the stomach becomes weak, irritated, and unable to handle normal acid or food properly — resulting in indigestion, heaviness, and burning on a regular basis.
कारण
Chronic gastritis can occur due to multiple factors that continuously irritate the stomach:
1. Infection:
- Long-term infection by Helicobacter pylori bacteria – the most common cause.
2. Autoimmune reaction (Type A):
- The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach lining, especially the parietal cells, leading to pernicious anemia (vitamin B12 deficiency).
3. Chemical / Reactive causes (Type C):
- Continuous irritation by NSAIDs, alcohol, bile reflux, or spicy food.
4. Lifestyle & dietary habits:
- Irregular eating, smoking, excessive coffee or tea, stress, poor sleep.
5. Age factor:
- More common in older adults due to reduced mucosal regeneration.
Pathophysiology
The stomach lining (mucosa) normally produces mucus and acid in balance.
But in chronic gastritis:
- The protective mucus barrier becomes weak,
- Acid and enzymes damage the underlying cells,
- Over time, atrophy and thinning of mucosa occur,
- This results in impaired digestion, low acid production, and malabsorption.
- If left untreated, it can lead to peptic ulcers or even stomach cancer in rare cases.
लक्षण
- Dull, aching pain or burning in upper abdomen
- Loss of appetite and early fullness after eating small meals
- Bloating, heaviness, and indigestion
- Nausea or occasional vomiting
- Heartburn or sour regurgitation
- Fatigue, pallor, and sometimes tongue redness (due to B12 deficiency)
- Black stools in case of bleeding gastritis
- Weight loss over time
Types of Chronic Gastritis
- Type A (Autoimmune Gastritis):
- Autoimmune destruction of parietal cells → leads to low acid and B12 deficiency.
- Common in older women or people with other autoimmune disorders.
2. Type B (H. pylori-associated):
- Most common type; caused by long-term infection with H. pylori bacteria.
- Affects lower part (antrum) of stomach.
3. Type C (Chemical / Reactive Gastritis):
- Due to long-term irritation by bile reflux, NSAIDs, or alcohol.
- Affects upper part (body/fundus) of stomach.
Homeopathic Understanding
In Homeopathy, chronic gastritis is seen as a deep-seated imbalance of the vital force — where physical irritation combines with mental stress, wrong habits, and suppressed emotions.
The goal of treatment is not only to relieve symptoms but to restore the inner balance, improving digestion, appetite, and mucosal healing naturally.
Homeopathy treats both the cause (like stress, drug abuse, emotional suppression) and the effect (inflammation, acidity, pain).
Key Homeopathic Remedies for Chronic Gastritis
- Lycopodium Clavatum
- For chronic indigestion, gas, and heaviness after eating.
- Bloating starts soon after small amounts of food.
- Craving for sweets, warm drinks, or hot food.
- Irritable and anxious, especially before meals or exams.
- Worse: in the evening, after eating beans or cabbage.
- Better: from warm drinks, passing gas.
2. Natrum Phosphoricum
- For acid dyspepsia and sour eructations.
- Yellow-coated tongue with sour taste in mouth.
- Suited to people with acidic stomach, heartburn, and sluggish digestion.
- Helps balance acid-alkali levels gently.
3. Carbo Vegetabilis
- For weak digestion in elderly or weak constitutions.
- Gas, heaviness, and distention after eating even light food.
- Feels cold, wants to be fanned, and desires open air.
- Useful when there is burning pain and excessive flatulence.
4. Arsenicum Album
- For burning pain, restlessness, and weakness.
- Burning relieved by warm drinks.
- Worse at midnight, after spoiled or cold food.
- Patient often anxious, meticulous, and chilly.
- Very useful in erosive or chronic gastritis with anxiety.
5. Phosphorus
- For inflammation of mucous membranes with burning and empty feeling in stomach.
- Vomiting after warm food, but better after cold drinks (till they get warm).
- Suited to tall, slender, sensitive people.
- Helpful in chronic gastritis with bleeding or erosion.
6. Nux Vomica
- For those with irregular habits, sedentary life, coffee or alcohol use.
- Sour belching, heartburn, nausea, and irritability.
- Feels worse in morning and after meals.
- Perfect remedy for businessmen, students, or overworked individuals with digestive troubles.
आहार एवं जीवनशैली
- Eat at regular intervals, chew food well.
- Avoid spicy, oily, fried, or acidic foods.
- Avoid NSAIDs, alcohol, smoking, and caffeine.
- Take small frequent meals, not large heavy ones.
- Drink lukewarm water; avoid cold beverages.
- Manage stress through meditation or walks.
- Include probiotic foods (curd, buttermilk) to support gut health.
- Correct B12 deficiency if present.
Homeopathic Outlook
होम्योपैथी का लक्ष्य है:
- Heal the inflamed mucosa naturally,
- Regulate acid secretion,
- Improve digestion and assimilation,
- And most importantly, address the constitutional and emotional root cause of the disease.
With consistent treatment and lifestyle correction, relapses become rare, and patients regain full digestive comfort without dependency on antacids.
