Is atrophic gastritis serious?

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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Chronic atrophic gastritis, compared to chronic non-atrophic gastritis, is relatively more severe. It is usually due to the atrophy of the gastric mucosal glands that this condition occurs. Under gastroscopy, the gastric mucosa can be seen to become pale, and the submucosal blood vessels are easily exposed. Sometimes, the gastric mucosal cells are replaced by intestinal epithelial cells, which is what we refer to as intestinal metaplasia. Some believe that this condition is a precancerous lesion, so it must be given sufficient attention. Firstly, it is necessary to check for Helicobacter pylori infection; if present, comprehensive antibiotic treatment is required. Some believe that if Helicobacter pylori is completely eradicated, partial reversal of gastric mucosal atrophy can happen, and in some cases, it may even return to normal, making the eradication of Helicobacter pylori particularly important. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, symptomatic treatment is advocated, such as protecting the gastric mucosa, etc. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine has relatively better effects in treating atrophic gastritis compared to Western medicine, and further diagnosis and treatment in a traditional Chinese medicine department can be considered. (Note: The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Can people with atrophic gastritis eat eggs?

Chronic atrophic gastritis is one of the common gastrointestinal diseases and is more severe than chronic superficial gastritis. If allowed to progress, it could lead to intestinal metaplasia, or even dysplasia, which are precancerous lesions. The treatment plan should first be determined based on whether there is a Helicobacter pylori infection, following standard treatment protocols. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to daily dietary and lifestyle habits, maintain a positive mindset, and abstain from smoking and alcohol. It’s also crucial to avoid overly raw, fatty, or spicy foods. Eggs, a common food rich in nutrients, can be consumed, but it is best to avoid fried methods to lessen the burden on the stomach.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia of the glands is cancer?

Atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia of the glands is not cancer, but it is a precancerous lesion that requires high attention from the patient. If the patient does not promptly revisit gastroscopy, does not undergo periodic review, or does not adopt active medication treatment, it may eventually degenerate into gastric cancer over time. Therefore, once atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia is detected, active treatment should be initiated. Treatment with traditional Chinese medicine can be considered, but it should be carried out under the diagnosis and treatment of an experienced Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctor.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Is atrophic gastritis C1 cancerous?

Atrophic gastritis C1 is not a cancerous change; it refers to closed atrophy, limited only to the pyloric antrum and not occurring in parts such as the gastric body or greater curvature. Patients with atrophic gastritis C1 should first be tested for the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. If the Helicobacter pylori infection is positive, a standardized eradication of Helicobacter pylori should be conducted using a bismuth-containing quadruple therapy for two weeks. Additionally, patients can take Chinese patent medicines like Weifuchun and Monkey Mushroom tablets to repair and protect the gastric mucosa. Moreover, patients with atrophic gastritis C1 should regularly undergo follow-up gastroscopy. Note: Please follow medical advice regarding medication.

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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.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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What is the cause of recurrent atrophic gastritis?

Recurrent atrophic gastritis is likely caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. When atrophic gastritis recurs, a Carbon-13 urea breath test or Carbon-14 urea breath test should be conducted to detect whether there is an infection of Helicobacter pylori. If the test is positive, a two-week quadruple therapy containing a bismuth agent should be used to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. Consider using a proton pump inhibitor, such as omeprazole or lansoprazole, combined with two of the antibiotics amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, and furazolidone, as well as bismuth citrate, to form the quadruple therapy. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)