What Are the Symptoms of Reflux Gastritis?

Reflux gastritis shares many similar symptoms with other chronic gastritis diseases. Typically, patients may experience upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and indigestion. If the symptoms are mild, medication is usually sufficient for recovery. However, severe cases may manifest as black stool, which requires attention. It is essential for patients to undergo tests to check for Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach during treatment.

Reflux esophagitis (RE) is an inflammatory lesion of the esophagus caused by the reflux of gastric and duodenal contents into the esophagus. Endoscopically, it manifests as damage to the esophageal mucosa, namely esophageal erosion and/or ulceration. Reflux esophagitis can occur in people of any age, and the incidence rate in adults increases with age.

1. The severity of esophagitis does not correlate with reflux symptoms. Patients with reflux esophagitis may exhibit typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, but they may also have no reflux symptoms and only present with upper abdominal pain, discomfort, and other signs of indigestion. The clinical manifestations of severe esophagitis patients are not necessarily severe.

2. Typical symptoms include a burning sensation behind the sternum (heartburn), reflux, and chest pain. Heartburn refers to a burning sensation radiating from behind the sternum to the neck, and reflux refers to the regurgitation of gastric contents into the throat or mouth. Reflux symptoms often occur after a meal, and severe nocturnal reflux can affect sleep.

3. In the later stages of the disease, scarring and narrowing of the esophagus may occur, resulting in a gradual reduction of burning sensation and pain. However, permanent difficulty in swallowing may develop, and eating solid food can cause a sensation of blockage or pain.

4. Severe esophagitis can lead to bleeding due to esophageal mucosal erosion, usually chronic and minor bleeding. Long-term or heavy bleeding can lead to iron-deficiency anemia.

1. Avoid alcohol and quit smoking: Tobacco contains nicotine, which can lower the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter, causing it to relax and worsen reflux. The main component of alcohol is ethanol, which not only stimulates gastric acid secretion but also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, making it one of the causes of gastroesophageal reflux.

2. Practice eating small meals frequently and following a low-fat diet to reduce the frequency of reflux symptoms after eating. In contrast, a high-fat diet can promote the release of cholecystokinin from the small intestinal mucosa, which can lead to reflux of gastrointestinal contents.