What is bile reflux gastritis?

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on December 05, 2024
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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 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 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 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 Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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How to treat gastritis erosion and bile reflux?

Chronic gastritis typically presents with symptoms such as belching, acid reflux, stomach bloating, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. A definitive diagnosis can be made through a gastroscopy, which may reveal signs of edema and hyperemia in the gastric mucosa, and in some cases, erosion. Poor gastric motility may lead to bile reflux, which can be observed during a gastroscopy as bile presence in the stomach. This condition, known as bile reflux, is closely related to poor gastric motility. The treatment focuses on suppressing stomach acid, protecting the gastric mucosa, and enhancing gastric motility. The treatment usually lasts for 6 to 8 weeks. Additionally, if erosion is found in the gastric mucosa, a biopsy, or pathological examination, is typically conducted to investigate the nature of the erosion under a microscope. If the erosion is inflammatory, it is considered mild. However, if atypical hyperplasia or intestinal metaplasia is present, there is a very small risk of cancer development. Therefore, if the biopsy results show atypical hyperplasia, it should be taken very seriously. In cases of severe atypical hyperplasia, it is recommended to perform a gastric mucosal stripping surgery under endoscopy.

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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.