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What Is Chronic Gastritis?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

Chronic gastritis refers to long-term or recurring episodes of stomach inflammation. The mucus lining that surrounds the inside of the stomach can become inflamed due to infection, injury, overuse of anti-inflammatory drugs, or a chronic health condition. Many cases of chronic gastritis go undiagnosed and untreated because they do not cause major symptoms. When symptoms are present, they typically include loss of appetite, dull aches, and bouts of nausea. Most cases can be relieved by focusing treatment on eliminating the underlying cause.

The stomach lining is a soft but tough tissue structure. It expands to provide room for food and prevents stomach acid from escaping. If the lining is damaged, however, acids can penetrate the walls and cause chronic irritation and inflammation. The most common cause of the condition is a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is found worldwide. H. pylori is normally harmless, but it can lead to major stomach infections in people with weakened immune systems.

An illustration of a human stomach, including the stomach lining, which becomes inflamed in those with gastritis.
An illustration of a human stomach, including the stomach lining, which becomes inflamed in those with gastritis.

Excessive use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can also damage the stomach lining and increase the chances of developing chronic gastritis. Taking medications daily at or above the recommended dose can irritate the lining to the point that it breaks open and allows acid to escape. High stress levels, alcohol abuse, aging, and autoimmune disorders, such as pernicious anemia, can also increase the likelihood of gastritis complications.

Discomfort and pain are a direct symptom of gastritis.
Discomfort and pain are a direct symptom of gastritis.

Some people with chronic gastritis do not experience symptoms in the first stages of the disease, if at all. Common symptoms include a constant, dull pain in the upper abdomen and difficulties eating more than very small portions of food. Weight loss is common as a person's appetite dwindles. Other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and indigestion can arise as the disease progresses. Left untreated, it can lead to painful stomach ulcers and bloody vomiting.

Gastritis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation and irritation of stomach lining.
Gastritis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation and irritation of stomach lining.

A doctor can usually diagnose chronic gastritis by reviewing symptoms and checking blood and stool samples for the presence of H. pylori. If bacterium are not found, the doctor can choose to inspect the lining of the stomach with an endoscopic camera or x-ray to look for signs of major damage. A tissue biopsy may be performed to determine the severity of damage and rule out other problems, such as stomach cancer.

Excessive use of ibuprofen and aspirin can increase an individual's chances of developing chronic gastritis.
Excessive use of ibuprofen and aspirin can increase an individual's chances of developing chronic gastritis.

Treatment depends on the underlying problem. Bacterial infections usually clear up in two to four weeks with oral antibiotics. Autoimmune disorders are typically treated with prescription drugs. Patients are instructed to avoid overusing anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol, and coffee to reduce the chances of further damage. In addition, practicing stress relief techniques, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy diet can help keep gastritis from returning.

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    • An illustration of a human stomach, including the stomach lining, which becomes inflamed in those with gastritis.
      By: pixologic
      An illustration of a human stomach, including the stomach lining, which becomes inflamed in those with gastritis.
    • Discomfort and pain are a direct symptom of gastritis.
      By: PictureP.
      Discomfort and pain are a direct symptom of gastritis.
    • Gastritis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation and irritation of stomach lining.
      By: nebari
      Gastritis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation and irritation of stomach lining.
    • Excessive use of ibuprofen and aspirin can increase an individual's chances of developing chronic gastritis.
      By: bruno135_406
      Excessive use of ibuprofen and aspirin can increase an individual's chances of developing chronic gastritis.
    • Stool samples that are collected at home are usually placed into plastic containers.
      By: luchschen_shutter
      Stool samples that are collected at home are usually placed into plastic containers.
    • Chronic gastritis can lead to stomach ulcers if it's left untreated.
      By: decade3d
      Chronic gastritis can lead to stomach ulcers if it's left untreated.
    • Excessive use of medications like aspirin can damage the stomach lining and increase the chances of developing chronic gastritis.
      By: pogonici
      Excessive use of medications like aspirin can damage the stomach lining and increase the chances of developing chronic gastritis.
    • The most common cause of chronic gastritis is a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori.
      By: joshya
      The most common cause of chronic gastritis is a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori.