|
|
|
|
|
| Definition: |
An inflammation of the lining of the stomach that occurs gradually.
|
| 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 with age, or chronicbile reflux.
Many people with chronic gastritis have no symptoms of the condition. Risk factors include a history of pernicious anemia, blood or lymph system disorders, age over 60 years and use of NSAIDs. The incidence is 2 out of 10,000 people. |
| Symptoms: |
|
Note: there may be no symptoms |
| 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. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| Most gastritis improves rapidly with treatment. |
| Complications: |
| Severe 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 vomiting blood or bloody stools develop. |
| Prevention: |
| Avoid use of aspirin or NSAIDs if prone to gastritis. |
|
|
Review Date: 12/3/2001
Reviewed By: Andrew J. Muir, M.D. M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
 |
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. 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 information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician 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. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
|
