The symptoms of atrophic gastritis include:

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on May 04, 2025
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The primary symptoms of atrophic gastritis include upper abdominal distension and pain, post-meal fullness, early satiety, belching, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. Some patients may also experience weight loss, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and forgetfulness. Additionally, some may suffer from dizziness, weakness, and pale complexion. If the gastric mucosa is eroded or even bleeding, it can lead to gastric bleeding and result in anemia. In terms of treatment, the primary approach is the eradication of Helicobacter pylori, using a regimen that includes a proton pump inhibitor, two types of antibiotics, and a bismuth agent. Additionally, treatments include acid suppression, gastric protection, and enhancing gastric motility. Traditional Chinese medicine and herbal treatments are also very important methods for treating atrophic gastritis.

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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.)

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Is nausea normal for atrophic gastritis?

Nausea is one of the common symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases, whether it is chronic superficial gastritis or atrophic gastritis. The occurrence of nausea usually indicates insufficient gastric motility. This condition is not considered normal, and targeted treatment is usually required depending on whether there is an infection with Helicobacter pylori. If there is an infection with Helicobacter pylori, it is first necessary to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. This generally involves quadruple therapy to eliminate the bacteria, accompanied by prokinetic agents, such as mosapride citrate. If there is no Helicobacter pylori infection, symptomatic treatment may suffice. For example, protecting the gastric mucosa and enhancing gastric motility, while also paying attention to daily dietary and lifestyle habits. (Note: The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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What should I do if atrophic gastritis causes severe weight loss?

Patients with atrophic gastritis should be highly attentive if they experience significant weight loss and should receive standardized traditional treatments. Additionally, dietary habits also require careful attention; it is important to quit smoking and drinking alcohol, and to avoid using medications that damage the gastric mucosa, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids. Furthermore, eating habits should be regular, avoiding binge eating and foods that are too salty, spicy, or that are fried or deep-fried. Active treatment should also be directed against Helicobacter pylori, utilizing medications that protect the gastric mucosa, enhance its resistance to gastric acid, and improve the regenerative ability of gastric mucosal cells. Medications that inhibit bile reflux and improve gastric motility can also be employed.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Is atrophic gastritis of the gastric antrum serious?

Atrophic gastritis is a chronic gastric disease characterized by repeated damage to the gastric mucosal epithelium, leading to the atrophy of the intrinsic glands, with or without intestinal metaplasia or pseudopyloric gland metaplasia. The main cause of this disease is infection by Helicobacter pylori. Symptoms primarily include upper abdominal distension, belching, acid reflux, early satiety, nausea, etc. Some patients may experience symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, memory loss, anxiety, and depression. The main treatment involves eradicating Helicobacter pylori, suppressing acid production, and using gastric mucosal protectants and prokinetic agents. The majority of patients have Helicobacter pylori-related gastritis, which after chronic inflammation (chronic non-atrophic gastritis) can lead to atrophic gastritis, followed by intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia, and eventually may progress to gastric cancer.

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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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.