What to do about gastritis pain?

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 06, 2024
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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 Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Can gastritis be cured?

Gastritis can be cured, primarily through medication, such as protecting the gastric mucosa, inhibiting gastric acid secretion, and appropriately using antibiotics. If there is a Helicobacter pylori infection, specific treatment for Helicobacter pylori must be conducted. After the treatment of gastritis, it is crucial to pay attention to dietary adjustments. Irregular eating habits can lead to the recurrence of gastritis. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain a light diet, consume more vegetables and fruits, eat less spicy and irritating food, avoid strong tea, coffee, and hard liquor which can damage the gastric mucosa, and keep a relaxed mood, which also positively affects the treatment of stomach diseases.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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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.)

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Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
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What department should I go to for gastritis?

When gastritis is present, symptoms such as abdominal pain, acid reflux, belching, and bloating typically occur. Clinically, one can register under the Gastroenterology department, as the stomach is part of the digestive system. If the hospital is small and lacks a Gastroenterology department, registering under the Internal Medicine department could be considered. For gastritis diagnosis, registration should be made under Gastroenterology, and examinations such as gastroscopy and tests for Helicobacter pylori are required. Both gastroscopy and Helicobacter pylori tests require fasting for more accurate results. Moreover, treatment in Gastroenterology is more targeted.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Is gastritis contagious?

Chronic gastritis is one of the common upper gastrointestinal diseases, which is usually divided into two main categories under gastroscopy. One is chronic non-atrophic gastritis, also known as chronic superficial gastritis; the other is chronic atrophic gastritis. The principal cause of these types of gastritis is likely infection by Helicobacter pylori. In addition, stimulants like smoking and alcohol, and inappropriate dietary habits are also contributing factors. As for the transmission of gastritis, it is not appropriate to say that gastritis itself is contagious, as the main cause is Helicobacter pylori infection, which means the transmission involved is due to the bacteria. Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that resides in areas like the anterior gastric antrum and the oral cavity, and can be transmitted through dietary means, such as through saliva and shared utensils.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Can gastritis cause bad breath?

Gastritis can cause bad breath; the reasons may include poor digestion and reduced gastric motility in patients after developing gastritis, or possibly due to infection with Helicobacter pylori. Besides gastritis, other stomach diseases can also cause bad breath, such as peptic ulcers, malignant gastric tumors, and erosive gastritis, among others. Apart from stomach diseases, diseases related to the liver, gallbladder, and oral diseases can also cause bad breath. Therefore, when patients experience bad breath, they should visit the department of stomatology to determine if there are any oral diseases, complete imaging examinations of the liver and gallbladder, and, if necessary, also complete gastroscopic examinations.