Treatment of Chronic Gastritis

Chronic gastritis is a common condition that affects people worldwide. It involves inflammation of the stomach lining and can lead to discomfort, indigestion, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Fortunately, several effective treatment options are available, ranging from lifestyle modifications to medical interventions and, in rare cases, surgical procedures.

Making healthy lifestyle choices plays a crucial role in managing chronic gastritis. Patients are advised to maintain a regular eating schedule and avoid consuming excessively hot, salty, or spicy foods. Smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided as they can further irritate the stomach lining. Additionally, it's important to stop using medications that may damage the gastric mucosa, such as aspirin and indomethacin. Addressing infections in the mouth, nose, or throat can also help reduce the risk of aggravating gastritis symptoms.

When it comes to pharmacological treatment, several types of medications are commonly prescribed based on individual symptoms and underlying causes:

Gastric mucosal protectants, such as sucralfate and aluminum hydroxide gel, help shield the stomach lining from harmful substances;

Prokinetic agents may be used for patients experiencing bloating, belching, or acid reflux to improve gastrointestinal motility;

If Helicobacter pylori infection is detected through endoscopy, a combination therapy involving antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is typically recommended;

Acid-reducing medications, including H2 receptor antagonists like cimetidine and ranitidine, as well as PPIs such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, and esomeprazole, are often prescribed to lower gastric acid production;

For individuals suffering from severe upper abdominal pain, antispasmodics like atropine, belladonna tablets, or anisodamine (654-2) can provide relief by reducing acid secretion and easing pain;

Symptomatic treatments such as digestive enzymes or simethicone tablets may also be beneficial in managing gas and indigestion.

In more advanced cases, particularly when chronic atrophic gastritis is accompanied by severe dysplasia or intestinal metaplasia, especially colonic-type intestinal metaplasia, endoscopic surgery might be considered as a treatment option to prevent potential complications.

By combining lifestyle adjustments with appropriate medical care, most patients with chronic gastritis can experience significant symptom improvement and better quality of life. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment plan based on your specific condition.