What are the symptoms of chronic gastritis?

Written by Wu Peng
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Most patients with chronic gastritis exhibit atypical clinical symptoms, often presenting as gastrointestinal dyspepsia symptoms, such as upper abdominal bloating, irregular and dull pain, belching, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and increased upper abdominal discomfort after eating. Patients with chronic gastritis often do not have significant abnormal physical signs; some may only experience mild upper abdominal tenderness or discomfort when pressed. If the gastric mucosa is eroded, occult blood may be positive, but patients presenting with vomiting blood or black stools are rare. Some patients may experience anemia due to long-term loss of appetite or minor bleeding, and severe anemia may present with symptoms related to anemia.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Is chronic gastritis easy to treat?

Chronic gastritis is relatively common in clinical settings and generally responds well to standardized treatment, so there is no need for excessive worry. As the name implies, chronic gastritis is caused by various factors that lead to inflammatory changes in the stomach, which may manifest as congestion and edema of the gastric mucosa, erosion, and even the formation of multiple superficial ulcers. Common symptoms of chronic gastritis include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and belching, usually with a long history. The abdominal pain typically occurs in the upper abdomen and is related to food intake, which may improve after eating. Nausea and vomiting generally involve gastric contents, sometimes including blood. Patients undergo gastroscopy and biopsy to further confirm chronic gastritis, and tests for Helicobacter pylori are commonly performed. If the treatment involves Helicobacter pylori and results are positive, treatment to protect the stomach and eradicate Helicobacter pylori is recommended.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Is chronic gastritis contagious?

Chronic gastritis is not a contagious disease, so it is not infectious. Chronic gastritis is a disease caused by various pathological factors leading to mucosal damage, and it is directly related to Helicobacter pylori infection. The treatment mainly aims to eradicate Helicobacter pylori, alleviate symptoms, suppress gastric acid secretion, protect the gastric mucosa, and reduce the recurrence of the disease. Additionally, during treatment, attention should be paid to dietary adjustments, eating soft and easily digestible foods, and avoiding spicy and irritating foods. Appropriate outdoor exercise and maintaining a pleasant mood have a positive effect on the treatment of chronic gastritis.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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What is chronic gastritis?

Gastritis is divided into acute and chronic types. Chronic gastritis is primarily caused by various reasons that lead to chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa or atrophic changes. This condition is quite common in clinical practice. Generally, about 85% of patients undergoing gastroscopy exhibit such symptoms, and with increasing age, the incidence of atrophic diseases gradually increases. The symptoms mainly manifest as abdominal pain, predominantly in the upper abdomen, bloating, belching, and even symptoms of black stools, which, if present, indicate bleeding of the gastric mucosa.

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Written by Li Ying
Gastroenterology
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How to care for chronic gastritis

Chronic gastritis generally requires treatment, which involves identifying and eliminating the causative factors, avoiding gastrointestinal irritants including diet and medications. The most important measures are quitting smoking and alcohol. It is also essential to maintain hygiene to prevent binge eating. Medication may be used, choosing the appropriate drugs based on symptoms to alleviate them. However, it is crucial to use caution with medications that may damage the stomach lining. Maintaining a cheerful spirit, avoiding excessive stress, fatigue, and gastrointestinal disturbances caused by excessive tension, such as bile reflux, is important. Actively treat infections of the oral and pharyngeal region. It is vital to avoid overly acidic, spicy, and irritating foods, as well as cold and indigestible foods. Pay attention to care, keeping a regular and quantified diet that includes foods conducive to digestion and reduces stomach irritation.

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Written by Li Ying
Gastroenterology
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The main manifestations of chronic gastritis

The main clinical symptoms of chronic gastritis include dull pain in the upper abdomen, a feeling of fullness after meals, acid reflux, or reduced appetite in patients. The severity of symptoms does not necessarily correspond to the extent of gastric mucosal lesions. Since chronic gastritis lacks specific symptoms, most individuals may experience no symptoms or various degrees of indigestion. Chronic atrophic gastritis primarily leads to symptoms like anemia, weight loss, diarrhea, among others. Additionally, patients with erosive gastritis may experience more pronounced upper abdominal pain, potentially accompanied by vomiting blood, black stools, and irregular abdominal pain. Severe cases could lead to intense colic pain.