Gastritis


Which is more serious, acute gastritis or chronic gastritis?
Acute gastritis is an acute lesion occurring in the gastric mucosa, which can cause significant abdominal pain. Mucosal rupture and bleeding can lead to gastric bleeding, and if there is a substantial amount of bleeding, it may cause vomiting blood. Chronic gastritis is a long-term, diffuse inflammation of the stomach, with the main symptoms being loss of appetite, abdominal pain, belching, and acid reflux. Relatively speaking, the symptoms of acute gastritis are more severe. The treatment for acute gastritis primarily involves the use of medications that suppress gastric acid secretion and protect the gastric mucosa. In terms of diet, it is important to eat cautiously, avoiding spicy and greasy foods, consuming more vegetables, and eating meals regularly and in moderation. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)


How to treat gastritis
Gastritis is probably the most common among all digestive system diseases, including chronic non-atrophic gastritis and chronic atrophic gastritis. The treatment for gastritis mainly depends on the cause and specific symptoms. First, it is necessary to determine the treatment plan based on whether there is a Helicobacter pylori infection. If there is a Helicobacter pylori infection, the general treatment is quadruple therapy, which is an antibacterial treatment. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, treatment usually focuses on symptomatic relief such as suppressing stomach acid, protecting the gastric mucosa, and enhancing gastric motility, among others. Gastritis caused by other factors, such as inappropriate diet, emotional issues, or medications, etc., can usually be alleviated by adjusting the diet, relaxing, and discontinuing the relevant medications. (Medication use should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor.)


How to relieve gastritis pain
Gastric pain typically refers to pain in the upper abdomen, and the first step is to confirm whether the pain is indeed caused by gastritis. If an endoscopy confirms gastritis and liver or gallbladder issues are ruled out, there are primarily two causes of gastritis pain: One is the excessive secretion of stomach acid, which irritates the gastric mucosa leading to upper abdominal pain, and can be accompanied by acid reflux, heartburn, and a burning sensation. In such cases, proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole, are generally the first choice and can help relieve the pain. Another situation, such as chronic gastritis, combined with exposure to cold or improper diet, can lead to gastric spasms. This often manifests as episodic upper abdominal pain or even colicky pain. Antispasmodic analgesics, such as scopolamine butylbromide, can be appropriately used in these cases, while also ensuring to stay warm and consume a light, easily digestible diet. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)


How many days does acute gastritis need IV fluids?
Acute gastritis, compared to chronic gastritis, has a shorter course and more severe symptoms. If the condition is not very severe, it can also be treated by taking oral medication. For example, oral proton pump inhibitors, gastrointestinal motility drugs, and mucosal protective agents, etc. If the symptoms are more severe, such as severe vomiting, intravenous fluid therapy can be administered to achieve treatment goals. The effects of intravenous fluid therapy are basically similar to those of oral medications. If the inflammation is apparent, antibiotics can be appropriately used. As for the duration of medication, generally three to five days are sufficient. If these acute gastric mucosal lesions occur, the symptoms are relatively more severe, and there may be bleeding. In such cases, the duration of intravenous fluid therapy can be appropriately extended, generally not exceeding one week.


The difference between gastroenteritis and gastritis.
The difference between gastroenteritis and gastritis, as referred here, likely concerns acute gastroenteritis and acute gastritis. The main symptoms of acute gastroenteritis include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, etc. Acute gastritis mainly presents with symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. The primary difference between the two is whether there are symptoms related to the intestines. The main causes of both are similar, primarily due to unsanitary dietary habits, leading to bacterial or viral infections in the stomach or intestines, causing a series of symptoms. Therefore, their treatments are also similar, focusing mainly on anti-inflammatory measures, fluid replenishment, and symptomatic treatment. Generally, recovery can be expected within two to three days of treatment.


Can people with gastritis drink tea?
During the acute phase of gastritis, it is advisable to avoid drinking tea, as tea can stimulate the secretion of gastric acid, cause gastric spasms, and lead to symptoms such as pain below the xiphoid process and acid reflux. Therefore, during the acute phase of gastritis, it is important to pay attention to a light diet, avoid strong tea, coffee, strong alcohol, and other stimulating foods. Opt for soft, easily digestible foods during meals, actively choose medications that regulate the spleen and stomach, manage emotions carefully, and engage in some activity after meals to help promote gastrointestinal motility. Consuming soft fruits, like bananas, can be very beneficial in promoting the healing of the gastrointestinal mucosa.


How to alleviate gastritis pain?
The pain of chronic gastritis may be a problem with the gastritis itself, like irritation caused by excessive stomach acid. It can manifest as upper abdominal pain, acid reflux, heartburn, etc. This condition can be treated with acid-suppressing and mucosal-protecting medications. Proton pump inhibitors are generally the first choice, such as omeprazole, rabeprazole, lansoprazole, etc., which usually achieve the therapeutic goal. Additionally, if the acute stomach pain is caused by exposure to cold or inappropriate diet, this is usually accompanied by gastric spasms, showing as intermittent abdominal pain, even colic. In such cases, antispasmodic pain relievers, such as scopolamine butylbromide, can be appropriately used. At the same time, it is important to avoid cold exposures, and maintain a light, easy-to-digest diet. (Please use medications under professional medical guidance.)


Does gastritis cause nausea?
Common types of gastritis include chronic non-atrophic gastritis, also referred to as chronic superficial gastritis, and chronic atrophic gastritis, which are among the common diseases encountered in gastroenterology. The specific symptoms of gastritis vary from person to person, generally characterized by excessive gastric acid secretion and poor gastric motility. Symptoms of excessive gastric acid secretion can include upper abdominal pain, burning sensation, acid reflux, and heartburn. Poor gastric motility may manifest as upper abdominal bloating, belching, nausea, and even vomiting. Thus, gastritis can present symptoms of nausea.


How to treat gastritis?
The treatment of gastritis, besides dietary adjustments, mainly involves drug therapy. In terms of diet, it is recommended that patients adopt a light, easily digestible diet, eat regularly, avoid overeating, and avoid consuming pickled or spicy foods and substances that harm the gastrointestinal mucosa, such as alcohol and coffee. For medication, one can choose drugs that protect the stomach or promote gastrointestinal motility. Of course, one can also choose traditional Chinese medicine formulations that protect the stomach. The treatment course is usually between two to four weeks, but regular dietary adjustments and rest are fundamental. Clinically, gastritis is quite common and generally refers to stomach disorders caused by various inflammations, with Helicobacter pylori infection being the most common cause. Therefore, for patients with gastritis, it is recommended to further screen for Helicobacter pylori. If Helicobacter pylori is found positive, in addition to protecting the stomach, treatment to eradicate Helicobacter pylori is necessary, generally involving four types of medications. The diagnosis of gastritis mainly relies on gastroscopy and pathology. Patients typically present with abdominal discomfort or weight loss, and gastroscopy shows inflammatory changes in the stomach. Therefore, it is generally recommended that patients undergo a gastroscopy. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)


What are the symptoms of gastritis?
Chronic gastritis, under gastroscopy, can usually be divided into two main categories: chronic non-atrophic gastritis, also known as superficial gastritis, and chronic atrophic gastritis. The primary cause is related to Helicobacter pylori infection, although there are other related factors, such as exposure to cold, poor dietary habits, medication factors, and more. As for the symptoms of gastritis, there is individual variation. It can manifest as either excessive gastric acid or poor gastric motility. Excessive gastric acid can present as upper abdominal pain, heartburn, and acid reflux burn, among others. Poor gastric motility may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating in the upper abdomen, and poor appetite.