Symptoms and Treatment of Atrophic Gastritis

Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

Updated on February 12, 2025

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Common symptoms of chronic atrophic gastritis include upper abdominal distension, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, postprandial fullness, heartburn, and indigestion. Gastroscopy can reveal atrophy of the gastric glands in the mucosa, and a definitive diagnosis of chronic atrophic gastritis can be made through biopsy and histopathological examination. In terms of treatment, the first step involves eradicating Helicobacter pylori, using a regimen that includes a proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, over a 14-day treatment period. Additionally, treatments aimed at acid suppression, gastric motility enhancement, and gastric mucosal protection are also necessary. Traditional Chinese medicine can also be effective in treating atrophic gastritis. A combined approach utilizing both Western and Chinese medicine can yield better outcomes for the treatment of atrophic gastritis.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming

Gastroenterology

1min 7sec

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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 Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

1min 11sec

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Is chronic non-atrophic gastritis with erosion serious?

Common symptoms of chronic non-atrophic gastritis with erosion include upper abdominal bloating, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, indigestion, heartburn, etc. A gastroscopy can reveal symptoms like hyperemia, edema, and erosion on the gastric mucosa to diagnose chronic non-atrophic gastritis with erosion. It is also recommended to perform a Carbon-14 breath test to determine if there is an infection of Helicobacter pylori. If the infection is positive, a 14-day treatment for Helicobacter pylori is required, using a regimen of a proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, with the course lasting 14 days. Additionally, treatment for chronic non-atrophic gastritis with erosion should include acid suppression, gastric protection, promoting gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa, which typically requires about six weeks. With the above treatments, the disease can be cured.

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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.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu

Gastroenterology

48sec

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Can I eat eggs with atrophic gastritis and erosion?

Patients with atrophic gastritis and erosion can eat eggs, but should avoid overly stir-fried and fried eggs. People with atrophic gastritis should maintain a bland diet and eat small, frequent meals. They should avoid binge eating and drink, and keep regular and moderate eating habits. Additionally, they should avoid foods or medications that may damage or irritate the gastric mucosa, such as quitting smoking and drinking, and avoiding strong tea, coffee, chili peppers, mustard, etc. With atrophic gastritis and erosion, it is important to enhance the body's immunity, and take medications that protect the gastric mucosa. Sometimes, traditional Chinese medicine and herbal treatments can also effectively protect the gastric mucosa.

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Written by Feng Ying Shuai

Traditional Chinese Medicine

1min 7sec

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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.