Symptoms of gastritis

Written by Huang Ya Juan
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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Gastritis is an acute and chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa caused by various reasons. The most common types of gastritis are acute gastritis and chronic gastritis. The common symptoms of acute gastritis include upper abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Severe cases may experience vomiting blood, fever, dehydration, and even shock. Symptoms of chronic gastritis are not specific; many cases are asymptomatic. Those with symptoms may experience upper abdominal pain or discomfort, loss of appetite, belching, acid reflux, and nausea. Symptoms are often related to food intake, and a significant number of patients may not show any symptoms at all. Patients with gastric erosion may experience minor or major bleeding, and chronic minor bleeding can lead to iron deficiency anemia.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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What to do about gastritis pain?

Upper abdominal pain caused by gastritis is usually due to excessive secretion of gastric acid, which irritates the gastric mucosa. In such cases, acid-suppressing medications are preferred, commonly including H2 receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors, with proton pump inhibitors being the first choice. Treatment plans should also be determined based on underlying diseases and the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. If Helicobacter pylori infection is present, formal quadruple therapy should be initiated to eradicate the bacteria. If there is no infection, symptomatic treatment with proton pump inhibitors as the first choice is sufficient. Some patients may experience upper abdominal pain due to episodic gastric spasms. In such cases, antispasmodic pain relievers such as scopolamine butylbromide or anisodamine can be used for symptomatic treatment. It is also important to eat a light, easily digestible diet and to avoid exposure to cold. (Note: Please use medication under the guidance of a clinical doctor and based on specific circumstances.)

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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What is suitable to eat for gastritis?

Due to the fast pace of modern life, people often experience high levels of stress, which can lead to poor dietary and living habits. As a result, stomach diseases have become one of the most common ailments among modern people. In addition to following medical advice for treatment, daily dietary and living habits are particularly important. First of all, we need to develop the habit of eating regularly and quantitatively, or eating small meals frequently, avoiding being too hungry or too full, and certainly not binge eating. The principle of diet should focus on light and easy-to-digest foods, such as soft, mushy rice or noodles. It is appropriate to consume fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoid consuming too much spicy, greasy, or raw and cold foods, while maintaining a good mood.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What should you eat more of if you have gastritis?

Patients with gastritis should primarily consume a light and easily digestible diet. Firstly, porridge can be eaten, including millet porridge, Chinese yam porridge, coix seed porridge, and eel porridge. Secondly, soups such as chicken soup, pork rib soup, duck soup, and fish soup can be consumed. During the preparation of these soups, ingredients like Codonopsis, Astragalus, Poria, and coix seeds can be added, which are effective in strengthening the spleen, facilitating dampness removal, and nourishing the stomach, making them beneficial dietary therapy methods. Thirdly, well-cooked noodles can be eaten, as they also have a certain stomach-nourishing effect. Fourth, if consuming meat, it must be thoroughly stewed until soft before eating. This makes it less likely to burden the digestive tract and easier to digest, making it more suitable for patients with chronic gastritis.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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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.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms of gastritis?

Common symptoms of chronic gastritis include upper abdominal distension and pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, poor appetite, indigestion, and feelings of fullness after eating. Gastroscope examination can reveal signs like reddening, swelling, and erosion of the gastric mucosa, which can be diagnosed as chronic superficial gastritis. If there is glandular atrophy of the gastric mucosa observed, a diagnosis of chronic atrophic gastritis can be made through a biopsy. Treatment options include acid suppression and gastric protection, promoting gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa. It is also recommended to perform a Carbon-14 breath test to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. If the infection is positive, eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori is necessary. Chronic atrophic gastritis has a certain risk of turning cancerous, so it is advised to follow a diet that is light and easy to digest.