Can bile reflux gastritis heal itself?

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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Bile reflux gastritis is generally difficult to cure because it has multiple causes, such as gastric emptying disorders, dysfunction of the pyloric sphincter, and post-cholecystectomy patients, which can all lead to bile reflux gastritis. Many cases are related to gastric functional disorders. This condition often recurs and can be treated by suppressing stomach acid and increasing gastric motility, which tends to be effective. At the same time, diet and living habits are also very important. Eating small meals frequently and avoiding raw, cold, greasy, and spicy food can help with bile reflux gastritis.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Does bile reflux gastritis cause stomach pain?

Bile reflux gastritis can cause stomach pain, often presenting as pain in the upper abdomen, typically as dull or distending pain which are most commonly seen in clinics. Bile reflux gastritis is generally considered a common disease, characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea at onset. Diagnosis largely relies on gastroscopy, during which we can observe inflammatory changes in the gastric mucosa, with the mucosa appearing congested and swollen, and the gastric mucus appearing yellow, generally considered to be caused by bile reflux. The treatment for bile reflux gastritis typically consists of dietary adjustments and medications. Dietary recommendations include regular, bland meals, and avoiding intake of coffee, alcohol, and spicy or irritating foods. Medications may include acid reducers, gastroprotective agents, and anti-reflux drugs. A typical course of treatment lasts from 7 to 14 days. Of course, if a patient has severe symptoms or recurrent episodes, a minimal maintenance dose may be used to relieve symptoms. (Note: Medication should be taken under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Can bile reflux gastritis cause diarrhea?

Bile reflux gastritis is mainly caused by the retrograde movement of bile, which enters the stomach through the pylorus, leading to a series of symptoms such as abdominal distension, abdominal pain, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and a bitter taste. This condition should not be directly related to diarrhea, but it is possible for patients with bile reflux gastritis to experience symptoms of diarrhea. This is more commonly seen in patients after gallbladder removal surgery. Due to the loss of the gallbladder's function to store bile, bile not only retrogrades into the stomach via the duodenum but can also directly enter the intestines, stimulating the intestinal mucosa and thus leading to symptoms of diarrhea.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Symptoms and Treatment of Bile Reflux Gastritis

The symptoms of bile reflux gastritis generally include abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea, among others, and are relatively common in clinical settings. Typically, the main manifestations are hidden abdominal pain, bloating pain, or even burning pain, which occur repeatedly over time. This condition is often seen in clinical practice and tends to have a prolonged course, generally not accompanied by fever or radiating pain in the lower back or right shoulder blade. A thorough gastroscopic examination in patients will clearly show congested and edematous mucosa in the stomach, and the mucus appears bile-stained, indicating that the inflammation of the stomach is likely caused by bile reflux. For treatment, attention should be paid to diet and medication. The dietary approach involves consuming easily digestible, bland food; medically, the use of acid-reducing and gastroprotective agents, as well as anti-bile reflux medications are recommended. Typically, a treatment course of about two weeks is sufficient for gaining substantial control of the condition. If the patient has other concomitant issues, proactive treatment is advised.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Can bile reflux gastritis turn into cancer?

Bile reflux gastritis is relatively common in clinical practice and is generally considered a type of chronic gastritis caused by bile reflux. Clinically, it presents with abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting. A complete gastroscopic examination can confirm the diagnosis, showing gastric mucosal congestion, edema, and even erosion. Generally, bile reflux gastritis does not lead to cancer; however, it is recommended that patients undergo regular follow-ups, including gastroscopy and histopathological examination, especially for middle-aged and elderly patients who have had gastric diseases for many years. If the gastric mucosa shows signs of congestion, edema, and erosion—particularly if the erosion is atypical and irregular—a biopsy is recommended to rule out cancer. Thus, while bile reflux gastritis generally does not become cancerous, it is advisable for elderly patients to have regular follow-ups with gastroscopy and histopathological exams, typically every six months to a year.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms of bile reflux gastritis?

Bile reflux gastritis is a type of chronic gastritis that is commonly seen in clinical settings. It is generally believed to be caused by bile reflux leading to inflammation of the stomach and discomfort. The symptoms of bile reflux gastritis typically include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and belching, among others, with abdominal pain being particularly common. The pain usually occurs in the upper abdomen, specifically above the navel, and is episodic, occurring less frequently at night. It is generally related to diet and tends to improve after eating. The common nature of the pain is usually a dull, bloating, or burning sensation. However, patients generally do not experience fever, anemia, emaciation, or weight loss. The treatment of bile reflux gastritis typically involves strengthening acid suppression and gastric protection, choosing some gastric protective and bile-antagonistic drugs. The treatment effectiveness is generally good and not overly concerning. (The use of drugs should be under the guidance of a doctor.)