Symptoms and Treatment of Atrophic Gastritis

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on February 12, 2025
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Zheng Yuan
Gastroenterology
36sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 9sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
54sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
49sec home-news-image

What is the cause of recurrent atrophic gastritis?

Recurrent atrophic gastritis is likely caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. When atrophic gastritis recurs, a Carbon-13 urea breath test or Carbon-14 urea breath test should be conducted to detect whether there is an infection of Helicobacter pylori. If the test is positive, a two-week quadruple therapy containing a bismuth agent should be used to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. Consider using a proton pump inhibitor, such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, combined with two of the antibiotics amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, and furazolidone, as well as bismuth citrate, to form the quadruple therapy. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
51sec home-news-image

Is atrophic gastritis grade I serious?

Grade I atrophic gastritis is not serious. Atrophic gastritis refers to the atrophy and reduction of the gastric mucosa and glands, and it manifests with symptoms like stomach discomfort, bloating, stomach pain, and loss of appetite. For those with atrophic gastric cancer, it is important to control the diet, avoid overeating, and abstain from spicy, raw, greasy, and irritating foods. This type of chronic digestive system disease, if not properly managed, can frequently relapse and has the potential to become malignant. If the condition can be controlled and does not frequently recur, it generally does not have a significant impact on the body.