Is atrophic gastritis serious?

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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Chronic atrophic gastritis, compared to chronic non-atrophic gastritis, is relatively more severe. It is usually due to the atrophy of the gastric mucosal glands that this condition occurs. Under gastroscopy, the gastric mucosa can be seen to become pale, and the submucosal blood vessels are easily exposed. Sometimes, the gastric mucosal cells are replaced by intestinal epithelial cells, which is what we refer to as intestinal metaplasia. Some believe that this condition is a precancerous lesion, so it must be given sufficient attention. Firstly, it is necessary to check for Helicobacter pylori infection; if present, comprehensive antibiotic treatment is required. Some believe that if Helicobacter pylori is completely eradicated, partial reversal of gastric mucosal atrophy can happen, and in some cases, it may even return to normal, making the eradication of Helicobacter pylori particularly important. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, symptomatic treatment is advocated, such as protecting the gastric mucosa, etc. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine has relatively better effects in treating atrophic gastritis compared to Western medicine, and further diagnosis and treatment in a traditional Chinese medicine department can be considered. (Note: The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Is nausea normal for atrophic gastritis?

Nausea is one of the common symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases, whether it is chronic superficial gastritis or atrophic gastritis. The occurrence of nausea usually indicates insufficient gastric motility. This condition is not considered normal, and targeted treatment is usually required depending on whether there is an infection with Helicobacter pylori. If there is an infection with Helicobacter pylori, it is first necessary to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. This generally involves quadruple therapy to eliminate the bacteria, accompanied by prokinetic agents, such as mosapride citrate. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, symptomatic treatment may suffice. For example, protecting the gastric mucosa and enhancing gastric motility, while also paying attention to daily dietary and lifestyle habits. (Note: The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a professional 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 Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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What medicine should be taken for atrophic gastritis with erosion?

Chronic atrophic gastritis with erosion requires drug treatment based on the specific symptoms of the patient and whether there is a Helicobacter pylori infection. The infection rate of Helicobacter pylori is very high, often exceeding 50%, so it is also necessary to check for Helicobacter pylori infection in cases of chronic atrophic gastritis. If there is a Helicobacter pylori infection, antibacterial treatment is needed, typically employing a quadruple therapy. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, symptomatic treatment is generally used. Common treatments include protecting the gastric mucosa, suppressing gastric acid, and enhancing gastric motility, among others. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to daily diet and lifestyle habits, focusing on light and easy-to-digest foods, and avoiding raw, greasy, spicy, and irritating foods; quitting smoking and drinking can also be helpful. (Specific medication usage should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Is non-atrophic gastritis serious?

Chronic non-atrophic gastritis, which is commonly referred to as chronic superficial gastritis, is considered one of the milder upper gastrointestinal diseases. Endoscopic examinations usually show localized mucosal congestion and edema, which are not severe. The main cause is likely due to Helicobacter pylori infection, which can be effectively treated with antibacterial therapy. Other factors, such as exposure to cold or inappropriate dietary habits, as well as smoking and alcohol consumption, can also lead to this condition. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to one’s dietary and living habits and try to avoid spicy and greasy foods and alcoholic beverages to prevent major issues.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Can people with atrophic gastritis eat eggs?

Chronic atrophic gastritis is one of the common gastrointestinal diseases and is more severe than chronic superficial gastritis. If allowed to progress, it could lead to intestinal metaplasia, or even dysplasia, which are precancerous lesions. The treatment plan should first be determined based on whether there is a Helicobacter pylori infection, following standard treatment protocols. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to daily dietary and lifestyle habits, maintain a positive mindset, and abstain from smoking and alcohol. It’s also crucial to avoid overly raw, fatty, or spicy foods. Eggs, a common food rich in nutrients, can be consumed, but it is best to avoid fried methods to lessen the burden on the stomach.