The difference between chronic superficial gastritis and chronic non-atrophic gastritis

Written by Huang Gang

Gastroenterology

Updated on May 30, 2025

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Chronic superficial gastritis only shows lesions on the superficial layer of the gastric mucosa, and the condition generally is not very severe; while chronic atrophic gastritis refers to the atrophy of the gastric mucosa and a reduction in glandular tissue. Both conditions can be distinguished by undergoing a gastroscopy. Symptomatically, they are generally hard to differentiate, and both may present clinical symptoms of chronic gastritis such as loss of appetite, belching, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming

Gastroenterology

1min 22sec

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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.)

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Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

1min 23sec

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How to regulate non-atrophic gastritis

Chronic gastritis is divided into chronic atrophic gastritis and chronic non-atrophic gastritis. Chronic non-atrophic gastritis, also known as chronic superficial gastritis, mainly presents symptoms such as upper abdominal distension, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. Gastroscope examination revealing redness, edema, or erosion of the gastric mucosa can diagnose chronic non-atrophic gastritis. The treatment primarily involves acid suppression, stomach protection, and enhancement of gastric motility, typically requiring about four to six weeks. It is also recommended to conduct a Carbon-14 breath test to determine if there is an infection with Helicobacter pylori; if the infection is positive, a 14-day treatment against Helicobacter pylori is necessary. Additionally, dietary considerations should focus on easily digestible foods, avoiding spicy, fried, barbecued, sweet, or cold foods. Smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided, as well as foods like milk, soy milk, glutinous rice, and sweet potatoes.

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Written by Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

1min 11sec

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Is chronic non-atrophic gastritis with erosion serious?

Common symptoms of chronic non-atrophic gastritis with erosion include upper abdominal bloating, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, indigestion, heartburn, etc. A gastroscopy can reveal symptoms like hyperemia, edema, and erosion on the gastric mucosa to diagnose chronic non-atrophic gastritis with erosion. It is also recommended to perform a Carbon-14 breath test to determine if there is an infection of Helicobacter pylori. If the infection is positive, a 14-day treatment for Helicobacter pylori is required, using a regimen of a proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, with the course lasting 14 days. Additionally, treatment for chronic non-atrophic gastritis with erosion should include acid suppression, gastric protection, promoting gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa, which typically requires about six weeks. With the above treatments, the disease can be cured.

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Written by Feng Ying Shuai

Traditional Chinese Medicine

1min 7sec

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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 Si Li Li

Gastroenterology

1min 6sec

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Symptoms and Treatment of Atrophic Gastritis

Common symptoms of chronic atrophic gastritis include upper abdominal distension, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, postprandial fullness, heartburn, and indigestion. Gastroscopy can reveal atrophy of the gastric glands in the mucosa, and a definitive diagnosis of chronic atrophic gastritis can be made through biopsy and histopathological examination. In terms of treatment, the first step involves eradicating Helicobacter pylori, using a regimen that includes a proton pump inhibitor, two antibiotics, and a bismuth agent, over a 14-day treatment period. Additionally, treatments aimed at acid suppression, gastric motility enhancement, and gastric mucosal protection are also necessary. Traditional Chinese medicine can also be effective in treating atrophic gastritis. A combined approach utilizing both Western and Chinese medicine can yield better outcomes for the treatment of atrophic gastritis.