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 Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 7sec home-news-image

How to treat chronic atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia?

The treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia mainly includes the following aspects: The first is general treatment. Firstly, the diet should be light and easily digestible, avoiding spicy, stimulating, fried, grilled, cold, and sweet foods. It is important to exercise regularly and avoid emotions such as anxiety and depression. The second is the treatment against Helicobacter pylori, including a proton pump inhibitor plus two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, with a treatment course of 14 days. Additionally, medications that promote gastric motility and protect the gastric mucosa are used. The fourth involves endoscopic treatments, including endoscopic APC treatment or endoscopic mucosal resection. The fifth, combining traditional Chinese medicine, differentiating syndrome treatments and oral herbal medicines, can also achieve good effects.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
1min 12sec home-news-image

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
1min 9sec home-news-image

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 Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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What fruits should be avoided with atrophic gastritis?

The main dietary restrictions for atrophic gastritis include quitting smoking and drinking. It is important to eat less salty and overly hot foods, and to avoid spicy and irritating foods. In addition, patients should avoid coarse foods and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins. They should eat regularly, have small frequent meals, chew slowly, and maintain a pleasant mood. Patients with atrophic gastritis should maintain a regular diet and have periodic gastroscopy check-ups, as there is a potential for malignancy in atrophic gastritis patients.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia what medicine to take

Chronic atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia often arises from untreated chronic superficial gastritis, primarily due to Helicobacter pylori infection. Therefore, it is essential to first check for Helicobacter pylori infection. If an infection is present, quadruple therapy is generally used to eradicate the bacteria, which may improve the atrophy. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, treatment mainly involves protecting the gastric mucosa. While there are no specific Western medicines for this, traditional Chinese medicine and a differential diagnosis approach often yield good results. Regular follow-ups are also important. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)