How to treat chronic gastritis

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on June 09, 2025
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The common symptoms of chronic gastritis include upper abdominal bloating, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, and indigestion. A gastroscopy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis; if the gastroscopic examination reveals redness, swelling, and erosion of the gastric mucosa, a diagnosis of chronic gastritis can be made. The main treatment includes acid suppression and gastric protection, promoting gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa, with a treatment course of about four to six weeks. It is also recommended to conduct a carbon-14 breath test to determine if there is an infection with Helicobacter pylori. If the infection is positive, a 14-day treatment for Helicobacter pylori is necessary, using a proton pump inhibitor plus two antibiotics and a bismuth agent. Additionally, it is advised to consume easily digestible food, increase physical activity, avoid overworking and staying up late, and avoid feelings of anxiety and depression.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
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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.)

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Written by Zhang Peng
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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 Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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Can chronic gastritis be contagious?

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.

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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
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Symptoms of Chronic Gastritis

Chronic gastritis manifests differently across various types, and the severity of symptoms may not always correlate with the extent of the lesion. There are roughly four types: 1. The first can cause upper abdominal pain or discomfort. Most patients with gastritis experience a sense of discomfort in the upper abdomen, with irregular pain that is not significantly related to diet; some may experience pain that spreads throughout the upper abdomen, causing a burning sensation, hidden pain, or bloating. 2. Post-meal fullness can also lead to abdominal distension due to the retention of food and poor digestion in the stomach. 3. Other symptoms include acid reflux and nausea. 4. Severe atrophic gastritis can cause weight loss in patients, including symptoms like diarrhea.