Treatment for bile reflux gastritis includes medication and lifestyle modifications. Its causes are mainly related to factors such as gastric surgery, pyloric dysfunction, and gallbladder disease. Medication may include proton pump inhibitors, gastric mucosal protectants, and prokinetic drugs. Lifestyle modifications include avoiding high-fat diets, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, and eating smaller, more frequent meals.
1. Gastric surgery is one of the common causes of bile reflux gastritis. After gastrectomy or gastric bypass surgery, pyloric function may be impaired, leading to the reflux of bile and pancreatic juice into the stomach, irritating the gastric mucosa. Postoperative patients need regular follow-up examinations and, if necessary, use medication to control reflux symptoms. They should also maintain a bland diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods.
2. Pyloric dysfunction is also an important cause. The pylorus is the valve that controls the flow of stomach contents into the duodenum. If its function is abnormal, bile may reflux into the stomach. Treatment may involve using prokinetic drugs such as domperidone to help improve pyloric function, while avoiding overeating to reduce intragastric pressure.
3. Gallbladder diseases such as cholecystitis or gallstones can lead to abnormal bile secretion and increase the risk of reflux. Treatment should target the primary disease. For example, patients with cholecystitis may use antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, while patients with gallstones may need surgical removal of the gallbladder. Dietary recommendations include reducing the intake of high-fat foods to avoid stimulating bile secretion.
4. Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also damage the gastric mucosa and increase the risk of bile reflux. Patients should adjust their medication under the guidance of a doctor, and use gastric mucosal protectants such as sucralfate when necessary. They should also avoid taking the medication on an empty stomach to reduce gastric irritation.
5. Lifestyle modifications are crucial for the prevention and treatment of bile reflux gastritis. It is recommended to eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid consuming too much food at once; quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption to reduce irritation to the gastric mucosa; maintain moderate exercise to promote gastrointestinal motility and reduce reflux.
Treatment of bile reflux gastritis requires a combination of etiology and symptoms, with a focus on both medication and lifestyle adjustments. Patients should have regular follow-ups, and the treatment plan should be adjusted according to changes in their condition. At the same time, attention should be paid to improving diet and lifestyle habits to effectively control symptoms and prevent recurrence.