Is atrophic gastritis easy to treat?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on February 08, 2025
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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 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 Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Why is a biopsy necessary for atrophic gastritis?

Atrophic gastritis is generally treated with biopsy, which is the standard for diagnosing atrophic gastritis, so biopsy is typically conducted when considering atrophic gastritis. Atrophic gastritis is increasingly common in clinical settings, especially among middle-aged and elderly patients. It begins with symptoms of chronic gastritis, such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and belching, and sometimes may include changes in appetite. Patients usually undergo gastroscopy, which shows atrophy of the gastric mucosa, alterations in red and white patches, or white-like mucosa. Histopathological examination can further support the atrophic changes. In clinical settings, when considering atrophic gastritis, treatment focuses on protecting the stomach and screening for Helicobacter pylori. If Helicobacter pylori is positive, treatment targeting Helicobacter pylori is recommended. Regular gastroscopic examinations are necessary, typically every six months to a year.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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How to prevent and treat atrophic gastritis

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 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 Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Can atrophic gastritis eat rock candy?

Patients with atrophic gastritis should not eat rock sugar. The main symptoms of atrophic gastritis include upper abdominal distension and pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, and indigestion. A gastroscopy can reveal the atrophy of gastric mucosal glands, which can diagnose atrophic gastritis. The treatment primarily involves fighting Helicobacter pylori, suppressing acid and protecting the stomach, enhancing gastric motility, and repairing the gastric mucosa. Dietary considerations are crucial; one must quit smoking and drinking, avoid strong tea and coffee, and refrain from consuming spicy, fried, raw, cold, sweet foods, and barbecued items. Rock sugar, being a sweet food, must be strictly avoided as sweet foods can increase gastric acid secretion, leading to stomach mucosa irritation and worsening of the condition. Therefore, patients with atrophic gastritis should not consume rock sugar.