Health Encyclopedia

Gastritis - chronic

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.

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.

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.

Review Date:5/3/2007
Reviewed By:Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

ADAM Quality 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 the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. 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 process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The Agency for Health Care Administration (Agency) and this website do not claim the information on, or referred to by, this site is error free. This site may include links to websites of other government agencies or private groups. Our Agency and this website do not control such sites and are not responsible for their content. Reference to or links to any other group, product, service, or information does not mean our Agency or this website approves of that group, product, service, or information.

Additionally, while health information provided through this website may be a valuable resource for the public, it is not designed to offer medical advice. Talk with your doctor about medical care questions you may have.