What are the symptoms of atrophic gastritis?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on November 02, 2024
00:00
00:00

The main symptoms of atrophic gastritis include upper abdominal pain, belching, acid reflux, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, etc., which are not specific compared to the symptoms of chronic superficial gastritis. Therefore, it is not possible to determine whether it is atrophic gastritis or superficial gastritis based solely on symptoms; a gastroscopy is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. If the gastroscopy reveals thinning of the gastric mucosa and atrophy of the gastric glands, atrophic gastritis can be confirmed. Additionally, if atrophic gastritis is suspected, a biopsy and pathological examination are also needed for a clear diagnosis. Regarding treatment, atrophic gastritis requires therapies such as anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment, acid suppression, promoting gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa. Furthermore, it is recommended to combine traditional Chinese medicine differentiation-based treatment for better effects when used alongside Western medicine.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
1min 33sec home-news-image

Can I eat watermelon with atrophic gastritis?

Patients with atrophic gastritis can certainly eat watermelon, as long as it is consumed in small amounts. The diet for atrophic gastritis should primarily consist of easily digestible, clean foods, and avoid spicy and irritating foods, such as salted fish and alcohol intake, etc. Typically, patients with atrophic gastritis seek medical advice due to abdominal discomfort, exhibiting symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and early satiety. A comprehensive gastroscopy indicates inflammatory changes and atrophic alterations of the gastric mucosa. In terms of treatment, apart from dietary management, pharmacological treatment can be selected, including acid-reducing and gastric-protective medications, particularly suitable are traditional Chinese medicines that protect the stomach. It is advisable to supplement some vitamins and avoid spicy and pickled foods. Certainly, for atrophic gastritis, it is important to be cautious of concurrent Helicobacter pylori infection. If Helicobacter pylori infection is considered, anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment is recommended for the patient, followed by regular follow-ups, typically every six months to one year for a gastroscopy examination. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
50sec home-news-image

Is atrophic gastritis negative a problem?

Atrophic gastritis negative generally means there's no major issue. A negative result for atrophic gastritis indicates that the patient is unlikely to have atrophic gastritis. In such cases, it may be considered that there is chronic superficial gastritis. If the patient has symptoms such as acid reflux, belching, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, etc., the use of proton pump inhibitors can be considered to suppress the secretion of stomach acid, and products such as aluminum magnesium carbonate and sucralfate to protect the gastric mucosa. Treatment to promote gastric motility such as Itopride or Mosapride can also be considered. Additionally, it is necessary to conduct a Carbon-13 urea breath test or Carbon-14 urea breath test to check for Helicobacter pylori infection.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
44sec home-news-image

Atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia of the glands is cancer?

Atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia of the glands is not cancer, but it is a precancerous lesion that requires high attention from the patient. If the patient does not promptly revisit gastroscopy, does not undergo periodic review, or does not adopt active medication treatment, it may eventually degenerate into gastric cancer over time. Therefore, once atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia is detected, active treatment should be initiated. Treatment with traditional Chinese medicine can be considered, but it should be carried out under the diagnosis and treatment of an experienced Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctor.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
44sec home-news-image

Can people with atrophic gastritis eat eggs?

Chronic atrophic gastritis is one of the common gastrointestinal diseases and is more severe than chronic superficial gastritis. If allowed to progress, it could lead to intestinal metaplasia, or even dysplasia, which are precancerous lesions. The treatment plan should first be determined based on whether there is a Helicobacter pylori infection, following standard treatment protocols. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to daily dietary and lifestyle habits, maintain a positive mindset, and abstain from smoking and alcohol. It’s also crucial to avoid overly raw, fatty, or spicy foods. Eggs, a common food rich in nutrients, can be consumed, but it is best to avoid fried methods to lessen the burden on the stomach.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 7sec home-news-image

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.