Patient's question:
My cousin from my uncle's family often drinks beer with clients after work at his public relations company. Sometimes, he drinks too much and frequently vomits acid, can't eat meals, and sometimes doesn't eat for the entire day. He also experiences heartburn. I want to ask if these symptoms indicate a problem with his stomach. If so, how should he be treated?Doctor's answer:
It is likely chronic gastritis, which is a chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa caused by various etiologies. Our country has a high infection rate of Helicobacter pylori (HP), with an estimated prevalence of HP infection in the population ranging from 40% to 70%. Humans are currently the only confirmed source of HP transmission. Over 60% of chronic gastritis patients are infected with HP. HP infection → chronic superficial gastritis → atrophic gastritis → intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia → gastric cancer. Since HP infection almost invariably leads to gastric mucosal inflammation, the body generally struggles to completely clear it after infection, resulting in chronic infection. The condition of gastritis is quite serious, and it is recommended that patients seek timely treatment and follow their doctors' advice for symptomatic treatment. At the same time, it is important to pay attention to self-care, including proper diet, to avoid worsening the condition.