What are the symptoms of atrophic gastritis?

Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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Atrophic gastritis, also known as body-type gastritis, is mainly caused by Helicobacter pylori infection leading to atrophy of the gastric mucosa. Under microscopy, twisted blood vessels and alternating red and white mucosa can be seen. The main symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. A reduction in parietal cells can lead to decreased secretion of intrinsic factor, thereby causing anemia with red blood cells. If atrophic gastritis is accompanied by ulcers, it can cause severe abdominal pain and bloody stools. It is important to adjust the diet, eat more soft and easily digestible foods, and consume fewer raw, cold, and spicy foods.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Does chronic atrophic gastritis require lifelong medication?

If the patient has lifelong atrophic gastritis, they may need to follow a doctor's advice and take medications that increase mucosal nutrition for life, such as sucralfate, live gastric ketone, prostaglandin E1, etc. The main causes of atrophic gastritis are Helicobacter pylori infection, as well as other factors such as autoimmune mechanisms, genetic factors, and decreased gastric mucosal barrier function. The main symptoms of atrophic gastritis include obscure pain in the upper abdomen, distension, burning pain, along with accompanying symptoms like weight loss and anemia. Treatment for atrophic gastritis involves eradicating Helicobacter pylori and using medications that protect the gastric mucosa.

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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 Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Does atrophic gastritis cause diarrhea?

Generally speaking, atrophic gastritis does not cause diarrhea in patients. The main symptoms of atrophic gastritis include dull pain in the upper abdomen, bloating, belching, or accompanied by symptoms such as weight loss and anemia. If a patient with atrophic gastritis experiences diarrhea, they should promptly visit the gastroenterology department or intestinal clinic of a standard hospital to complete routine stool examinations and tests, and if necessary, an endoscopic examination of the colon. In terms of treatment, antidiarrheal medications such as montmorillonite powder can be used, as well as treatments like Bacillus coagulans to regulate the intestinal flora. It is also advised to drink more water to avoid dehydration.

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Written by Huang Gang
Gastroenterology
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Is atrophic gastritis grade I serious?

Grade I atrophic gastritis is not serious. Atrophic gastritis refers to the atrophy and reduction of the gastric mucosa and glands, and it manifests with symptoms like stomach discomfort, bloating, stomach pain, and loss of appetite. For those with atrophic gastric cancer, it is important to control the diet, avoid overeating, and abstain from spicy, raw, greasy, and irritating foods. This type of chronic digestive system disease, if not properly managed, can frequently relapse and has the potential to become malignant. If the condition can be controlled and does not frequently recur, it generally does not have a significant impact on the body.

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How to treat chronic non-atrophic gastritis with bile reflux?

For cases of chronic non-atrophic gastritis with bile reflux, it is first necessary to clarify whether there is a Helicobacter pylori infection, which can be determined by a breath test. Based on this, regular visits to the department of gastroenterology for diagnostics and treatment can be established. Firstly, it is important to take oral medication to protect the gastric mucosa and then to promote gastrointestinal motility. Regular follow-ups are very important. Generally, for patients with non-atrophic gastritis and bile reflux, it depends on whether the condition is high or low. For those in the high category, it is necessary to undergo a gastroscopy every six months.