The difference between superficial gastritis and atrophic gastritis.

Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
Updated on May 19, 2025
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Chronic superficial gastritis and atrophic gastritis are both types of chronic gastritis. Chronic superficial gastritis refers to the condition where there is no atrophy of the gastric glands in the gastric mucosa, while atrophic gastritis involves atrophy of the gastric glands in the gastric mucosa. Gastroscope examination can confirm the diagnosis; if gastric gland atrophy is observed under the gastroscope, a biopsy and histopathological examination can definitively diagnose atrophic gastritis. In contrast, superficial gastritis primarily shows symptoms of mucosal hyperemia, edema, or erosion under gastroscope examination. The symptoms of both conditions are similar, including upper abdominal distension, belching, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. As for treatment, superficial gastritis primarily involves acid suppression, gastric protection, and promoting gastric motility, while the treatment for atrophic gastritis includes targeting Helicobacter pylori, along with acid suppression and gastric protection. The prognosis for superficial gastritis is relatively good, whereas treating atrophic gastritis is more challenging and it carries a higher risk of malignancy transformation.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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Non-atrophic gastritis with focal erosion treatment

Non-atrophic gastritis with erosive lesions, primarily diagnosed through gastroscopic examination that revealed erosive and other changes in the gastric mucosa. If erosion is detected, doctors generally perform a biopsy under gastroscopy to ascertain the nature of the erosion. If the erosion is inflammatory, it can be treated with oral medications, including acid-suppressing and stomach-protective drugs, promoting gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa. If the erosion involves intestinal metaplasia or atypical hyperplasia, it requires endoscopic APC treatment or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) to eliminate the erosive areas, thereby addressing the erosion fundamentally. Additionally, attention should be paid to a light and easily digestible diet.

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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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Is non-atrophic gastritis serious?

Chronic non-atrophic gastritis, which is commonly referred to as chronic superficial gastritis, is considered one of the milder upper gastrointestinal diseases. Endoscopic examinations usually show localized mucosal congestion and edema, which are not severe. The main cause is likely due to Helicobacter pylori infection, which can be effectively treated with antibacterial therapy. Other factors, such as exposure to cold or inappropriate dietary habits, as well as smoking and alcohol consumption, can also lead to this condition. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to one’s dietary and living habits and try to avoid spicy and greasy foods and alcoholic beverages to prevent major issues.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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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
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Chronic non-atrophic gastritis with bile reflux treatment

Chronic non-atrophic gastritis with bile reflux is mainly characterized by symptoms such as upper abdominal distension, belching, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, and indigestion. A diagnosis can be made if bile reflux into the stomach or bile patches on the stomach wall are observed during gastroscopy. A Carbon-14 breath test is also necessary to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. If the infection test is positive, a 14-day anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment is required. Additionally, treatment for chronic non-atrophic gastritis with bile reflux should include acid suppression, gastric protection, and promotion of gastric motility to protect the gastric mucosa, with a treatment duration of about four to six weeks. Bile reflux-associated chronic gastritis is primarily caused by poor gastric motility, thus increasing physical exercise is recommended as it can enhance gastric motility and improve the condition.