Understanding Atrophic Gastritis
𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜 𝐆𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬
Many people feel anxious when they hear the term 𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜 𝐠𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬. As a known precancerous condition, it carries a 0.5%–1% yearly risk of cancer, and the risk rises when accompanied by dysplasia. But that doesn’t mean it’s a “terminal illness.” In fact, both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have developed increasingly effective treatment approaches.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐀𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜 𝐆𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬?
Atrophic gastritis is a type of chronic stomach inflammation where repeated damage to the stomach lining causes thinning of the mucosa and loss of glands. It often appears in gastroscopy reports. When the gastric lining starts to resemble that of the intestine, a change called intestinal metaplasia, it signals more severe damage but not necessarily cancer. Still, careful management is important.
𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞’𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐞𝐰
Western medicine identifies Helicobacter pylori infection as a major cause. The bacteria can lead to chronic inflammation, atrophy, intestinal changes, and potentially cancer. Treatment focuses on:
• Eliminating H. pylori
• Reducing stomach acid
• Protecting the gastric lining
These strategies aim to slow disease progression and improve symptoms.
𝐓𝐂𝐌’𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡
In TCM, atrophic gastritis falls under patterns like “epigastric pain” or “stomach distention.” Causes may include emotional stress, poor eating habits, fatigue, or spleen deficiency. Treatment aims to restore balance, nourish the stomach and spleen, and prevent symptom relapse. Besides herbal formulas, acupuncture is often used to relieve pain, fullness, belching, and poor appetite.
𝐃𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠:
𝐄𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧: Avoid spicy, greasy, cold, pickled, and smoked foods. Choose easy to digest meals rich in protein and vitamins.
𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥: Maintain regular sleep, avoid overwork, and try gentle exercises like walking or Tai Chi.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐦: Stress and anxiety can worsen symptoms. Alongside medical care, focus on mental wellness and emotional balance.