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 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.

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Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
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Does gastritis require infusion?

In clinical practice, there are many patients with chronic gastritis. If stomach pain is observed and gastritis is suspected, this condition is mostly treated with oral medication because gastritis itself is a common disease. Infusion therapy is used for those whose diets are poor and who find it difficult to eat; this impacts their ability to take medication orally, and such individuals might consider infusion therapy. However, it is still recommended to take medication orally whenever possible. Additionally, if gastritis is accompanied by mucosal erosion or severe ulcers, intravenous infusion may be considered, switching to oral medication after a few days. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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How is gastritis with bleeding treated?

Gastritis that leads to bloody stools generally manifests as black stools. Treatment primarily involves dietary adjustments and oral medication. It is suggested that patients consume easy-to-digest, light foods. Medications can include acid-reducing and gastric-protective drugs, as well as hemostatics. The treatment duration is usually four to six weeks. Generally, through dietary modifications and medication, very positive effects can be achieved, so patients need not worry excessively. However, for patients experiencing bloody stools, it is necessary to confirm gastric disorders. Routine examinations should include complete blood count, stool analysis, and especially gastroscopy, which is the most crucial diagnostic tool. This can assess the condition of the gastric mucosa and determine if there are any accompanying inflammations, erosions, tumors, or ulcers. Gastroscopy is widely used in clinical practice and generally has a high safety profile, so patients should not be overly reluctant to undergo it. (Please take any medications under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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How to diagnose gastritis

Gastritis is a common disease in clinical practice, generally divided into chronic gastritis and acute gastritis. Acute gastritis is most commonly characterized by abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The symptoms of chronic gastritis vary and mainly include discomfort in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting, decreased appetite, and even early satiety. For the diagnosis of chronic and acute gastritis, the preferred examination is gastroscopy. Gastroscopy includes both conventional and painless procedures, both aimed at examining the condition of the gastric mucosa. However, for some elderly patients, particularly those with underlying conditions like coronary heart disease, the risk associated with gastroscopy is higher. Therefore, if conventional or painless gastroscopy is not suitable for the patient, abdominal CT and upper GI barium meal can be chosen instead. After completing the gastroscopy, if chronic gastritis or gastric ulcers are diagnosed, it is advisable to further conduct tests to screen for Helicobacter pylori.

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Written by Huang Ya Juan
Gastroenterology
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Symptoms of gastritis

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.