For many people in Nepal, the word "gastric" is a part of everyday conversation. Someone might say they have gastric after skipping a breakfast, sipping on a hot cup of tea, having spicy food, or feeling that something is burning in their upper abdomen. But gastric is not some disease. It is a blanket term covering some of the most common stomach and digestive problems - gastritis, acid symptoms, indigestion, and sometimes even ulcers.
It is important not to brush off repeated or constant symptoms as 'minor'. Gastritis can have a variety of causes including infection (Helicobacter pylori) or the use of pain killers. Some people may have 'silent' gastritis that may show few or no symptoms. And it's not until the symptoms persist that specific tests are done in order to identify the root cause.
In Nepal, there are several hospitals and endoscopy centers where Helicobacter pylori is tested as part of the diagnostic procedure for several digestive system diseases. But since these are hospital-based, these stats on HP infection in the Nepalese population cannot be generalized for the whole country. Thus, the term 'silent epidemic' must be taken with a pinch of salt since it is a figurative expression. We know the statistics on prevalence of gastritis in Nepal are not available because such studies are difficult to conduct country-wide and are usually hospital based.
What does 'gastric' actually mean?
When a Nepali says, "I have gastric," they could be referring to any number of stomach ailments. Gastritis refers to inflammation of the stomach lining. Gastropathy is damage to the stomach lining (with or without inflammation). Indigestion (also called dyspepsia) is a group of symptoms that may include upper abdominal discomfort or pain, feeling uncomfortably full soon after starting a meal, bloating, nausea and/or vomiting among others
These are all conditions that may have similar symptoms but require different treatment. Therefore, treating any condition with the same drug may be a problem.
Why is 'gastric' such a big deal in Nepal?
Our modern-day stress-inducing lifestyles can lead to a lot of added tension on the stomach. Students and working people may skip meals due to class, work, traveling, or other reasons. Others may eat at odd times due to lifestyle and a hectic schedule. Some may even rely on tea or coffee as a source of stimulation during long working hours. Stress and irregular sleep may aggravate symptoms of dyspepsia.
But is it fair to blame every incidence of gastritis on tea, coffee, and lifestyle? No, because medical science has proven that diet is not a significant contributor to most cases of gastritis. The most common cause of gastritis is infection with Helicobacter pylori. Pain killers (NSAIDs) and other irritants can also contribute to gastritis and damage the stomach lining.
What is Helicobacter pylori?
H. pylori is a bacterium that lives in the stomach and causes chronic inflammation of the stomach lining. It is a key component in developing gastritis and peptic ulcers.
Several studies conducted in Nepal on patients admitted to hospitals also confirm the role of Helicobacter pylori infection in developing gastritis and other upper digestive tract diseases. For example, one such study conducted at Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital concluded that Helicobacter pylori was present in approximately 50% of dyspeptic patients studied. 60% of patients studied in western Nepal were positive for Helicobacter pylori as a root cause of chronic gastritis.
But please note that the above statistics cannot be used to extrapolate the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in the country due to methodological limitations of such studies. But it does help us understand why this infection needs our special attention.
Is there a symptom that defines 'gastric'?
Gastritis and dyspepsia may not show any symptoms. If they do, you may experience:
- Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Burning sensations in the upper abdomen
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling uncomfortably full shortly after starting a meal
- Feeling unusually full after eating
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion or bloating
The symptoms may be different for each individual and can persist for a long time.
Why does skipping a meal mean 'gastric'?
In Nepal, people tend to say skipping a meal 'causes gastric' and it doesn't help that people skip meals due to traveling, working, and other reasons. But the connection between skipping a meal and gastritis isn't straightforward. Skipping a meal can worsen existing symptoms of gastritis and dyspepsia. It can also be a part of the bigger picture that leads to chronic gastritis. But on its own, skipping a meal is not enough to cause gastritis. If you experience pain, nausea, burning sensations, or feeling uncomfortably or unusually full after a meal it would help to identify the root cause rather than attributing it to a skipped meal.
To avoid skipping meals, try to eat reasonably sized meals at regular intervals. Drink plenty of water. Keep a food diary to identify any possible food that aggravates your condition.
Does tea, coffee, or spicy food cause 'gastric'?
Tea, coffee, and spicy food can contribute to symptoms of gastritis and dyspepsia, but they aren't a direct cause of most cases of gastritis or peptic ulcers. But each individual has their own triggers and if food aggravates your condition it may be best to limit that particular food. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet including plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, protein food, eggs and staying well hydrated is essential in maintaining good health. Similarly, you should not go on a self-imposed extreme diet without consulting a medical professional.
Can pain killers cause 'gastric'?
Pain killers (NSAIDs) are some of the most common causes of gastritis and peptic ulcers. They can irritate or damage the stomach and intestinal lining, making it easier for sores to develop. As with all medication, it is best to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, particularly if you have symptoms of gastritis, dyspepsia, or peptic ulcers. Do not stop any medication that you are currently taking unless instructed to do so by a qualifed medical practitioner.
Stress and 'gastric'
Stress is an inevitable part of modern life and can contribute to symptoms of dyspepsia. Other symptoms like indigestion and peptic ulcers may also become worse with stress and poor sleep. Poor sleep and hectic schedules can also contribute to irregular, unhealthy eating habits and impact digestion.
That being said, stress is not the sole cause of gastritis and peptic ulcers. H. pylori infection, pain killers, and other factors can also independently cause gastritis or peptic ulcers.
