Patient's question:
My father is 49 years old and suffers from atrophic gastritis. He soaks fennel and ginger in water to drink. I'm afraid it might have side effects on his stomach. I want to know if people with atrophic gastritis can drink fennel and ginger soaked water?Doctor's answer:
It has no side effects. Chronic atrophic gastritis is a common stomach disease. Arteriosclerosis, insufficient gastric blood flow, and habits like smoking, drinking, and tea consumption can easily harm the protective function of the gastric mucosal barrier, leading to chronic atrophic gastritis. The main clinical manifestations include upper abdominal fullness, belching, reduced appetite, and digestive disorders. Sometimes, due to the destruction of gastric factors, poor absorption of vitamin B12 can cause anemia. The only way to diagnose it is through an endoscopy. Once diagnosed, it is essential to maintain a positive mental attitude, maintain a regular lifestyle, and avoid alcohol and smoking. Additionally, treatment should be differentiated based on the degree of atrophy. Chronic atrophic gastritis is classified into three levels—mild, moderate, and severe—and may be accompanied by intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia. For mild, asymptomatic patients with atrophic gastritis, medication may not be necessary; for symptomatic patients, symptomatic treatment with medication is recommended.