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Erosive gastritis is a type of gastritis that In industrialized countries like the United
often does not cause significant inflammation States, 20 to 50 percent of the population
but can wear away the stomach lining. Ero may be infected with H. pylori.1 Rates of
sive gastritis can cause bleeding, erosions, H. pylori infection are higher in areas with
or ulcers. Erosive gastritis may be acute or poor sanitation and higher population den
chronic. sity. Infection rates may be higher than
80 percent in some developing countries.1
The relationship between gastritis and
symptoms is not clear. The term gastritis
refers specifically to abnormal inflamma
tion in the stomach lining. People who have
gastritis may experience pain or discomfort
in the upper abdomen, but many people with
gastritis do not have any symptoms.
2 Gastritis
How is gastritis diagnosed? How is gastritis treated?
The most common diagnostic test for gastri Medications that reduce the amount of acid
tis is endoscopy with a biopsy of the stom in the stomach can relieve symptoms that may
ach. The doctor will usually give the patient accompany gastritis and promote healing of the
medicine to reduce discomfort and anxiety stomach lining. These medications include
before beginning the endoscopy procedure.
antacids, such as aspirin, sodium bicar
The doctor then inserts an endoscope, a thin
bonate, and citric acid (Alka-Seltzer);
tube with a tiny camera on the end, through
alumina and magnesia (Maalox); and cal
the patients mouth or nose and into the
cium carbonate and magnesia (Rolaids).
stomach. The doctor uses the endoscope to
Antacids relieve mild heartburn or
examine the lining of the esophagus, stom
dyspepsia by neutralizing acid in the
ach, and first portion of the small intestine.
stomach. These drugs may produce side
If necessary, the doctor will use the endo
effects such as diarrhea or constipation.
scope to perform a biopsy, which involves
collecting tiny samples of tissue for examina histamine 2 (H2) blockers, such as
tion with a microscope. famotidine (Pepcid AC) and ranitidine
(Zantac 75). H2 blockers decrease acid
Other tests used to identify the cause of
production. They are available both
gastritis or any complications include the
over the counter and by prescription.
following:
proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) series. The as omeprazole (Prilosec, Zegerid),
patient swallows barium, a liquid con lansoprazole (Prevacid), pantoprazole
trast material that makes the digestive (Protonix), rabeprazole (Aciphex),
tract visible in an x ray. X-ray images esomeprazole (Nexium), and dexlanso
may show changes in the stomach lining, prazole (Kapidex). All of these drugs
such as erosions or ulcers. are available by prescription, and some
Blood test. The doctor may check for are also available over the counter.
anemia, a condition in which the bloods PPIs decrease acid production more
iron-rich substance, hemoglobin, is effectively than H2 blockers.
diminished. Anemia may be a sign of
chronic bleeding in the stomach.
Stool test. This test checks for the pres
ence of blood in the stool, another sign
of bleeding in the stomach.
Tests for H. pylori infection. The doctor
may test a patients breath, blood, or
stool for signs of infection. H. pylori
infection can also be confirmed with
biopsies taken from the stomach during
endoscopy.
3 Gastritis
Depending on the cause of the gastritis,
additional measures or treatments may be
needed. For example, if gastritis is caused
Points to Remember
by prolonged use of NSAIDs, a doctor may Gastritis is a condition in which the
advise a person to stop taking NSAIDs, stomach lining is inflamed.
reduce the dose of NSAIDs, or switch to The term gastritis refers specifically
another class of medications for pain. PPIs to abnormal inflammation in the
may be used to prevent stress gastritis in stomach lining. However, gastri
critically ill patients. tis is sometimes mistakenly used
Treating H. pylori infections is important, to describe any symptoms of pain
even if a person is not experiencing symp or discomfort in the upper abdo
toms from the infection. Untreated H. pylori men. Most people who have upper
gastritis may lead to cancer or the develop abdominal symptoms do not have
ment of ulcers in the stomach or small intes gastritis.
tine. The most common treatment is a The most common causes of gas
triple therapy that combines a PPI and tritis are H. pylori infections and
two antibioticsusually amoxicillin and prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-
clarithromycinto kill the bacteria. Treat inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
ment may also include bismuth subsalicylate
(Pepto-Bismol) to help kill bacteria. Many people with gastritis have
no symptoms. Those who do
After treatment, the doctor may use a breath have symptoms may experience
or stool test to make sure the H. pylori infec dyspepsiaupper abdominal
tion is gone. Curing the infection can be discomfort or pain, nausea, or
expected to cure the gastritis and decrease vomiting.
the risk of other gastrointestinal diseases
Treating H. pylori infection is
associated with gastritis, such as peptic
important, even if a person is not
ulcer disease, gastric cancer, and MALT
experiencing symptoms. Left
lymphoma.
untreated, H. pylori infection may
lead to peptic ulcer disease or
cancer.
4 Gastritis
Hope through Research Acknowledgments
The National Institute of Diabetes and Publications produced by the Clearinghouse
Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) are carefully reviewed by both NIDDK sci
sponsors research to improve treatment entists and outside experts. This publication
for people with digestive disorders, includ was reviewed by Lindsay Jones, M.D., and
ing gastritis. Researchers are studying the Brooks D. Cash, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.G.,
relationship between H. pylori infections and National Naval Medical Center.
gastric cancer.
Participants in clinical trials can play a more
You may also find additional information about this
active role in their own health care, gain topic by visiting MedlinePlus at www.medlineplus.gov.
access to new research treatments before This publication may contain information about
they are widely available, and help others by medications. When prepared, this publication
contributing to medical research. For infor included the most current information available.
For updates or for questions about any medications,
mation about current studies, visit contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
www.ClinicalTrials.gov. toll-free at 1888INFOFDA (18884636332) or
visit www.fda.gov. Consult your doctor for more
information.
For More Information
American College of Gastroenterology
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Internet: www.gastro.org
5 Gastritis
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