Patients with atrophic gastritis experience abdominal bloating and a hard-feeling abdomen.

The term "belly" refers to the abdomen. Atrophic gastritis is a chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa that leads to a reduction and atrophy of mucosal cells. In general, sensations of bloating and abdominal stiffness in patients with atrophic gastritis may result from factors such as gas accumulation in the stomach, food intolerance, acid reflux and heartburn, severe inflammation and ulcers, or gastric muscle dysfunction. These conditions can be treated with medications or surgery. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Gas accumulation in the stomach: Atrophic gastritis may damage the stomach wall, thereby impairing normal gastric motility, especially in the gastric fundus. This can cause gas to become trapped in the stomach, leading to the aforementioned sensations.

2. Food intolerance: Atrophic gastritis may interfere with the normal digestion and absorption of food in the stomach. This prolonged retention of food may trigger fermentation or gas production, resulting in bloating and abdominal discomfort.

3. Acid reflux and heartburn: Atrophic gastritis may reduce gastric acid secretion, which can allow acidic stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus, causing acid reflux and heartburn. These symptoms can induce abdominal discomfort, particularly when bloating is present.

4. Severe inflammation and ulcers: In some cases, atrophic gastritis may lead to severe inflammation and ulcer formation. Such ulcers can cause bloating, abdominal pain, and a hard feeling in the abdomen. Severe ulcers may also be accompanied by bleeding and other serious symptoms.

5. Gastric muscle dysfunction: Atrophic gastritis may impair muscular movement of the stomach wall, compromising gastric emptying. This can cause stomach contents to stagnate, increasing the risk of abdominal bloating.

Treatment for atrophic gastritis may include medications such as ranitidine hydrochloride tablets or cimetidine tablets, used under medical supervision to alleviate symptoms. If drug therapy proves ineffective, endoscopic mucosal resection may be performed. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention when experiencing discomfort and to undergo standardized treatment under a physician's guidance, which helps promote recovery.