Chronic gastritis is a common digestive system disease caused by long-term damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa and accumulation of chronic inflammation. It is more common in adults over 30 years old, especially those with a fast-paced lifestyle and irregular eating habits. This disease is recurrent and persistent, and if not diagnosed and treated in time, it may develop into gastric mucosal atrophy and even progress to precancerous lesions.
1. Dull or Persistent Bloating in the Upper Abdomen
Patients often feel a dull pain or bloating discomfort in the upper abdomen, especially after eating too quickly or consuming spicy food. The symptoms are not intense but persistently disturb daily life.
2. Decreased Appetite and Early Satiety
Even with a small amount of food, patients easily feel full, leading to a noticeable decline in appetite. Some individuals even reduce food intake over time, causing a decline in physical strength and nutrition.
3. Frequent Belching and Acid Reflux
Insufficient gastric motility causes food to stay in the stomach for too long, leading to symptoms such as belching and acid reflux. Some patients may also experience bad breath and a burning sensation in the throat.
4. Nausea and Morning Dry Heaving
On an empty stomach in the morning, some patients may experience nausea, with more severe cases accompanied by dry heaving or the vomiting of stomach acid. This usually indicates reduced gastric emptying capacity or increased irritation of the gastric mucosa.
5. Alternating Diarrhea and Constipation
Chronic gastritis may affect the entire digestive system, with some patients experiencing diarrhea due to indigestion, or constipation caused by slow bowel movements. These symptoms alternate and recur.
6. Gradual Weight Loss
Due to reduced appetite and impaired absorption, patients gradually lose weight and their physical condition deteriorates. Some people may also show signs of malnutrition or anemia.
7. Mood Swings and Insomnia
Long-term discomfort can lead to mental stress, anxiety, irritability, and other issues, affecting sleep quality and trapping patients in a "symptom-anxiety-insomnia" vicious cycle.
8. Upper Abdominal Tenderness or Burning Sensation
Pressing on the upper abdomen causes obvious discomfort, or there is a burning sensation after eating, which is a direct manifestation of inflammatory responses in the gastric mucosa, indicating reduced mucosal barrier function.
9. Stomach Gurgling Sounds and Increased Gas Emission
Some people experience increased gastrointestinal motility after eating, with frequent bowel sounds and increased gas emissions. While these symptoms are not severe, they can cause embarrassment and discomfort.
Although chronic gastritis is a common disease, long-term neglect of its symptoms can lead to serious consequences. Experts from Life International Medical Center suggest that persistent symptoms such as bloating, poor appetite, and acid reflux should be promptly addressed through medical consultation for a clear diagnosis. Multi-dimensional therapies, including stem cell treatments, can help restore gastrointestinal function.