Are there differences between superficial gastritis and gastric heat?

Superficial gastritis and gastric heat (stomach fire) exhibit significant differences in clinical manifestations and pathogenic mechanisms.

Superficial gastritis is a common type of gastric mucosal inflammation, primarily characterized by epigastric discomfort, pain, and indigestion. The damaged gastric mucosa fails to protect the stomach's normal digestive functions and thus this condition is categorized as a common chronic gastritis. Causes include Helicobacter pylori infection, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, excessive alcohol consumption, and mental stress. Treatment mainly targets the underlying causes, involving dietary adjustments, avoiding irritant foods, and using gastric mucosal protectants and acid-suppressing medications.

Gastric heat, also known as stomach fire, presents with symptoms such as epigastric distension and loss of appetite. It refers to a state of excessive gastric activity or internal heat accumulation. Common symptoms include dry mouth and throat, oral ulcers, and constipation. It is mostly caused by excessive consumption of spicy or greasy foods and significant emotional fluctuations. Treatment typically involves herbal medicines such as Coptis (Huang Lian), Scutellaria (Huang Qin), and Rehmannia (Sheng Di) to clear internal heat, detoxify, and harmonize the spleen and stomach.

Therefore, whether it is gastritis or gastric heat, it is important to develop healthy dietary habits in daily life. A bland diet is recommended, while raw, cold, spicy, and fatty foods should be avoided. Although both conditions may present with epigastric discomfort, they differ significantly in their pathophysiology, clinical features, and treatment approaches.