Can chronic gastritis be contagious?

Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 29, 2024
00:00
00:00

Is chronic gastritis contagious? Gastritis, especially chronic gastritis, lacks specific symptoms. Common types of chronic gastritis include chronic superficial gastritis, chronic erosive gastritis, and chronic atrophic gastritis. Diagnosis is mainly made through gastroscopy. Most patients may experience symptoms like upper abdominal pain, loss of appetite, post-meal fullness, acid reflux, and belching, which can be quite apparent, especially in patients with atrophic gastritis, who may have more pronounced symptoms, as well as anemia, weight loss, and diarrhea. Additionally, upper abdominal pain associated with mucosal erosion can be more severe. If the condition is serious, it may also involve bleeding, vomiting blood, or black stools. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, gastritis is not contagious and can be cured with proper treatment.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
51sec home-news-image

What should I do if chronic gastritis flares up?

If chronic gastritis flares up, patients need not be overly anxious. Standard treatment can quickly cure chronic gastritis. Following an acute flare-up of chronic gastritis, the first step involves using medications such as magnesium carbonate, aluminum sucrose sulfate, and aluminum-magnesium suspension to protect the gastric mucosa. Then, use H2 receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors to suppress stomach acid secretion and increase the pH level inside the stomach. Sometimes, traditional Chinese medicine is also quite effective in treating chronic gastritis, such as Qi Stagnation Stomach Pain Granules, Wen-Wei Shu, Yang Wei Shu Capsules, and Xiang Sha Yang Wei Pills. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
42sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of chronic gastritis?

Chronic gastritis has many symptoms in clinical practice, but there is no specificity. Most patients present with symptoms of indigestion such as pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, and acid reflux, which are related to the severity of chronic gastritis. In cases of atrophic gastritis, there is also abdominal pain. If the gastritis is caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, there may not be specific symptoms, just a feeling of fullness in the abdomen after eating. For chronic gastritis, gastroscopy and gastrointestinal barium meal examination can be performed, and treatment can be administered according to the type of gastritis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
53sec home-news-image

How to treat chronic gastritis with erosions?

The treatment of chronic gastritis with erosion includes oral medication and dietary regulation. Medications work to inhibit gastric acid secretion, protect the gastric mucosa, and enhance gastrointestinal motility, primarily focusing on acid-suppressing and anti-acid medications. Dietarily, it's important to eat smaller, frequent meals and avoid overly spicy or cold foods. Opt for nutritionally rich and easily digestible foods. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, and steer clear of strong tea and coffee. Rest well and balance work with relaxation. After treatment, timely follow-up examinations at the hospital are crucial. If there is an infection with Helicobacter pylori, eradication of the bacteria is recommended.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
38sec home-news-image

The likelihood of chronic gastritis turning malignant

Generally speaking, the chances of chronic gastritis turning malignant are very low. However, if chronic gastritis involves atrophy, there is still a certain risk of malignancy. Therefore, patients with atrophic gastritis should undergo regular gastroscopy and pathological biopsy. At the same time, patients with chronic gastritis should eat more fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, consume mild foods, and avoid drinking strong tea, coffee, and spirits, as well as quit smoking. Foods that are overly acidic, overly spicy, overly salty, or overly hot should also be avoided as much as possible.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 37sec home-news-image

What foods should be avoided with chronic gastritis?

Chronic gastritis commonly presents symptoms such as bloating, stomach pain, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, etc. These symptoms may recur periodically. A definitive diagnosis of chronic gastritis can be made through gastroscopy. Treatments include acid suppression, gastric protection, enhancement of gastric motility, and protection of the gastric mucosa. Special attention should be paid to diet in cases of chronic gastritis. What should be avoided in the diet? Firstly, smoking and drinking alcohol are prohibited, as well as drinking strong tea and coffee. Foods that are fatty, rich, or greasy should not be consumed, and neither should fried, grilled, spicy, or cold dishes. Foods such as milk, soy milk, sticky rice, and sweet potatoes can lead to excessive secretion of stomach acid and some can cause gas, resulting in symptoms of bloating. Therefore, these types of foods should also be consumed less, or even avoided. So, what should we eat? It is best to consume foods that are easy to digest, such as porridge and soups, as well as noodles that are cooked until very soft. Meat is also acceptable but should be cooked or stewed until very tender, as this will not overburden the stomach and will not adversely affect chronic gastritis.