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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Can atrophic gastritis and gastric ulcers eat sweet potatoes?

Patients with atrophic gastritis and gastric ulcers should not eat sweet potatoes. Common symptoms for patients with atrophic gastritis and gastric ulcers include upper abdominal distension and pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, indigestion, and heartburn. After a clear diagnosis, standardized medication treatment is required. Additionally, it is essential for these patients to quit smoking and drinking alcohol; they should not drink strong tea or coffee. Foods that are rich, greasy, spicy, fried, grilled, cold, sweet, along with milk, soy milk, glutinous rice, and sweet potatoes are also not recommended. For example, sweet potatoes are difficult to digest and can increase gastric acid secretion, which further irritates the gastric mucosa and aggravates these two diseases. Therefore, patients with atrophic gastritis and gastric ulcers should not eat sweet potatoes.

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Written by Huang Gang
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The difference between chronic superficial gastritis and chronic non-atrophic gastritis

Chronic superficial gastritis only shows lesions on the superficial layer of the gastric mucosa, and the condition generally is not very severe; while chronic atrophic gastritis refers to the atrophy of the gastric mucosa and a reduction in glandular tissue. Both conditions can be distinguished by undergoing a gastroscopy. Symptomatically, they are generally hard to differentiate, and both may present clinical symptoms of chronic gastritis such as loss of appetite, belching, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
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Can I eat watermelon with atrophic gastritis?

Patients with atrophic gastritis can certainly eat watermelon, as long as it is consumed in small amounts. The diet for atrophic gastritis should primarily consist of easily digestible, clean foods, and avoid spicy and irritating foods, such as salted fish and alcohol intake, etc. Typically, patients with atrophic gastritis seek medical advice due to abdominal discomfort, exhibiting symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and early satiety. A comprehensive gastroscopy indicates inflammatory changes and atrophic alterations of the gastric mucosa. In terms of treatment, apart from dietary management, pharmacological treatment can be selected, including acid-reducing and gastric-protective medications, particularly suitable are traditional Chinese medicines that protect the stomach. It is advisable to supplement some vitamins and avoid spicy and pickled foods. Certainly, for atrophic gastritis, it is important to be cautious of concurrent Helicobacter pylori infection. If Helicobacter pylori infection is considered, anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment is recommended for the patient, followed by regular follow-ups, typically every six months to one year for a gastroscopy examination. (Medication should be used 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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Can atrophic gastritis turn into cancer?

Chronic atrophic gastritis has a certain chance of cancerous transformation, with an annual cancer transformation rate of between 0.5% and 1%. It is a type of chronic gastritis. During gastroscopy, the atrophy of the inherent glands of the gastric mucosa can be observed. A definitive diagnosis of chronic atrophic gastritis can be made through biopsy and pathological examination. In terms of treatment, the first step is the treatment against Helicobacter pylori, which includes a proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, with a treatment course of 14 days. Additionally, treatments include acid suppression, stomach protection, promoting gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa. Furthermore, oral traditional Chinese medicine plays a significant role in the treatment of atrophic gastritis. Therefore, it is suggested that patients with atrophic gastritis consider integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment, which can yield good results.