Treatment Options for Chronic Gastritis

Chronic gastritis affects a large number of people worldwide, with types including chronic non-atrophic gastritis and chronic atrophic gastritis. If you are not experiencing noticeable symptoms such as indigestion or abdominal discomfort, medication may not be necessary regardless of the type. In these cases, maintaining a healthy diet and making certain lifestyle adjustments can be sufficient to manage the condition effectively.

For individuals with atrophic gastritis, the gastric mucosa contains fewer digestive glands than normal, which results in reduced digestive capacity. It is therefore recommended to consume soft, easily digestible, and nutrient-absorbable foods such as noodles, porridge, and vegetables. While protein and fat are still acceptable parts of your diet, it's important to moderate the quantity to avoid overburdening the stomach.

When symptoms like persistent indigestion occur, doctors often recommend adding enzyme supplements to help reduce the workload on the stomach. Examples include compound digestive enzymes and pancreatin tablets derived from Aspergillus oryzae. If delayed gastric emptying is present—characterized by bloating, belching, or nausea—prokinetic medications such as domperidone, cisapride, or mosapride can be effective in improving gastric motility and relieving discomfort.

In more severe cases where endoscopic examination reveals extensive atrophy of the gastric mucosa, patients should be closely monitored due to an increased risk of dysplasia and potential progression to gastric cancer. Regular follow-up endoscopies are advised, and if necessary, biopsies should be taken to detect any precancerous changes early. Early detection plays a crucial role in preventing the development of stomach cancer and improving long-term outcomes.