Gastritis is when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed, usually as a result of an infection or autoimmune condition. Chronic gastritis is a long term condition that can lead to pain, nausea, bloating, and other symptoms.

A wide range of different conditions and factors may cause or contribute to the development of chronic gastritis.

People may treat mild cases of gastritis with 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 their symptoms.

In this article, we look at the symptoms, causes, and possible complications of chronic gastritis. We also cover when to see a doctor, diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle and dietary changes.

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According to an older 2015 study, chronic gastritis is one of the most common chronic conditions and can last for years or even a lifetime if left untreated.

People with minor cases of gastritis that are caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) may not always notice any symptoms.

However, gastritis may cause a variety of symptoms, including:

In some cases, gastritis may lead to erosions or ulcers and the stomach lining may bleed. People should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of the following symptoms:

There are different causes of chronic inflammation of the mucosal lining of the stomach.

H. pylori infection

According to an older 2015 study, H. pylori infection is the most common cause of gastritis worldwide. Many people first contract H. pylori during childhood, but not everyone experiences symptoms.

Researchers think H. pylori transmits through food, water, saliva, and other bodily fluids. However, research is ongoing.

Irritative substances

Damage to the stomach lining resulting from irritation can lead to chronic inflammation. Causes of this may include:

Autoimmune conditions

In people with autoimmune gastritis, their immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach lining.

When the immune system attacks the stomach lining it can cause inflammation and damage.

Other causes

Less common causes of gastritis may include:

According to an older 2015 study, if a person receives proper treatment, 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 and malabsorption of vitamin B-12 and other micronutrients.

Gastritis may also be a risk factor for developing abnormal stomach growths, such as polyps and tumors.

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) suggests that people with symptoms of gastritis should see a doctor if the symptoms:

A person should call 911 or seek emergency medical attention if they experience any of the following:

  • vomiting blood
  • blood in the stool
  • lightheadedness
  • abdominal cramping, discomfort, or pain
  • fatigue
  • shortness of breath

Doctors use a wide range of tests and tools to diagnose chronic gastritis, including:

Treatment depends on the type, cause, and severity of gastritis.

Doctors usually treat gastritis resulting from H. pylori with a combination of medications, which may include:

People may need to take supplements or make dietary adjustments to prevent complications if their chronic gastritis is causing nutritional deficiencies. A person may also need to make changes to their diet if their gastritis is associated with celiac disease or food allergies.

In other cases, a healthcare professional may suggest a person stops taking NSAIDs, takes a lower dose, or takes a different medication to treat pain. Alternatively, they may recommend taking a PPI alongside NSAIDs.

A doctor may prescribe ursodiol or recommend surgery for people whose gastritis results from bile reflux.

If a person has erosive gastritis, healthcare professionals may recommend medications that reduce the amount of acid in the stomach, such as:

Regardless of the cause or severity of symptoms, making dietary and lifestyle adjustments may help treat gastritis or prevent it occurring.

The NHS recommends the following tips to manage indigestion resulting from gastritis:

  • avoiding alcohol consumption
  • avoiding foods and beverages that are spicy, acidic, fizzy, or fatty
  • limiting drinks that contain caffeine
  • not eating for 3–4 hours before going to bed
  • quitting smoking
  • discussing NSAID use and alternative medications with a doctor
  • maintaining a healthy weight, which may involve weight loss for people living with obesity
  • lying on an extra pillow in bed so the head and shoulders are higher than the rest of the body, to help stop stomach acid rising up the throat during sleep

An older 2016 review of research suggests that people with H. pylori may benefit from eating foods with anti-bacterial properties, such as:

People should speak with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to their diet or lifestyle.

Chronic gastritis can cause pain and discomfort and lead to serious complications if left untreated. People should see their doctor if they have symptoms of chronic gastritis.

Management of chronic gastritis involves treating any underlying conditions. A doctor may recommend a person takes medications or makes changes to their diet and lifestyle.

A person should seek emergency medical attention if they experience any symptoms of internal bleeding, like blood in the stool or vomit.