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Alternative names Return to top
Chronic gastritisDefinition Return to top
Chronic gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach that occurs gradually and persists for a prolonged time.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
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.Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Treatment Return to top
The treatment depends on the cause of the gastritis. Antibiotic therapy will treat chronic gastritis caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
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.Complications Return to top
Loss of blood and increased risk of gastric cancer are potential complications.Calling your health care provider Return to top
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 Return to top
Avoid use of aspirin or NSAIDs if you are prone to gastritis. Update Date: 10/9/2003 Updated by: Christian Stone, M. D., Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |