Gastritis occurs frequently, choosing the right stomach medicine is the first step to "saving life"

Modern people lead fast-paced lives and face high work pressures. Gastritis has become a common disease that troubles the public. According to statistics, the prevalence of chronic gastritis in my country is as high as 50%. Many people buy stomach medicine to relieve stomach pain, acid reflux, and abdominal distension. However, blind medication may mask the condition or even aggravate gastric mucosal damage. As a pharmacist, today I will take you to scientifically understand stomach medicine and master the correct medication strategy for "stomach protection".

1. High incidence of gastritis, these habits are "eating" your stomach

1. Dietary "assassins": irregular meals, overeating, excessive coffee/spicy food

2. Emotional "bomb": long-term anxiety and stress lead to gastric acid secretion disorders

3. Drug-induced injury: Long-term use of aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. can damage the gastric mucosa.

4. Invisible killer: Helicobacter pylori infection (infection rate in my country is about 60%)

Case warning: Xiao Wang, a 32-year-old white-collar worker, relied on coffee to stay awake due to long-term overtime work, and took painkillers on his own for frequent stomach pain, which eventually led to gastric ulcer bleeding. Timely identification of gastritis signs (see Figure 1) is the first step to avoid tragedy.

2. Five major "schools" of stomach medicine, only the right medicine can be effective

There are many types of stomach medicines, which need to be selected scientifically according to symptoms and causes. The following are the working principles and applicable scenarios of common stomach medicines:

1. Antacids: The “firefighters” that put out fires quickly

Representative drugs: aluminum carbonate, aluminum hydroxide

Function: Neutralizes stomach acid and relieves heartburn and acid reflux within 10 minutes

Applicable: Occasional post-meal discomfort

Note: Long-term use may cause constipation or diarrhea. It is recommended to stop use once symptoms are relieved.

2. Acid-suppressing drugs: the “master switch” for gastric acid production

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): omeprazole, rabeprazole

▪Strong acid suppression, suitable for reflux esophagitis and gastric ulcer

Treatment course recommendation: generally 4-8 weeks, long-term use requires monitoring of osteoporosis risk

H2 receptor antagonists: ranitidine, famotidine

▪Good acid suppression effect at night, suitable for people with stomach pain at night

3. Gastric mucosal protective agent: "bulletproof vest" for the stomach wall

Representative drugs: Bismuth potassium citrate, sucralfate

Function: Form a protective film on the ulcer surface to promote repair

Medication tips: Chew the medicine 1 hour before meals for best results. Avoid drinking large amounts of water after taking the medicine.

4. Prokinetic drugs: the “traffic police” of the gastrointestinal tract

Representative drugs: Domperidone, Mosapride

Applicable scenarios: bloating, belching, indigestion

Contraindications: Not suitable for patients with gastric bleeding or intestinal obstruction.

5. Antimicrobial drug combination: a “sniper” against Helicobacter pylori

Standard regimen: A proton pump inhibitor plus two antibiotics plus bismuth (quadruple therapy)

Key tips: You must strictly follow the doctor's instructions to complete the 14-day treatment course. Stopping the medication without authorization can easily lead to drug resistance.

3. Three major misunderstandings in medication use may cause more harm

1. Take stomach medicine as a snack

Wrong case: Chewing "Da Xi" every day as a stomach-protecting habit → causing aluminum accumulation risk

2. Drink tea/milk with medicine

Tannic acid in tea and protein in milk can reduce the efficacy of bismuth and iron preparations.

3. Increase the dosage if the pain worsens

Overdosage of acid-suppressing drugs may cause headaches or indigestion

Pharmacist's reminder: If stomach pain persists for 2 weeks without relief, and black stools/vomiting blood/weight loss occur, you need to see a doctor immediately to check for stomach cancer risk!

4. Four steps to scientifically protect the stomach and prevent recurrence from the root cause

1. The “three less and three more” principle of diet

Less frying, less pickling, less freezing

More steaming, more softening, more chewing

2. Medication Protection Guidelines

For those who take aspirin for a long time, it is recommended to use PPI drugs in combination

Taking antibiotics after meals can reduce stomach irritation

3. Tips for managing your emotions

Walking for 15 minutes after a meal can help digestion

Practice abdominal breathing to relieve stress-related stomach pain

4. Regular screening recommendations

It is recommended that people over 40 years old undergo a gastroscopy every 2 years

Family members with a history of gastric cancer need to be screened in advance

Conclusion

The stomach is the most hardworking organ in the human body. Every time you take medicine or eat something irritating, you are overdrawing its health. Remember this jingle:

“First identify the cause of stomachache and choose the right medicine for the symptoms;

Inhibit acid and protect mucous membranes, and fight bacteria thoroughly;

70% of your stomach health depends on habits, and regular check-ups ensure safety. "

Correct medication is the first step to protect the stomach, but the real "life-saving charm" is to develop a scientific lifestyle. If you are confused about medication, it is recommended that you bring a specific list of medications to a regular medical institution's pharmacy clinic for consultation.

(Note: The drug names in this article are all generic names. Specific medications need to be evaluated by a doctor or pharmacist)