Treatment Methods for Chronic Superficial Erosive Gastritis

Chronic superficial erosive gastritis can be effectively managed through both Western and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), depending on the patient's symptoms and overall health condition. Below are the commonly recommended treatment approaches:

1. Western Medical Treatment

In Western medicine, the primary approach involves using medications that protect the gastric mucosa and reduce stomach acid production. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 receptor antagonists are frequently prescribed to inhibit acid secretion and promote healing of the stomach lining. If a patient is diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori infection, a combination therapy known as triple or quadruple therapy is typically used to eradicate the bacteria. This significantly reduces inflammation and prevents further complications such as peptic ulcers or chronic dyspepsia.

2. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Approach

In TCM, the stomach is regarded as the "sea of food and water," making it central to digestion and overall well-being. Since the stomach interacts directly with all ingested food, maintaining healthy "stomach qi" is essential. Chronic superficial gastritis is considered a long-term disorder involving imbalances in the body's vital energy and blood circulation within the spleen and stomach systems.

Personalized Treatment Through Syndrome Differentiation

One of the key strengths of TCM lies in its holistic and individualized treatment method. Practitioners use the four diagnostic methods—inspection, listening and smelling, inquiry, and palpation—to assess the patient's condition comprehensively. Factors such as lifestyle, dietary habits, emotional stress, and environmental influences are all taken into account when determining the appropriate treatment plan.

Based on these findings, herbal formulas are tailored to restore balance between yin and yang, strengthen the body's natural defenses ("zheng qi"), and expel pathogenic factors ("xie qi"). This not only alleviates symptoms such as bloating, discomfort, and indigestion but also improves sleep quality, as TCM believes that "an unsettled stomach leads to restless sleep."

Conclusion: Integrated Care for Optimal Results

Combining both Western and TCM treatments often yields the best outcomes for patients suffering from chronic superficial erosive gastritis. While Western medicine provides fast-acting symptom relief, TCM focuses on long-term internal balance and strengthening digestive function. Together, they offer a comprehensive strategy for managing this chronic condition effectively and improving the patient's quality of life.