Treatment:

Treatment depends on the specific cause. Some of the causes will disappear over time.

Medications known to cause gastritis should be discontinued.

Medications to neutralize stomach acid or decrease its production will usually eliminate the symptoms and promote healing.

Antibiotics are used to treat chronic gastritis caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori.

Gastritis caused by pernicious anemia is treated with vitamin B12.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outlook depends on the cause, but is usually good.

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.