Does bile reflux gastritis cause stomach pain?

Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
Updated on September 17, 2024
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Bile reflux gastritis can cause stomach pain, often presenting as pain in the upper abdomen, typically as dull or distending pain which are most commonly seen in clinics. Bile reflux gastritis is generally considered a common disease, characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea at onset. Diagnosis largely relies on gastroscopy, during which we can observe inflammatory changes in the gastric mucosa, with the mucosa appearing congested and swollen, and the gastric mucus appearing yellow, generally considered to be caused by bile reflux. The treatment for bile reflux gastritis typically consists of dietary adjustments and medications. Dietary recommendations include regular, bland meals, and avoiding intake of coffee, alcohol, and spicy or irritating foods. Medications may include acid reducers, gastroprotective agents, and anti-reflux drugs. A typical course of treatment lasts from 7 to 14 days. Of course, if a patient has severe symptoms or recurrent episodes, a minimal maintenance dose may be used to relieve symptoms. (Note: Medication should be taken under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Zhu Dan Hua
Gastroenterology
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Is biliary reflux gastritis related to cholecystitis?

Bile reflux gastritis and cholecystitis are not necessarily related, they are two different diseases. Bile reflux gastritis is generally a type of chronic gastritis, mainly characterized by abdominal discomfort, with most patients experiencing abdominal pain such as dull pain, distension pain, and colic, among others. Of course, some patients also experience changes in appetite, nausea, belching, and burping, etc. Patients should visit the gastroenterology department of their local hospital for a gastroscopic examination to confirm the diagnosis. Under a gastroscopy, bile reflux gastritis primarily exhibits symptoms such as mucosal congestion and edema, accompanied by bile, thus confirming the diagnosis. Treatment involves dietary adjustments and medication. It is recommended that patients consume a light diet, develop good living and eating habits, and may choose acid-suppressing and stomach-protecting medications, with a treatment duration of 2-4 weeks. Cholecystitis, on the other hand, is generally a cholecystitis-related condition, typically exhibiting symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice, etc. The general treatment for cholecystitis primarily involves anti-infection therapy.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Can bile reflux gastritis heal itself?

Bile reflux gastritis is generally difficult to cure because it has multiple causes, such as gastric emptying disorders, dysfunction of the pyloric sphincter, and post-cholecystectomy patients, which can all lead to bile reflux gastritis. Many cases are related to gastric functional disorders. This condition often recurs and can be treated by suppressing stomach acid and increasing gastric motility, which tends to be effective. At the same time, diet and living habits are also very important. Eating small meals frequently and avoiding raw, cold, greasy, and spicy food can help with bile reflux gastritis.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Can bile reflux gastritis cause diarrhea?

Bile reflux gastritis is mainly caused by the retrograde movement of bile, which enters the stomach through the pylorus, leading to a series of symptoms such as abdominal distension, abdominal pain, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and a bitter taste. This condition should not be directly related to diarrhea, but it is possible for patients with bile reflux gastritis to experience symptoms of diarrhea. This is more commonly seen in patients after gallbladder removal surgery. Due to the loss of the gallbladder's function to store bile, bile not only retrogrades into the stomach via the duodenum but can also directly enter the intestines, stimulating the intestinal mucosa and thus leading to symptoms of diarrhea.

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Written by Wu Hai Wu
Gastroenterology
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How to re-examine bile reflux gastritis

Biliary reflux gastritis requires follow-up examination through gastroscopy to clarify the condition of the cure, treatment effectiveness, the severity of the condition, and other aspects. The main causes of biliary reflux gastritis are due to the relaxation of the pyloric sphincter or a decrease in gastric motility. Once these conditions occur, it is necessary to actively test for Helicobacter pylori to check for its infection. If positive, it is crucial to eradicate Helicobacter pylori actively and to use some bile-absorbing medications, such as magnesium aluminum carbonate, among others.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Bile reflux gastritis symptoms

Bile reflux gastritis, primarily, its symptoms are caused by the damage of bile to the gastric mucosa, manifesting as acid reflux, belching, abdominal pain, and bloating. This can lead to damage to the gastric mucosa, resulting in erosion and bleeding. In cases of bile reflux gastritis where symptoms are not particularly typical, symptoms may be alleviated by improving dietary habits. More severe cases require medication, including oral drugs that promote gastrointestinal motility, protect the gastric mucosa, and inhibit gastric acid secretion. It is important to maintain a light diet, avoid highly irritating foods, and prevent irritation from smoking and alcohol.