Atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia what medicine to take

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Chronic atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia often arises from untreated chronic superficial gastritis, primarily due to Helicobacter pylori infection. Therefore, it is essential to first check for Helicobacter pylori infection. If an infection is present, quadruple therapy is generally used to eradicate the bacteria, which may improve the atrophy. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, treatment mainly involves protecting the gastric mucosa. While there are no specific Western medicines for this, traditional Chinese medicine and a differential diagnosis approach often yield good results. Regular follow-ups are also important. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Why is a biopsy necessary for atrophic gastritis?

Atrophic gastritis is generally treated with biopsy, which is the standard for diagnosing atrophic gastritis, so biopsy is typically conducted when considering atrophic gastritis. Atrophic gastritis is increasingly common in clinical settings, especially among middle-aged and elderly patients. It begins with symptoms of chronic gastritis, such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and belching, and sometimes may include changes in appetite. Patients usually undergo gastroscopy, which shows atrophy of the gastric mucosa, alterations in red and white patches, or white-like mucosa. Histopathological examination can further support the atrophic changes. In clinical settings, when considering atrophic gastritis, treatment focuses on protecting the stomach and screening for Helicobacter pylori. If Helicobacter pylori is positive, treatment targeting Helicobacter pylori is recommended. Regular gastroscopic examinations are necessary, typically every six months to a year.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Is chronic non-atrophic gastritis with erosion serious?

Common symptoms of chronic non-atrophic gastritis with erosion include upper abdominal bloating, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, indigestion, heartburn, etc. A gastroscopy can reveal symptoms like hyperemia, edema, and erosion on the gastric mucosa to diagnose chronic non-atrophic gastritis with erosion. It is also recommended to perform a Carbon-14 breath test to determine if there is an infection of Helicobacter pylori. If the infection is positive, a 14-day treatment for Helicobacter pylori is required, using a regimen of a proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, with the course lasting 14 days. Additionally, treatment for chronic non-atrophic gastritis with erosion should include acid suppression, gastric protection, promoting gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa, which typically requires about six weeks. With the above treatments, the disease can be cured.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
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Does chronic atrophic gastritis require lifelong medication?

If the patient has lifelong atrophic gastritis, they may need to follow a doctor's advice and take medications that increase mucosal nutrition for life, such as sucralfate, live gastric ketone, prostaglandin E1, etc. The main causes of atrophic gastritis are Helicobacter pylori infection, as well as other factors such as autoimmune mechanisms, genetic factors, and decreased gastric mucosal barrier function. The main symptoms of atrophic gastritis include obscure pain in the upper abdomen, distension, burning pain, along with accompanying symptoms like weight loss and anemia. Treatment for atrophic gastritis involves eradicating Helicobacter pylori and using medications that protect the gastric mucosa.

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Symptoms and Treatment of Atrophic Gastritis

Common symptoms of chronic atrophic gastritis include upper abdominal distension, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, postprandial fullness, heartburn, and indigestion. Gastroscopy can reveal atrophy of the gastric glands in the mucosa, and a definitive diagnosis of chronic atrophic gastritis can be made through biopsy and histopathological examination. In terms of treatment, the first step involves eradicating Helicobacter pylori, using a regimen that includes a proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, over a 14-day treatment period. Additionally, treatments aimed at acid suppression, gastric motility enhancement, and gastric mucosal protection are also necessary. Traditional Chinese medicine can also be effective in treating atrophic gastritis. A combined approach utilizing both Western and Chinese medicine can yield better outcomes for the treatment of atrophic gastritis.

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Is the cancerous transformation of atrophic gastritis related to the duration of the disease?

The carcinogenesis of atrophic gastritis does not have a significant relationship with the duration of the disease. The main cause of atrophic gastritis is Helicobacter pylori infection, with autoimmune abnormalities and genetic factors also playing a significant role in atrophic gastritis. Sometimes, patients with a short duration of atrophic gastritis may also develop cancer, while those who have had the disease for many years may not necessarily develop cancer. Therefore, once atrophic gastritis is diagnosed, it is important to regularly re-examine with gastroscopy to rule out the possibility of early malignancy.