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 Jiang Guo Ming
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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 Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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What are the symptoms of atrophic gastritis?

The main symptoms of atrophic gastritis include upper abdominal pain, belching, acid reflux, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, etc., which are not specific compared to the symptoms of chronic superficial gastritis. Therefore, it is not possible to determine whether it is atrophic gastritis or superficial gastritis based solely on symptoms; a gastroscopy is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. If the gastroscopy reveals thinning of the gastric mucosa and atrophy of the gastric glands, atrophic gastritis can be confirmed. Additionally, if atrophic gastritis is suspected, a biopsy and pathological examination are also needed for a clear diagnosis. Regarding treatment, atrophic gastritis requires therapies such as anti-Helicobacter pylori treatment, acid suppression, promoting gastric motility, and protecting the gastric mucosa. Furthermore, it is recommended to combine traditional Chinese medicine differentiation-based treatment for better effects when used alongside Western medicine.

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Written by Si Li Li
Gastroenterology
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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 Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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Atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia of the glands is cancer?

Atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia of the glands is not cancer, but it is a precancerous lesion that requires high attention from the patient. If the patient does not promptly revisit gastroscopy, does not undergo periodic review, or does not adopt active medication treatment, it may eventually degenerate into gastric cancer over time. Therefore, once atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia is detected, active treatment should be initiated. Treatment with traditional Chinese medicine can be considered, but it should be carried out under the diagnosis and treatment of an experienced Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) doctor.

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Can people with atrophic gastritis eat eggs?

Chronic atrophic gastritis is one of the common gastrointestinal diseases and is more severe than chronic superficial gastritis. If allowed to progress, it could lead to intestinal metaplasia, or even dysplasia, which are precancerous lesions. The treatment plan should first be determined based on whether there is a Helicobacter pylori infection, following standard treatment protocols. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to daily dietary and lifestyle habits, maintain a positive mindset, and abstain from smoking and alcohol. It’s also crucial to avoid overly raw, fatty, or spicy foods. Eggs, a common food rich in nutrients, can be consumed, but it is best to avoid fried methods to lessen the burden on the stomach.