Chronic Gastritis


Does chronic gastritis require hospitalization?
Whether hospitalization is needed for chronic gastritis depends on the specific condition of the patient. If symptoms are mild, without proliferative ulcers, and clinical manifestations are not severe, symptoms can be improved through dietary adjustments and oral medications that inhibit gastric acid secretion and protect the gastric mucosa; these cases generally do not require hospitalization. However, if there is a confirmed Helicobacter pylori infection accompanied by nausea, stomach pain, and other digestive discomforts, and gastroscopic examination reveals atypical hyperplasia or intestinal metaplasia of the gastric mucosa, these situations necessitate active treatment in a hospital setting. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor according to specific circumstances.)


How to care for chronic gastritis
Chronic gastritis generally requires treatment, which involves identifying and eliminating the causative factors, avoiding gastrointestinal irritants including diet and medications. The most important measures are quitting smoking and alcohol. It is also essential to maintain hygiene to prevent binge eating. Medication may be used, choosing the appropriate drugs based on symptoms to alleviate them. However, it is crucial to use caution with medications that may damage the stomach lining. Maintaining a cheerful spirit, avoiding excessive stress, fatigue, and gastrointestinal disturbances caused by excessive tension, such as bile reflux, is important. Actively treat infections of the oral and pharyngeal region. It is vital to avoid overly acidic, spicy, and irritating foods, as well as cold and indigestible foods. Pay attention to care, keeping a regular and quantified diet that includes foods conducive to digestion and reduces stomach irritation.


Symptoms of Chronic Gastritis
Chronic gastritis manifests differently across various types, and the severity of symptoms may not always correlate with the extent of the lesion. There are roughly four types: 1. The first can cause upper abdominal pain or discomfort. Most patients with gastritis experience a sense of discomfort in the upper abdomen, with irregular pain that is not significantly related to diet; some may experience pain that spreads throughout the upper abdomen, causing a burning sensation, hidden pain, or bloating. 2. Post-meal fullness can also lead to abdominal distension due to the retention of food and poor digestion in the stomach. 3. Other symptoms include acid reflux and nausea. 4. Severe atrophic gastritis can cause weight loss in patients, including symptoms like diarrhea.


What are the symptoms of chronic gastritis?
Most patients with chronic gastritis exhibit atypical clinical symptoms, often presenting as gastrointestinal dyspepsia symptoms, such as upper abdominal bloating, irregular and dull pain, belching, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and increased upper abdominal discomfort after eating. Patients with chronic gastritis often do not have significant abnormal physical signs; some may only experience mild upper abdominal tenderness or discomfort when pressed. If the gastric mucosa is eroded, occult blood may be positive, but patients presenting with vomiting blood or black stools are rare. Some patients may experience anemia due to long-term loss of appetite or minor bleeding, and severe anemia may present with symptoms related to anemia.