What is chronic gastritis?

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on September 14, 2024
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Gastritis is divided into acute and chronic types. Chronic gastritis is primarily caused by various reasons that lead to chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa or atrophic changes. This condition is quite common in clinical practice. Generally, about 85% of patients undergoing gastroscopy exhibit such symptoms, and with increasing age, the incidence of atrophic diseases gradually increases. The symptoms mainly manifest as abdominal pain, predominantly in the upper abdomen, bloating, belching, and even symptoms of black stools, which, if present, indicate bleeding of the gastric mucosa.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Is chronic gastritis easy to treat?

The treatment of chronic gastritis primarily aims to alleviate symptoms and reduce the recurrence of the disease; it is generally difficult to cure completely. The medications chosen are mainly for protecting the gastric mucosa and inhibiting gastric acid secretion. If there is an infection with Helicobacter pylori, it should be completely eradicated. Additionally, attention should be paid to dietary adjustments, consuming soft and easily digestible foods, and avoiding spicy, stimulating, and greasy foods. It is important to engage in appropriate outdoor exercise, develop good living habits, and regulate emotions, as excessive tension, irritability, and anger can exacerbate chronic gastritis.

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Written by Li Ying
Gastroenterology
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What should I do about acid reflux from chronic gastritis?

There are many causes of chronic gastritis. The first is chronic gastritis caused by acid reflux, followed by the consumption of irritant beverages, eating irritating foods, and some medications that cause changes to the gastric mucosa. Bile reflux can also cause irritation and inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Other factors include changes in the environment, mental stress, and various irregularities in life, all of which can lead to chronic gastritis. If a patient experiences acid reflux, it is necessary to suppress stomach acid by administering acid-suppressing medications, as well as medications that protect the gastric mucosa to prevent chronic gastritis caused by acid reflux.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms of chronic gastritis?

The symptoms of chronic gastritis are mainly digestion-related, such as nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, abdominal bloating, and stomach pain. Belching is a more prominent symptom, with food easily refluxing back up to the throat. Many patients with chronic gastritis have atypical symptoms, and Helicobacter pylori infection is often discovered during examinations. Patients with this type of infection need treatment for Helicobacter pylori, which clinically often involves a triple therapy consisting of two antibiotics plus a proton pump inhibitor or a mucosal protective agent. It is also necessary to adjust the diet appropriately. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor, based on the specific situation.)

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms of chronic gastritis?

Chronic gastritis is a relatively common clinical disease in gastroenterology, mainly including chronic superficial gastritis, chronic erosive gastritis, and chronic atrophic gastritis. The clinical manifestations are diverse and there are no specific signs or symptoms. Most patients with Helicobacter pylori infection do not show obvious symptoms, while a minority of patients may experience nausea, vomiting, and postprandial fullness in the upper abdomen, among other symptoms of indigestion. Most cases of chronic gastritis are discovered during physical examinations or endoscopic examinations. The main principles of treatment for chronic gastritis are dietary adjustments and oral medication. It is important to maintain regular eating habits, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and pay attention to one's daily life and routines.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Does chronic gastritis require medication?

Chronic gastritis often has no clinical symptoms, but this condition still requires medication treatment. The duration of medication must be long-term and regular, primarily focusing on drugs that suppress gastric acid secretion and protect the gastric mucosa. If the inflammation is relatively significant, antibiotics can be chosen; in cases of Helicobacter pylori infection, a triple therapy, which includes two antibiotics and a gastric mucosa protective agent, can be opted for. Additionally, it is crucial to pay attention to daily life routines, eat a light diet, avoid raw, greasy, and fried foods, and rest well to gradually recover from gastritis.