Is gastritis contagious?

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on November 03, 2024
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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 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 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 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 Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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What causes gastritis?

Chronic gastritis can be divided into two main categories: chronic non-atrophic gastritis, which was previously referred to as chronic superficial gastritis, and chronic atrophic gastritis. The primary cause of chronic gastritis is generally considered to be Helicobacter pylori infection, which has a very high infection rate in our country, exceeding 50%. Moreover, inappropriate diet can also cause chronic gastritis, such as stimulation from smoking and drinking, irregular eating habits, overeating, as well as excessive consumption of raw, greasy, spicy, and other irritating foods. Additionally, emotional factors are closely related to chronic gastritis.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What should I do if I have a flare-up of gastritis?

When experiencing gastritis, it is important to actively use medical treatments, such as gastroprotective agents that suppress gastric acid secretion and antibiotics. At the same time, dietary adjustments should be made. The recurrence of gastritis is directly related to irregular eating habits. It's essential to follow a light diet, consume more vegetables and fruits, and eat less spicy, greasy, and stimulating foods. Additionally, avoid stimulants like strong tea, coffee, and hard liquor. Consume more vegetables to increase dietary fiber, and eat foods that are gentle on the stomach lining and easy to digest, such as millet porridge, rice soup, vegetable soup, and steamed egg custard.