- Gastritis is when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed or swollen. This usually happens after the stomach lining has been damaged. Gastritis that is long-lasting or recurring is known as chronic gastritis.
Chronic gastritis is one of the most common chronic conditions and can last for years or even a lifetime if left untreated. A wide range of different conditions and factors are known to cause or contribute to the development of chronic gastritis.
Resolving mild cases of gastritis can often be through the use of medication and lifestyle changes. However, for some people with severe chronic gastritis, a cure may not be possible, and the focus of treatment will be on managing the symptoms.
In this article, we look at the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and possible complications of chronic gastritis. We also cover when to see a doctor, diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle and dietary changes.
Symptoms
Indigestion, nausea, bloating, and a burning feeling in the stomach can be symptoms of chronic gastritis.
People with minor cases of gastritis that are caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylorimay not always notice any symptoms.
However, most people with chronic gastritis experience a variety of symptoms, including:
- indigestion
- a burning or gnawing feeling in the stomach
- the sensation of being full after eating a small amount
- nausea and vomiting
- belching
- unintentional weight loss
- bloating
- loss of appetite
- upper abdominal pain or discomfort
- bleeding, usually only in erosive gastritis
- Gastritis is termed “erosive” if the stomach lining has been worn away, exposing the tissue to stomach acids.
Causes
Chronic gastritis refers to a group of conditions that cause chronic inflammation of the mucosal lining of the stomach.
There are many different causes of chronic gastritis, but most cases are related to one of the following:
H. pylori bacterial infection
H. pylori bacterial infection is the most common cause of gastritis worldwide. Many people first become infected during childhood, but not everyone experiences symptoms.
While H. pylori infection can cause both acute and chronic gastritis, it is not often associated with erosive gastritis.
Researchers think H. pylori spreads through infected food, water, salvia and other bodily fluids.
Damage to the stomach lining
Damage to the stomach lining can lead to chronic inflammation. Causes of this include:
- overuse or long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen
- excessive alcohol consumption
- chronic stress
- injuries and impact
- exposure to radiation
- recurring bile reflux from the small intestine
- cocaine use
Autoimmune conditions
In people with autoimmune gastritis, their immune system attacks the stomach lining for no apparent reason. Autoimmune gastritis is usually chronic but non-erosive.
In some people, autoimmune gastritis may be linked to chronic or severe H. pylori infection.
Other causes
Less common causes of chronic gastritis include:
- Crohn’s disease
- irritable bowel syndrome
- sarcoidosis
- food allergies
- other types of fungal, bacterial, or viral infections
Risk factors
Risk factors for chronic gastritis include diets high in fat, oil, salt, and preservatives.
Possible risk factors for chronic gastritis include:
- diets high in salt or preservatives
- diets high in fat and oil, especially saturated and trans fats
- smoking
- long-term consumption of alcohol
- conditions that weaken the immune system
- cocaine use
- long-term use of NSAIDs and some other medications
- long-term use of medications for acid reflux and indigestion
Possible complications
If properly treated, acute cases of gastritis are rarely associated with complications. However, people may experience serious health complications if they have severe or untreated chronic gastritis.
Erosive gastritis can cause peptic ulcers. Once an ulcer has formed, they can progressively degrade the surrounding tissues, widening and enlarging themselves. Severe ulcers may eventually cause internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Other possible complications of chronic gastritis include:
- anemia caused by iron deficiency
- anemia caused by internal bleeding
- vitamin B-12 deficiency
- abnormal stomach growths, such as polyps and tumors
When to see a doctor
People with symptoms of gastritis should see a doctor if the symptoms:
- are severe
- last for more than a week
- do not respond to treatment or lifestyle adjustments
Internal bleeding requires immediate medical attention. Signs of internal bleeding can include:
- dizziness
- unexplained weakness
- paleness
- black, tarry stools
- red, fresh-looking blood in the stool
- red blood in vomit or vomiting blood
- unexplained drowsiness
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- confusion
- passing out