[Common Diseases] Gastritis

🥼 What is gastritis?

Gastritis refers to inflammation or damage of the gastric mucosa and can be divided into acute gastritis and chronic gastritis .
In Hong Kong, gastritis is one of the common digestive system diseases, and patients range in age from young office workers to the elderly.

🔍 Common causes of gastritis in Hong Kong

Based on information from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority and several international medical journals, we have compiled the most common causes:

  1. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
    • Hong Kong is a moderately prevalent area of Helicobacter pylori, with an infection rate of approximately 40%-55%, which is the main cause of chronic gastritis.
  2. Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
    • For example, aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. can easily damage the protective layer of the gastric mucosa.
  3. Excessive drinking
    • Alcohol can directly irritate the gastric mucosa and cause acute inflammation.
  4. Stress and bad lifestyle habits
    • Staying up late for a long time, irregular diet, and overeating.
  5. Autoimmune diseases
    • For example, autoimmune gastritis can affect the absorption of vitamin B12.
  6. Other diseases or surgical effects
    • Such as bile reflux, long-term serious illness or after stomach surgery.

⚠️ Common symptoms of gastritis

The editor has sorted out the most common symptoms for your convenience (but diagnosis still requires a doctor's examination):

  • Dull pain or burning sensation in the upper abdomen
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal distension and indigestion after meals
  • Loss of appetite
  • Black stools (may be a sign of stomach bleeding, seek medical attention immediately)

🏥 Treatment of gastritis in Hong Kong

The editor reminds you that to treat gastritis, you must first find out the cause, otherwise relying solely on painkillers or acid suppressants may only provide temporary relief.

1. Treatment targeting the cause

  • Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy
    • The commonly used triple therapy (PPI acid-suppressing drug + two antibiotics, such as amoxicillin + clarithromycin) lasts for 7-14 days.
    • According to the guidelines of the Hong Kong Hospital Authority, a breath test or stool antigen test is required after treatment to ensure that the bacteria have been eliminated.
  • Stop or reduce NSAIDs
    • If it is necessary, the doctor will prescribe PPI or mucosal protective agent.
  • Treating bile reflux
    • Prokinetic drugs (such as domperidone) or surgery may be needed.

2. Symptom control and gastric mucosal protection

  • acid-suppressing drugs
    • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs, such as omeprazole and esomeprazole)
    • H2 receptor antagonists (such as famotidine)
  • Gastric mucosal protective agent
    • Such as Sucralfate and colloidal bismuth.

3. Lifestyle and diet adjustments

  • Eat small meals frequently : Avoid eating too much at one time to increase the burden on the stomach.
  • Avoid irritating foods : spicy, sour, fried foods, strong tea, coffee, and alcohol.
  • Quit smoking : Nicotine reduces blood flow to the gastric mucosa and delays repair.
  • Reduce stress and get enough sleep : Excessive stress can increase gastric acid secretion.
  • Maintain regular eating times : Avoid fasting for extended periods.

🏥 Hong Kong medical pathways

  • Public hospitals and general outpatient clinics
    • Referral for gastroscopy may be obtained (especially with warning symptoms such as melena, sudden weight loss, and persistent vomiting).
  • Private Clinics and Specialists
    • Endoscopy and H. pylori testing can usually be arranged more quickly.
  • Detection method
    • Urea Breath Test
    • Gastroscopy and biopsy
    • stool antigen test

💡 Editor's Tips

  1. Do not take painkillers or stomach medicine on your own for a long time to avoid masking the condition.
  2. Complete the full course of Helicobacter pylori treatment and do not stop taking it midway.
  3. Regular follow-up visits are recommended to ensure that the gastric mucosa returns to normal, especially for high-risk groups (family history of gastric cancer).
  4. Watch for warning symptoms : If you have persistent vomiting of blood, black stools, or extreme weight loss, go to the emergency room immediately.
  5. Food diary : Recording foods that cause discomfort can help you adjust your diet.

💬Editor’s summary :
Gastritis is very common in Hong Kong, but in most cases, it can be effectively controlled or even cured through identification of the cause, medication, and lifestyle adjustments . The most concerning issue is prolonged untreated gastritis, which can develop into gastric ulcers or even stomach cancer. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly upon the onset of symptoms and avoid indiscriminate medication.

📌 Disclaimer <br>This article is for reference only and does not constitute any medical advice. It is sourced from major medical articles.

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