Definition

Chronic gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach that occurs gradually and persists for a prolonged time.

Alternative Names

Chronic gastritis

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 from age, or chronic bile reflux.

Many people with chronic gastritis have no symptoms of the condition.

Symptoms

• Upper abdominal pain, possibly aggravated by eating
• Abdominal indigestion
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Vomiting blood or coffee-ground like material
• Dark stools

Note: there may be no symptoms

Signs and tests

• EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) and biopsy showing gastritis
• CBC showing anemia
• A guaiac stool test

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) or proton pump inhibitors such as Prilosec, 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.

Support Groups

Expectations (prognosis)

Most gastritis improves rapidly with treatment. Prognosis depends on the underlying cause. Most chronic gastritis does not cause symptoms and does not result in significant illness.

Complications

Loss of blood and increased risk of gastric cancer are potential complications.

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.

Prevention

Avoid use of aspirin or NSAIDs if you are prone to gastritis.

Images

References

Howden CW, Hunt RH. Guidelines for the management of Helicobacter pylori infection. Ad Hoc Committee on Practice Parameters of the American College of Gastroenterology. Am J Gastroenterol. 1998 Dec;93(12):2330-8.

---

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process, and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch.)

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. ©1997-2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.