Will atrophic gastritis and esophagitis cause significant weight loss?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on January 27, 2025
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Patients with atrophic gastritis and esophagitis may experience weight loss, as those with atrophic gastritis can have upper abdominal pain, distension pain, and burning pain, accompanied by a feeling of bloating and belching. Severe cases can lead to anemia and weight loss. The main cause of atrophic gastritis is infection by Helicobacter pylori. Of course, immune factors and dietary habits also play significant roles in the development of atrophic gastritis. Once atrophic gastritis is definitively diagnosed, it is crucial to actively eradicate Helicobacter pylori, as well as to quit smoking and drinking, and avoid using medications and consuming foods that may damage the gastric mucosa.

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Written by Xie Zheng Yuan
Gastroenterology
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How long does it take to treat atrophic gastritis with erosion?

Atrophic gastritis with erosion is a type of chronic gastritis and has a lengthy course of disease. Through treatment, the erosions may heal within six to eight weeks. However, reversing the atrophy of the gastric mucosa is a long-term and slow process, and there are no specific effective drugs clinically available. Some traditional Chinese medicines and proprietary Chinese medicines may be effective, but it typically takes at least six months. Therefore, the duration required to treat atrophic gastritis with erosion varies from person to person, depending on individual differences.

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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.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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How to treat chronic atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia?

The treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia mainly includes the following aspects: The first is general treatment. Firstly, the diet should be light and easily digestible, avoiding spicy, stimulating, fried, grilled, cold, and sweet foods. It is important to exercise regularly and avoid emotions such as anxiety and depression. The second is the treatment against Helicobacter pylori, including a proton pump inhibitor plus two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, with a treatment course of 14 days. Additionally, medications that promote gastric motility and protect the gastric mucosa are used. The fourth involves endoscopic treatments, including endoscopic APC treatment or endoscopic mucosal resection. The fifth, combining traditional Chinese medicine, differentiating syndrome treatments and oral herbal medicines, can also achieve good effects.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Are atrophic gastritis and atrophic gastric erosion the same?

Atrophic gastritis and atrophic gastric erosion do not mean the same thing; atrophic gastric erosion refers to the presence of gastric mucosal erosion based on atrophic gastritis. When atrophic gastritis is accompanied by gastric erosion, it is crucial to actively check for Helicobacter pylori infection. If the Helicobacter pylori infection tests positive, the treatment involves a two-week quadruple therapy that includes bismuth to eradicate Helicobacter pylori, along with medications to protect the gastric mucosa, such as magnesium carbonate, sucralfate, etc., and also some digestive aids. (Please take medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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Can atrophic gastritis lead to gastric cancer?

The development of gastric cancer, particularly intestinal-type gastric cancer, is a multi-stage process influenced by various factors. Chronic atrophic gastritis is primarily characterized by the atrophy and reduction of gastric mucosal glands. Consequently, it often accompanies varying degrees of metaplasia in the gastrointestinal mucosal epithelium. Chronic atrophic gastritis features a reduction in B cells of the gastric glands, and the pH value of gastric juice may increase. Hence, the relationship between chronic atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer is significant, as it is considered a precancerous lesion. Therefore, if one has atrophic gastritis, it is crucial to seek timely medical treatment to prevent worsening of the condition.