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
1min 7sec home-news-image

How to effectively treat atrophic gastritis?

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 Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
1min 28sec home-news-image

Is atrophic gastritis serious?

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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Atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia what medicine to take

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 Feng Ying Shuai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Where to apply moxibustion for atrophic gastritis?

For some symptoms of atrophic gastritis, moxibustion can be applied, such as on the Zhongwan acupoint located on the Ren meridian, as well as the Xiawan and Liangqiu acupoints. Moxibustion can also be done on the Zusanli acupoint along the stomach meridian, as well as on Neiguan and Gongsun acupoints, which are intersections of the eight meridians and can regulate atrophic gastritis. However, there is a particular method to follow during moxibustion; generally, acupoints on the upper body are treated first, followed by those on the lower body. For instance, start with the acupoints on the abdomen such as Zhongwan, Xiawan, and Liangqiu, followed by Zusanli, and then Gongsun. During moxibustion, the amount of moxa used should increase gradually, and the duration of treatment should extend from short to longer periods, indicating that the treatment period for atrophic gastritis might be longer.

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Written by Wu Peng
Gastroenterology
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Chronic atrophic gastritis is what kind of condition?

Chronic atrophic gastritis is a digestive system disease characterized by atrophy of the intrinsic gastric glands. It is commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly people. Clinically, it mainly manifests as loss of appetite, nausea, belching, heartburn, and continuous or intermittent bloating and dull pain in the upper abdomen. A minority of patients may experience upper gastrointestinal bleeding, weight loss, anemia, and malnutrition, with incidence rates increasing significantly with age. Chronic atrophic gastritis can be divided into autoimmune gastritis and multifocal atrophic gastritis, also referred to as Type A gastritis and Type B gastritis, respectively. Gastric mucosal biopsy is a reliable method for its diagnosis.