How to prevent and treat atrophic gastritis

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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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.)

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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 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 Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
1min 33sec home-news-image

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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Can atrophic gastritis drink honey?

Honey is very common in daily life, tastes good, and contains rich nutritional components. It has the effects of promoting saliva secretion, quenching thirst, and relieving constipation, which makes it widely loved. For chronic atrophic gastritis, in addition to conventional drug treatments, such as antibacterial Western medicine and treatments that protect the gastric mucosa, traditional Chinese medicine can also provide symptomatic treatment. In terms of diet, it is essential to eat light, easily digestible foods, and avoid raw, greasy, spicy, and irritating foods, as well as stimulants like tobacco and alcohol, while also maintaining regular and measured eating habits. Honey does not have a significant conflict with atrophic gastritis and can be consumed. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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.)