How to effectively treat atrophic gastritis?

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 20, 2024
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Relatively speaking, atrophic gastritis is much more serious than superficial gastritis. Treatment for this condition primarily depends on whether there is Helicobacter pylori infection. If there is Helicobacter pylori infection, a quadruple therapy is generally adopted to eradicate the bacteria, which can reverse some of the atrophy. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, treatment mainly involves symptomatic relief, such as protecting the gastric mucosa and increasing gastric motility, etc. Traditional Chinese medicine and herbal medicine also have relatively good effects on atrophic gastritis, often employing a comprehensive treatment after differential diagnosis. As for diet, it is recommended to eat light, easily digestible foods, eat at regular times and in small, frequent meals, and avoid stimulants like tobacco and alcohol, as well as raw, greasy, or spicy foods. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 12sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of atrophic gastritis?

The main symptoms of atrophic gastritis include upper abdominal pain, belching, acid reflux, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, etc., which are not specific compared to the symptoms of chronic superficial gastritis. Therefore, it is not possible to determine whether it is atrophic gastritis or superficial gastritis based solely on symptoms; a gastroscopy is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. If the gastroscopy reveals thinning of the gastric mucosa and atrophy of the gastric glands, atrophic gastritis can be confirmed. Additionally, if atrophic gastritis is suspected, a biopsy and pathological examination are also needed for a clear diagnosis. Regarding treatment, atrophic gastritis requires therapies such as anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment, acid suppression, promoting gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa. Furthermore, it is recommended to combine traditional Chinese medicine differentiation-based treatment for better effects when used alongside Western medicine.

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

Atrophic gastritis, also known as body-type gastritis, is mainly caused by Helicobacter pylori infection leading to atrophy of the gastric mucosa. Under microscopy, twisted blood vessels and alternating red and white mucosa can be seen. The main symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. A reduction in parietal cells can lead to decreased secretion of intrinsic factor, thereby causing anemia with red blood cells. If atrophic gastritis is accompanied by ulcers, it can cause severe abdominal pain and bloody stools. It is important to adjust the diet, eat more soft and easily digestible foods, and consume fewer raw, cold, and spicy foods.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What to do about the pain from atrophic gastritis?

Atrophic gastritis is a condition where the mucous membrane of the stomach atrophies, associated with poor neural nutrition and excessive gastric acid secretion, leading to a reduction in the barrier function of the gastric mucosa. To first alleviate pain, proton pump inhibitors can be used to reduce the secretion of gastric acid, and at the same time, gastric mucosal protectants should be used. If there is an infection with Helicobacter pylori, active use of triple or quadruple therapy should be employed to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. It is important to adjust one's diet, eat regularly, and avoid overeating. Greasy and spicy foods should be consumed less, and more bland, soft, and easily digestible foods should be eaten. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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How to treat chronic non-atrophic gastritis with bile reflux?

For cases of chronic non-atrophic gastritis with bile reflux, it is first necessary to clarify whether there is a Helicobacter pylori infection, which can be determined by a breath test. Based on this, regular visits to the department of gastroenterology for diagnostics and treatment can be established. Firstly, it is important to take oral medication to protect the gastric mucosa and then to promote gastrointestinal motility. Regular follow-ups are very important. Generally, for patients with non-atrophic gastritis and bile reflux, it depends on whether the condition is high or low. For those in the high category, it is necessary to undergo a gastroscopy every six months.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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How to prevent and treat atrophic gastritis

Chronic gastritis includes two types: chronic non-atrophic gastritis and chronic atrophic gastritis. Chronic atrophic gastritis is generally more severe than chronic non-atrophic gastritis and usually accompanies intestinal metaplasia, which some refer to as a precancerous lesion. If chronic atrophic gastritis is present, formal medical treatment is necessary. Initially, it is advisable to check for Helicobacter pylori infection. If an Helicobacter pylori infection is found, timely eradication therapy is recommended, typically using quadruple therapy, which consists of a proton pump inhibitor, two types of antibiotics, and a bismuth agent. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, treatment generally focuses on symptomatic relief, such as protecting the gastric mucosa and enhancing gastric motility. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine has shown satisfactory effects in treating chronic atrophic gastritis. It is also important to maintain good dietary and living habits, prefer light and easily digestible foods, and avoid raw, greasy, spicy, and irritating foods to help maintain a positive state of mind. Regular gastroscopy check-ups are necessary. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)