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Gastritis - chronic

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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.

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.

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