What medicine is taken for gastritis and reflux esophagitis?

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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Gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease are relatively common in clinical settings. Generally, medications that reduce acid production, protect the mucous membrane, and improve gastrointestinal motility can be chosen for treatment. Of course, dietary advice includes consuming clean, easily digestible foods, cultivating good living and eating habits, and avoiding overeating and binge drinking. Gastritis is more commonly seen clinically, with most patients exhibiting symptoms of abdominal pain and bloating. Esophagitis primarily presents with nausea, belching, and burning pain, leading most patients to seek treatment from a gastroenterologist. The fastest diagnosis primarily relies on gastroscopy, which can reveal congestion and edema of the esophageal and gastric mucosa, and even the formation of erosion and ulcers, ruling out diagnoses like esophageal or gastric cancer. Therefore, the treatment of gastritis and esophagitis mainly relies on medications, which are selected after a complete gastroscopy. The typical course of treatment is about four weeks. If symptoms can be controlled, the dosage can be gradually reduced to maintain the minimal effective amount. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What foods are good for gastroesophageal reflux disease?

For reflux esophagitis, it is recommended to have an easily digestible diet and avoid smoking and drinking. One should not consume strong tea, coffee, fatty, greasy, spicy, fried, grilled, cold, or sweet foods. It is also advised against consuming milk, soy milk, glutinous rice, sweet potatoes, etc., as these foods may promote gastric acid secretion, leading to further irritation of the esophageal mucosa and worsening reflux esophagitis. Some are also difficult to digest, so it is recommended to avoid them. You can consume porridge, such as lean meat porridge, chicken porridge, fish porridge, etc.; or soups, such as chicken soup, pork rib soup, etc.; you can also eat noodles. When eating meat, remember to cook it until it's very soft, and it is also advised to increase physical activity.

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Written by Wang Hui Jie
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease?

The following are some symptoms: The most common and typical symptom is heartburn. It mainly manifests as a burning discomfort or pain behind the sternum and below the xiphoid process. This usually occurs about an hour after eating and may extend upward from the lower end of the sternum to the neck and between the shoulder blades, often accompanied by nausea. Another common symptom is acid reflux, which generally occurs more often on an empty stomach. Another symptom is chest pain, mainly caused by irritation of the esophageal mucosa leading to spasms. There is also difficulty swallowing, which is quite common; initially, it is often caused by a stress-induced spasm. In later stages, it is mostly due to the proliferation of fibrous tissue forming scars, leading to esophageal narrowing. Some less common symptoms include stomach bloating, pharyngitis, cough, asthma, and others.

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Written by Luo Peng
Thoracic Surgery
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Reflux esophagitis is divided into several grades.

Reflux esophagitis can be classified into four grades based on the extent of esophageal mucosal damage: Grade A, B, C, and D. Grade A mainly involves damage to the folds of the esophageal mucosa, generally not exceeding 5 millimeters. Grade B refers to damage greater than 5 millimeters. Grade C indicates that the damage to the esophageal mucosa reaches 75% of the entire circumference of the esophagus; any damage below 75% falls into Grade C. Grade D, on the other hand, is quite severe, with extensive damage around the entire circumference of the esophagus, mainly divided into these four grades.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Is reflux esophagitis serious in lab results?

Reflux esophagitis of grade LA B is not very severe, indicating one or more esophageal mucosal injuries, approximately five millimeters in length, but without confluence lesions. Patients with reflux esophagitis should take medication regularly, must undergo periodic gastroscopy, and the selection of specific medications and their dosage should be under the guidance of a doctor. Commonly, proton pump inhibitors can be used to suppress gastric acid secretion, and medications like aluminum hydroxide magnesium carbonate can be used to protect the gastric and esophageal mucosa. Additionally, drugs like mosapride and itopride can be used to promote esophageal motility, as well as gastric motility.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Is reflux esophagitis grade III serious?

Reflux esophagitis is generally classified into four grades according to the Los Angeles classification. Grade III indicates that the mucosal damage in the esophagus has merged, but it covers less than 75% of the esophageal circumference. Although grade III reflux esophagitis is not very severe, regular treatment is necessary. Treatment should be administered under the guidance of a doctor, and proton pump inhibitors may be considered to suppress gastric acid secretion and reduce the stimulation of gastric acid on the esophageal mucosa. Medications that protect the esophageal and gastric mucosa, such as aluminum magnesium carbonate and sucralfate, are also needed. In addition, medications that enhance esophageal and gastric motility, such as mosapride, can be taken. (Please consult a doctor before using any medication.)