Does chronic atrophic gastritis require lifelong medication?

Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

Updated on January 10, 2025

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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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Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

1min 9sec

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Is atrophic gastritis easy to treat?

Atrophic gastritis is a type of chronic gastritis characterized by the atrophy of gastric mucosal glands. It carries a certain risk of becoming cancerous. The main symptoms include upper abdominal pain, postprandial fullness, heartburn, indigestion, belching, and acid reflux. Gastroscope examination reveals atrophy of the gastric glands, and a biopsy is needed for a pathological examination to confirm the diagnosis of chronic atrophic gastritis. In terms of treatment, the first step is to eradicate Helicobacter pylori, which includes a regimen of one proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and one bismuth agent, lasting for 14 days. This is followed by acid suppression and mucosal repair treatments. Additionally, the treatment with traditional Chinese medicine plays a significant role in managing atrophic gastritis. This condition is challenging to treat, has poor outcomes, is prone to relapse, and carries a risk of cancer transformation.

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Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

1min 9sec

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Is atrophic gastritis of the gastric antrum serious?

Atrophic gastritis is a chronic gastric disease characterized by repeated damage to the gastric mucosal epithelium, leading to the atrophy of the intrinsic glands, with or without intestinal metaplasia or pseudopyloric gland metaplasia. The main cause of this disease is infection by Helicobacter pylori. Symptoms primarily include upper abdominal distension, belching, acid reflux, early satiety, nausea, etc. Some patients may experience symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, memory loss, anxiety, and depression. The main treatment involves eradicating Helicobacter pylori, suppressing acid production, and using gastric mucosal protectants and prokinetic agents. The majority of patients have Helicobacter pylori-related gastritis, which after chronic inflammation (chronic non-atrophic gastritis) can lead to atrophic gastritis, followed by intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia, and eventually may progress to gastric cancer.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

48sec

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Can people with atrophic gastritis drink honey water?

Patients with atrophic gastritis can drink honey water. Patients with atrophic gastritis need to be careful with their diet by avoiding spicy, irritating foods, as well as overly sour, overly spicy, overly salty foods, and coarse foods. For patients with atrophic gastritis, it is important to eat regularly and in moderate amounts, opting for smaller, more frequent meals, and avoiding binge eating. Since honey water does not fall into the above categories of foods and is not considered spicy, patients with atrophic gastritis can drink honey water. However, it is also important to avoid drinking too much at once; drinking a moderate amount is fine.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming

Gastroenterology

57sec

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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 Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

44sec

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What are the symptoms before atrophic gastritis turns cancerous?

Patients with atrophic gastritis primarily exhibit symptoms such as dull pain, bloating, and burning pain in the upper abdomen, along with belching, acid reflux, weight loss, anemia, and more. If the pain from atrophic gastritis does not follow a clear pattern and is accompanied by progressive weight loss and refractory anemia, the possibility of cancerous changes in atrophic gastritis should be considered. It is advisable to promptly complete an endoscopy to confirm the diagnosis and rule out malignancy, and, if necessary, undertake a biopsy. In terms of treatment, it is first essential to test for Helicobacter pylori infection and then use medications to protect the gastric mucosa.