Can bile reflux gastritis cause diarrhea?

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 20, 2024
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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 Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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What dishes are good for bile reflux gastritis?

Patients with bile reflux gastritis can eat some leafy and other vegetables such as baby rapeseed, spinach, bok choy, tomatoes, carrots, and cucumbers. It is advisable to avoid eating vegetables with coarse fibers, such as celery, leeks, or chili peppers, as these can exacerbate digestive system disorders and lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and bloating. In cases of severe bile reflux gastritis, it is best to reduce the intake of fruits and vegetables. Consuming soft or liquid foods, such as millet porridge, is recommended.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Is it serious that bile reflux gastritis causes frequent hunger?

Bile reflux gastritis, which often manifests as frequent hunger, also needs attention because if not actively treated, it can lead to a worsening of the condition. Therefore, once a patient exhibits the aforementioned symptoms, it is necessary to treat the cause and symptoms accordingly. If there is an infection with Helicobacter pylori, it is necessary to use proton pump inhibitors along with antibiotics and gastric mucosal protectants to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. At the same time, it is necessary to use medications like aluminum hydroxide, sucralfate, and aluminum magnesium suspension to adsorb bile, and drugs such as domperidone to promote gastric motility. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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Bile reflux gastritis vomiting is good or bad?

Bile reflux gastritis presents symptoms of nausea and vomiting, which are concerning. Normally, it manifests as dry mouth, bitter taste, poor appetite, acid reflux, belching, nausea, and hiccupping. Severe cases may lead to vomiting or cause stomach pain and a burning sensation behind the chest, among other clinical symptoms. If vomiting occurs, symptomatic treatment should be adopted to control the condition. Medication should be taken regularly according to the prescribed treatment plan. Additionally, it is important to avoid raw, cold, spicy, and irritating foods, and to abstain from alcohol.

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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.