Atrophic gastritis


Can atrophic gastritis turn into cancer?
Chronic atrophic gastritis has a certain chance of cancerous transformation, with an annual cancer transformation rate of between 0.5% and 1%. It is a type of chronic gastritis. During gastroscopy, the atrophy of the inherent glands of the gastric mucosa can be observed. A definitive diagnosis of chronic atrophic gastritis can be made through biopsy and pathological examination. In terms of treatment, the first step is the treatment against Helicobacter pylori, which includes a proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, with a treatment course of 14 days. Additionally, treatments include acid suppression, stomach protection, promoting gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa. Furthermore, oral traditional Chinese medicine plays a significant role in the treatment of atrophic gastritis. Therefore, it is suggested that patients with atrophic gastritis consider integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment, which can yield good results.


What fruits should be avoided with atrophic gastritis?
The main dietary restrictions for atrophic gastritis include quitting smoking and drinking. It is important to eat less salty and overly hot foods, and to avoid spicy and irritating foods. In addition, patients should avoid coarse foods and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins. They should eat regularly, have small frequent meals, chew slowly, and maintain a pleasant mood. Patients with atrophic gastritis should maintain a regular diet and have periodic gastroscopy check-ups, as there is a potential for malignancy in atrophic gastritis patients.


How long does it take to treat atrophic gastritis with erosion?
Atrophic gastritis with erosion is a type of chronic gastritis and has a lengthy course of disease. Through treatment, the erosions may heal within six to eight weeks. However, reversing the atrophy of the gastric mucosa is a long-term and slow process, and there are no specific effective drugs clinically available. Some traditional Chinese medicines and proprietary Chinese medicines may be effective, but it typically takes at least six months. Therefore, the duration required to treat atrophic gastritis with erosion varies from person to person, depending on individual differences.


Can I eat eggs with atrophic gastritis and erosion?
Patients with atrophic gastritis and erosion can eat eggs, but should avoid overly stir-fried and fried eggs. People with atrophic gastritis should maintain a bland diet and eat small, frequent meals. They should avoid binge eating and drink, and keep regular and moderate eating habits. Additionally, they should avoid foods or medications that may damage or irritate the gastric mucosa, such as quitting smoking and drinking, and avoiding strong tea, coffee, chili peppers, mustard, etc. With atrophic gastritis and erosion, it is important to enhance the body's immunity, and take medications that protect the gastric mucosa. Sometimes, traditional Chinese medicine and herbal treatments can also effectively protect the gastric mucosa.


Is chronic non-atrophic gastritis with erosion serious?
Common symptoms of chronic non-atrophic gastritis with erosion include upper abdominal bloating, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, indigestion, heartburn, etc. A gastroscopy can reveal symptoms like hyperemia, edema, and erosion on the gastric mucosa to diagnose chronic non-atrophic gastritis with erosion. It is also recommended to perform a Carbon-14 breath test to determine if there is an infection of Helicobacter pylori. If the infection is positive, a 14-day treatment for Helicobacter pylori is required, using a regimen of a proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, with the course lasting 14 days. Additionally, treatment for chronic non-atrophic gastritis with erosion should include acid suppression, gastric protection, promoting gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa, which typically requires about six weeks. With the above treatments, the disease can be cured.


What are the symptoms of atrophic gastritis?
The main symptoms of atrophic gastritis include upper abdominal pain, belching, acid reflux, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, etc., which are not specific compared to the symptoms of chronic superficial gastritis. Therefore, it is not possible to determine whether it is atrophic gastritis or superficial gastritis based solely on symptoms; a gastroscopy is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. If the gastroscopy reveals thinning of the gastric mucosa and atrophy of the gastric glands, atrophic gastritis can be confirmed. Additionally, if atrophic gastritis is suspected, a biopsy and pathological examination are also needed for a clear diagnosis. Regarding treatment, atrophic gastritis requires therapies such as anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment, acid suppression, promoting gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa. Furthermore, it is recommended to combine traditional Chinese medicine differentiation-based treatment for better effects when used alongside Western medicine.


Is atrophic gastritis grade I serious?
Grade I atrophic gastritis is not serious. Atrophic gastritis refers to the atrophy and reduction of the gastric mucosa and glands, and it manifests with symptoms like stomach discomfort, bloating, stomach pain, and loss of appetite. For those with atrophic gastric cancer, it is important to control the diet, avoid overeating, and abstain from spicy, raw, greasy, and irritating foods. This type of chronic digestive system disease, if not properly managed, can frequently relapse and has the potential to become malignant. If the condition can be controlled and does not frequently recur, it generally does not have a significant impact on the body.


Can atrophic gastritis lead to gastric cancer?
The development of gastric cancer, particularly intestinal-type gastric cancer, is a multi-stage process influenced by various factors. Chronic atrophic gastritis is primarily characterized by the atrophy and reduction of gastric mucosal glands. Consequently, it often accompanies varying degrees of metaplasia in the gastrointestinal mucosal epithelium. Chronic atrophic gastritis features a reduction in B cells of the gastric glands, and the pH value of gastric juice may increase. Hence, the relationship between chronic atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer is significant, as it is considered a precancerous lesion. Therefore, if one has atrophic gastritis, it is crucial to seek timely medical treatment to prevent worsening of the condition.


What are the symptoms of atrophic gastritis?
Atrophic gastritis, also known as body-type gastritis, is mainly caused by Helicobacter pylori infection leading to atrophy of the gastric mucosa. Under microscopy, twisted blood vessels and alternating red and white mucosa can be seen. The main symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. A reduction in parietal cells can lead to decreased secretion of intrinsic factor, thereby causing anemia with red blood cells. If atrophic gastritis is accompanied by ulcers, it can cause severe abdominal pain and bloody stools. It is important to adjust the diet, eat more soft and easily digestible foods, and consume fewer raw, cold, and spicy foods.


Can atrophic gastritis drink honey?
Honey is very common in daily life, tastes good, and contains rich nutritional components. It has the effects of promoting saliva secretion, quenching thirst, and relieving constipation, which makes it widely loved. For chronic atrophic gastritis, in addition to conventional drug treatments, such as antibacterial Western medicine and treatments that protect the gastric mucosa, traditional Chinese medicine can also provide symptomatic treatment. In terms of diet, it is essential to eat light, easily digestible foods, and avoid raw, greasy, spicy, and irritating foods, as well as stimulants like tobacco and alcohol, while also maintaining regular and measured eating habits. Honey does not have a significant conflict with atrophic gastritis and can be consumed. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)