Chronic atrophic gastritis is what kind of condition?

Written by Wu Peng
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 14, 2024
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Chronic atrophic gastritis is a digestive system disease characterized by atrophy of the intrinsic gastric glands. It is commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly people. Clinically, it mainly manifests as loss of appetite, nausea, belching, heartburn, and continuous or intermittent bloating and dull pain in the upper abdomen. A minority of patients may experience upper gastrointestinal bleeding, weight loss, anemia, and malnutrition, with incidence rates increasing significantly with age. Chronic atrophic gastritis can be divided into autoimmune gastritis and multifocal atrophic gastritis, also referred to as Type A gastritis and Type B gastritis, respectively. Gastric mucosal biopsy is a reliable method for its diagnosis.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Chronic non-atrophic gastritis

Chronic non-atrophic gastritis is also known as chronic superficial gastritis. It is a classification of chronic gastritis, which also includes chronic atrophic gastritis and special types of gastritis as other classifications. Chronic non-atrophic gastritis refers to a condition where the glands in the gastric mucosa do not show atrophy, thus it is called chronic non-atrophic gastritis. Generally, the endoscopic appearance of the gastric mucosa being hyperemic, edematous, or eroded can lead to a diagnosis of chronic non-atrophic gastritis. Treatment mainly focuses on acid suppression, protecting the stomach, promoting gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa. If there is a positive Helicobacter pylori infection, eradication treatment for Helicobacter pylori is required. Patients with chronic non-atrophic gastritis should primarily consume a light and easy-to-digest diet.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Is atrophic gastritis easy to treat?

Atrophic gastritis is a type of chronic gastritis characterized by the atrophy of gastric mucosal glands. It carries a certain risk of becoming cancerous. The main symptoms include upper abdominal pain, postprandial fullness, heartburn, indigestion, belching, and acid reflux. Gastroscope examination reveals atrophy of the gastric glands, and a biopsy is needed for a pathological examination to confirm the diagnosis of chronic atrophic gastritis. In terms of treatment, the first step is to eradicate Helicobacter pylori, which includes a regimen of one proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and one bismuth agent, lasting for 14 days. This is followed by acid suppression and mucosal repair treatments. Additionally, the treatment with traditional Chinese medicine plays a significant role in managing atrophic gastritis. This condition is challenging to treat, has poor outcomes, is prone to relapse, and carries a risk of cancer transformation.

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Written by Feng Ying Shuai
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Where to apply moxibustion for atrophic gastritis?

For some symptoms of atrophic gastritis, moxibustion can be applied, such as on the Zhongwan acupoint located on the Ren meridian, as well as the Xiawan and Liangqiu acupoints. Moxibustion can also be done on the Zusanli acupoint along the stomach meridian, as well as on Neiguan and Gongsun acupoints, which are intersections of the eight meridians and can regulate atrophic gastritis. However, there is a particular method to follow during moxibustion; generally, acupoints on the upper body are treated first, followed by those on the lower body. For instance, start with the acupoints on the abdomen such as Zhongwan, Xiawan, and Liangqiu, followed by Zusanli, and then Gongsun. During moxibustion, the amount of moxa used should increase gradually, and the duration of treatment should extend from short to longer periods, indicating that the treatment period for atrophic gastritis might be longer.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What to do about the pain from atrophic gastritis?

Atrophic gastritis is a condition where the mucous membrane of the stomach atrophies, associated with poor neural nutrition and excessive gastric acid secretion, leading to a reduction in the barrier function of the gastric mucosa. To first alleviate pain, proton pump inhibitors can be used to reduce the secretion of gastric acid, and at the same time, gastric mucosal protectants should be used. If there is an infection with Helicobacter pylori, active use of triple or quadruple therapy should be employed to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. It is important to adjust one's diet, eat regularly, and avoid overeating. Greasy and spicy foods should be consumed less, and more bland, soft, and easily digestible foods should be eaten. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms of atrophic gastritis?

The main symptoms of atrophic gastritis include upper abdominal pain, belching, acid reflux, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, etc., which are not specific compared to the symptoms of chronic superficial gastritis. Therefore, it is not possible to determine whether it is atrophic gastritis or superficial gastritis based solely on symptoms; a gastroscopy is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. If the gastroscopy reveals thinning of the gastric mucosa and atrophy of the gastric glands, atrophic gastritis can be confirmed. Additionally, if atrophic gastritis is suspected, a biopsy and pathological examination are also needed for a clear diagnosis. Regarding treatment, atrophic gastritis requires therapies such as anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment, acid suppression, promoting gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa. Furthermore, it is recommended to combine traditional Chinese medicine differentiation-based treatment for better effects when used alongside Western medicine.