A good diet, good sleep, moderate exercise depending on age and health, relaxation techniques, and regular meals can help prevent and manage gastritis. But if you have persistent symptoms it is best to consult a medical professional.
How are gastritis and dyspepsia diagnosed?
The diagnosis begins with a discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and medications. In addition, you may need some tests. Helicobacter pylori can be detected in several ways including a stool test or a breath test. A blood test may also be done. An endoscopy may also be used to evaluate the lining of the stomach and duodenum and rule out other conditions or complications like peptic ulcers. During an endoscopy, a small tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken to check for H. pylori or other abnormalities. The appropriate tests are determined based on your individual case.
When should I be concerned about 'gastric'?
In most cases, gastric-type symptoms are not an emergency and should not be treated as such. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms it is best to get in touch with a medical professional as soon as possible:
- Black, tarry stools
- Coffee ground vomiting or vomiting blood
- Severe abdominal pain that persists
- Dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness
- Vomiting that persists
- Unexplained weight loss
These symptoms sometimes indicate serious complications like internal bleeding and should be taken seriously.
Can 'gastric' lead to something more serious?
Chronic gastritis can sometimes lead to additional health problems. For example, H. pylori infection can sometimes lead to peptic ulcers. Chronic gastritis can also reduce the amount of iron in the blood, leading to anemia. In addition, chronic gastritis caused by H. pylori infection can also increase the risk of stomach cancer.
When should I consult a doctor about 'gastric'?
You should consult a doctor if you have any persistent symptoms of gastritis or dyspepsia. If you are already under a medical professional's care and have concerns about your treatment or diagnosis it is best to discuss it directly.
How can I take care of my stomach in Nepal?
Taking care of your stomach is not an expensive affair. Here are some things you can do:
- Try to eat regular meals
- Drink lots of clean water
- Limit food that aggravates your condition
- Avoid overuse of painkillers and other irritants
- Get enough sleep
- Exercise moderately depending on your age and health
- Do not rely on home remedies
- See a doctor if your symptoms persist
As a family, you can focus on food hygiene and water safety as an additional measure to prevent other infections.
Why shouldn't I rely on home remedies for 'gastric'?
Most home 'remedies' have little scientific backing and usually provide only temporary relief. If Helicobacter pylori is the cause of your gastritis, it must be treated with appropriate medication. The good news is that Helicobacter pylori can be successfully treated with a combination of medication. Doctors often prescribe a combination of antibiotics and acid reducing drugs to clear the infection, and may perform additional testing to confirm that the infection has been successfully cleared. Similar combinations may be used for other conditions.
How is 'gastric' treated?
There is no one-size-fits-all medication for treating gastritis. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause and severity of your condition. If you have H. pylori infection, you will need appropriate antibiotic treatment. If you have other conditions like peptic ulcers or irritation from pain killers, the appropriate medication will be prescribed. Acid reducing drugs may also be prescribed in some cases.
The most important point is to treat the cause of your condition and not just the symptoms, and to follow your doctor's advice regarding medication.
What should families do?
As a family, you can take repeated or persistent complaints about gastric symptoms seriously without losing your cool. If your family member regularly complains about pain, nausea, early fullness, or other symptoms, it's best to keep track of symptoms and consult a medical professional. Parents and caregivers can also encourage children and teenagers to make healthier choices regarding sleep, food, and stress management. Teenagers should not be encouraged to take any medication on their own.
What's next for Nepal?
"Gastric" may be common in the conversation of Nepalese people, but many conditions are covered under this umbrella term. A person may be suffering from simple indigestion, gastritis, reflux, or an ulcer. They could also be suffering from H. pylori infection or another condition.
Studies from Nepal show that H. pylori infection is a serious problem for people suffering from symptoms of gastritis. But these are hospital-based statistics and do not reflect the true prevalence of this infection in the country. More research is needed at the national level to truly understand the burden of gastritis in the country. We must also be careful not to jump to conclusions when discussing the overall health of a country as diverse as Nepal.
Frequently asked questions about 'gastric' in Nepal
Is gastric the same as gastritis?
"Gastric" is an umbrella term for a variety of symptoms affecting the digestive system. It could also be indigestion or gastritis. Gastritis, on the other hand, refers specifically to inflammation of the stomach lining.
Can H. pylori be successfully treated?
Yes, there are effective treatments of Helicobacter pylori infection available. But it is important to complete the course of treatment and follow up with your doctor's recommendations.
Should everyone with symptoms of gastric get an endoscopy?
An endoscopy is typically performed if there are alarm features suggesting more serious conditions like cancer or complications such as bleeding. Doctors usually consider a person's symptoms, diet, medical history, and age when deciding whether an endoscopy is necessary.
Can diet changes cure gastritis?
Making dietary changes can help reduce symptoms of gastritis, but they are not a complete cure for the condition. H. pylori infection, for example, requires specific medical treatment to be successfully treated.
Final statements
"Gastric" may seem like a small thing, but it does have the potential to be life-threatening. Gastritis can have a variety of underlying causes, including H. pylori infection. Pain killers, other irritants, and different digestive tract ailments can also be responsible for gastritis. It is important for the people of Nepal to understand the warning signs and seek appropriate treatment when necessary. We hope that this article provides readers with a basic understanding of gastritis and how to keep their stomachs healthy. At Upachar Sewa, we believe in empowering people with simple health education. Knowing the difference between minor and major symptoms can be an important first step in the journey towards better health.
