Chronic Non-Atrophic Gastritis: How Serious Is It?

Chronic non-atrophic gastritis is a common condition, and its severity largely depends on the individual case. In most instances, it is not considered severe, especially when detected early and managed properly. However, in certain situations where complications arise, the condition may become more serious and require immediate medical attention.

When diagnosed through endoscopy and there are no signs of ulcers, erosions, or abnormal tissue growth, the condition can typically be controlled effectively with appropriate treatment. Patients often respond well to medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules and domperidone tablets, which help reduce stomach acid and improve gastric motility. Under a doctor's supervision, symptoms can be managed, and further damage to the gastric mucosa can be prevented.

On the other hand, if the endoscopic findings reveal widespread gastric mucosal bleeding, intestinal metaplasia, or cellular hyperplasia, the situation may be more concerning. Without timely intervention, chronic non-atrophic gastritis can progress into chronic atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia, which increases the risk of developing gastric cancer. In these cases, the disease is considered more severe and requires aggressive treatment strategies.

For patients experiencing uncontrollable bleeding or advanced pathological changes, urgent interventions such as gastric lavage with cold saline, endoscopic high-frequency electrocoagulation, or laser coagulation may be necessary to stop the bleeding. If these methods fail, surgical intervention might be required to prevent life-threatening complications.

In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle and dietary modifications play a crucial role in managing chronic non-atrophic gastritis. Patients are advised to maintain a balanced and diverse diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. It is important to avoid spoiled, pickled, grilled, or fried foods, as they can irritate the stomach lining. Consumption of coarse, strong-flavored, or spicy foods should also be minimized to prevent worsening of symptoms.

By following medical advice and making healthy lifestyle choices, many patients with chronic non-atrophic gastritis can achieve long-term symptom relief and prevent progression of the disease.