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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Does bile reflux gastritis cause fever?

Bile reflux gastritis, considered a type of chronic gastritis, generally does not cause fever. Its typical symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and a sense of fullness, among others. As the name implies, bile reflux gastritis is believed to be caused by bile inducing damage to the gastric mucosa, characterized by congested and swollen mucosa, erosion, and ulcers, typically without causing fever. If a patient with gastritis also presents with fever, other causes should be considered, such as gallstones, pancreatitis, or stones outside the gallbladder. In terms of treatment, medication is generally considered, potentially including the use of acid reducers and gastroprotective agents, as well as medicines that constrict bile, which are usually effective. If the patient has recurring fevers, other causes should be considered, as fever is generally not considered to be caused by bile reflux gastritis.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What is bile reflux gastritis?

Bile reflux gastritis refers to the chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa caused by the reflux of bile or pancreatic juice from the duodenum into the stomach, known as bile reflux gastritis. The main symptoms include upper abdominal bloating, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, etc. A diagnosis of bile reflux gastritis can be confirmed through a gastroscopy that shows bile reflux into the stomach or bile spots attached to the stomach wall. The treatment primarily involves acid suppression, protection of the stomach, and enhancement of gastric motility, with a typical course lasting about six weeks. Bile reflux gastritis is closely related to poor gastric motility; therefore, regular exercise is recommended as it can promote gastrointestinal motility and strengthen gastric motility, which can be beneficial in the treatment of bile reflux gastritis.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Can you eat meat with bile reflux gastritis?

Biliary reflux gastritis is often due to insufficient gastrointestinal motility, dysfunction of the pyloric canal, or post-cholecystectomy, among other causes. It is considered a type of gastrointestinal dysfunction and is characterized by recurrent episodes. Along with conventional medical treatment, it is crucial to pay attention to regular dietary and living habits. Regarding diet, the principle is to eat light and easily digestible food, such as soft, mushy rice, fresh vegetables, and fruits. In terms of meat and fatty foods, which provide essential fats, proteins, amino acids, etc., these should be consumed in small quantities and not excessively. Additionally, during cooking, it is important to keep the food mild and avoid frying or spicy preparations.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Bile reflux gastritis symptoms

Bile reflux gastritis, primarily, its symptoms are caused by the damage of bile to the gastric mucosa, manifesting as acid reflux, belching, abdominal pain, and bloating. This can lead to damage to the gastric mucosa, resulting in erosion and bleeding. In cases of bile reflux gastritis where symptoms are not particularly typical, symptoms may be alleviated by improving dietary habits. More severe cases require medication, including oral drugs that promote gastrointestinal motility, protect the gastric mucosa, and inhibit gastric acid secretion. It is important to maintain a light diet, avoid highly irritating foods, and prevent irritation from smoking and alcohol.

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Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
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Can bile reflux gastritis cause chest pain?

Once symptoms such as abdominal bloating, acid reflux, and belching are noticed and diagnosed as bile reflux gastritis, there could be chest pain which should be noted. This supposed chest pain is related to the esophagus; therefore, it occurs in the center of the chest, not on the sides. In such cases, symptomatic medical treatment can be applied. Typically, for bile reflux gastritis, proton pump inhibitors along with mucosal protectants and gastrointestinal prokinetic drugs can be used for treatment. Drugs that improve bile metabolism may also be used. Additionally, it's important to note in terms of diet, that chest pain is not necessarily caused entirely by reflux and other causes of chest pain should also be ruled out.