| Definition: |
Chronic gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach that occurs gradually and persisits for a prolonged time.
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| Alternative Names: |
Chronic gastritis
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
Chronic gastritis may be caused by prolonged irritation from the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, pernicious anemia (an autoimmune disorder), degeneration of the lining of the stomach with age, or chronic bile reflux.
Many people with chronic gastritis have no symptoms of the condition. Risk factors include infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, pernicious anemia, and use of NSAIDs. The incidence is 2 out of 10,000 people.
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| Symptoms: |
Note: there may be no symptoms
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| Signs and tests: |
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| Treatment: |
The treatment depends on the cause of the gastritis. Antibiotic therapy will treat chronic gastritis caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori.
Antacids or other medications, such as cimetidine (to decrease or neutralize gastric acid in the stomach), will usually eliminate the symptoms and promote healing. Medications known to cause gastritis should be discontinued. Gastritis caused by pernicious anemia is treated with Vitamin B12.
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| Expectations (prognosis): |
Most gastritis improves rapidly with treatment. Prognosis depends on the underlying cause. Most chronic gastriris does not cause symptoms and does not result in significant illness.
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| Complications: |
Loss of blood and increased risk of gastric cancer are potential complications.
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| Calling your health care provider: |
Call your health care provider if symptoms of gastritis do not improve with treatment. Call your health care provider if you are vomiting blood or producing bloody stools.
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| Prevention: |
Avoid use of aspirin or NSAIDs if you are prone to gastritis.
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