How to diagnose gastritis

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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Gastritis is a common disease in clinical practice, generally divided into chronic gastritis and acute gastritis. Acute gastritis is most commonly characterized by abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The symptoms of chronic gastritis vary and mainly include discomfort in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, decreased appetite, and even early satiety. For the diagnosis of chronic and acute gastritis, the preferred examination is gastroscopy. Gastroscopy includes both conventional and painless procedures, both aimed at examining the condition of the gastric mucosa. However, for some elderly patients, particularly those with underlying conditions like coronary heart disease, the risk associated with gastroscopy is higher. Therefore, if conventional or painless gastroscopy is not suitable for the patient, abdominal CT and upper GI barium meal can be chosen instead. After completing the gastroscopy, if chronic gastritis or gastric ulcers are diagnosed, it is advisable to further conduct tests to screen for Helicobacter pylori.

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Can gastritis be cured?

Gastritis can be cured, primarily through medication, such as protecting the gastric mucosa, inhibiting gastric acid secretion, and appropriately using antibiotics. If there is a Helicobacter pylori infection, specific treatment for Helicobacter pylori must be conducted. After the treatment of gastritis, it is crucial to pay attention to dietary adjustments. Irregular eating habits can lead to the recurrence of gastritis. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain a light diet, consume more vegetables and fruits, eat less spicy and irritating food, avoid strong tea, coffee, and hard liquor which can damage the gastric mucosa, and keep a relaxed mood, which also positively affects the treatment of stomach diseases.

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What department should I go to for gastritis?

When gastritis is present, symptoms such as abdominal pain, acid reflux, belching, and bloating typically occur. Clinically, one can register under the Gastroenterology department, as the stomach is part of the digestive system. If the hospital is small and lacks a Gastroenterology department, registering under the Internal Medicine department could be considered. For gastritis diagnosis, registration should be made under Gastroenterology, and examinations such as gastroscopy and tests for Helicobacter pylori are required. Both gastroscopy and Helicobacter pylori tests require fasting for more accurate results. Moreover, treatment in Gastroenterology is more targeted.

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What are the symptoms of gastritis?

Common symptoms of chronic gastritis include upper abdominal distension and pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, poor appetite, indigestion, and feelings of fullness after eating. Gastroscope examination can reveal signs like reddening, swelling, and erosion of the gastric mucosa, which can be diagnosed as chronic superficial gastritis. If there is glandular atrophy of the gastric mucosa observed, a diagnosis of chronic atrophic gastritis can be made through a biopsy. Treatment options include acid suppression and gastric protection, promoting gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa. It is also recommended to perform a Carbon-14 breath test to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. If the infection is positive, eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori is necessary. Chronic atrophic gastritis has a certain risk of turning cancerous, so it is advised to follow a diet that is light and easy to digest.

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Can people with gastritis eat peaches?

The main symptoms of chronic gastritis include upper abdominal pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, etc. It can be definitively diagnosed through a gastroscopy, which may reveal edema, hyperemia, and erosion of the gastric mucosa, thereby confirming the diagnosis of chronic gastritis. Once diagnosed, targeted and standardized treatment should be administered. Moreover, dietary habits must be carefully managed. Smoking and drinking alcohol should be avoided, as well as consuming spicy, fried, barbecued, and greasy foods. Fruit intake should also be controlled; for instance, only half a peach per day is advisable to avoid overconsumption. Overeating can exacerbate the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, making chronic gastritis more likely to recur. Additionally, one should not consume fruit taken directly from the refrigerator as such cold foods are strictly discouraged.

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Does gastritis infect people?

Regarding whether gastritis can be contagious, it requires specific analysis of the circumstances. If the gastritis is caused by an infection of Helicobacter pylori, then it can be transmitted to others through shared meals or fecal-oral transmission. Under such circumstances, if others do not maintain clean eating habits or overeat, they are at a higher risk of developing chronic gastritis. If the occurrence of gastritis is not due to an infection from Helicobacter pylori, then it will not be contagious to others. Patients with gastritis should be cautious with their diet, avoiding spicy and irritating foods, and should not overeat. It’s important to eat regularly and in moderate amounts, and maintain a bland diet.