What is the cause of recurrent atrophic gastritis?

Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
Updated on February 05, 2025
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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.)

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
1min 7sec home-news-image

How to effectively treat atrophic gastritis?

Relatively speaking, atrophic gastritis is much more serious than superficial gastritis. Treatment for this condition primarily depends on whether there is Helicobacter pylori infection. If there is Helicobacter pylori infection, a quadruple therapy is generally adopted to eradicate the bacteria, which can reverse some of the atrophy. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, treatment mainly involves symptomatic relief, such as protecting the gastric mucosa and increasing gastric motility, etc. Traditional Chinese medicine and herbal medicine also have relatively good effects on atrophic gastritis, often employing a comprehensive treatment after differential diagnosis. As for diet, it is recommended to eat light, easily digestible foods, eat at regular times and in small, frequent meals, and avoid stimulants like tobacco and alcohol, as well as raw, greasy, or spicy foods. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
1min 12sec home-news-image

Why is a biopsy necessary for atrophic gastritis?

Atrophic gastritis is generally treated with biopsy, which is the standard for diagnosing atrophic gastritis, so biopsy is typically conducted when considering atrophic gastritis. Atrophic gastritis is increasingly common in clinical settings, especially among middle-aged and elderly patients. It begins with symptoms of chronic gastritis, such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and belching, and sometimes may include changes in appetite. Patients usually undergo gastroscopy, which shows atrophy of the gastric mucosa, alterations in red and white patches, or white-like mucosa. Histopathological examination can further support the atrophic changes. In clinical settings, when considering atrophic gastritis, treatment focuses on protecting the stomach and screening for Helicobacter pylori. If Helicobacter pylori is positive, treatment targeting Helicobacter pylori is recommended. Regular gastroscopic examinations are necessary, typically every six months to a year.

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Written by Xie Zheng Yuan
Gastroenterology
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How long does it take to treat atrophic gastritis with erosion?

Atrophic gastritis with erosion is a type of chronic gastritis and has a lengthy course of disease. Through treatment, the erosions may heal within six to eight weeks. However, reversing the atrophy of the gastric mucosa is a long-term and slow process, and there are no specific effective drugs clinically available. Some traditional Chinese medicines and proprietary Chinese medicines may be effective, but it typically takes at least six months. Therefore, the duration required to treat atrophic gastritis with erosion varies from person to person, depending on individual differences.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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What medicine should be taken for atrophic gastritis with erosion?

Chronic atrophic gastritis with erosion requires drug treatment based on the specific symptoms of the patient and whether there is a Helicobacter pylori infection. The infection rate of Helicobacter pylori is very high, often exceeding 50%, so it is also necessary to check for Helicobacter pylori infection in cases of chronic atrophic gastritis. If there is a Helicobacter pylori infection, antibacterial treatment is needed, typically employing a quadruple therapy. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, symptomatic treatment is generally used. Common treatments include protecting the gastric mucosa, suppressing gastric acid, and enhancing gastric motility, among others. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to daily diet and lifestyle habits, focusing on light and easy-to-digest foods, and avoiding raw, greasy, spicy, and irritating foods; quitting smoking and drinking can also be helpful. (Specific medication usage should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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How to prevent and treat atrophic gastritis

Chronic gastritis includes two types: chronic non-atrophic gastritis and chronic atrophic gastritis. Chronic atrophic gastritis is generally more severe than chronic non-atrophic gastritis and usually accompanies intestinal metaplasia, which some refer to as a precancerous lesion. If chronic atrophic gastritis is present, formal medical treatment is necessary. Initially, it is advisable to check for Helicobacter pylori infection. If an Helicobacter pylori infection is found, timely eradication therapy is recommended, typically using quadruple therapy, which consists of a proton pump inhibitor, two types of antibiotics, and a bismuth agent. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, treatment generally focuses on symptomatic relief, such as protecting the gastric mucosa and enhancing gastric motility. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine has shown satisfactory effects in treating chronic atrophic gastritis. It is also important to maintain good dietary and living habits, prefer light and easily digestible foods, and avoid raw, greasy, spicy, and irritating foods to help maintain a positive state of mind. Regular gastroscopy check-ups are necessary. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.)