Highlights & Basics
- Gastritis is the histological presence of gastric mucosal inflammation.Helicobacter pylori infection and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or alcohol are the most common causes. Other causes include stress (secondary to mucosal ischemia) and autoimmune gastritis. Rare forms include phlegmonous gastritis (a rare bacterial infection).
- Diagnosis is based on clinical history and characteristic histologic findings. A variety of methods may be used to diagnose H pylori infection.
- Presence of suspicious features suggestive of upper gastrointestinal (GI) malignancy requires urgent endoscopy under appropriate clinical conditions. These include GI bleeding, anemia, early satiety, unexplained weight loss (>10% body weight), progressive dysphagia, odynophagia, or persistent vomiting.
- Treatment depends on the etiology. Options include H pylori-eradication therapy, reduction of NSAIDs or alcohol exposure, and symptomatic therapy with H₂ antagonists and/or proton-pump inhibitors.
- If untreated, progression to peptic ulcer disease may occur. Other complications of some forms of gastritis include gastric carcinoma and gastric lymphoma.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Citations
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Nyssen OP, McNicholl AG, Megraud F, et al. Sequential versus standard triple first-line therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Jun 28;(6):CD009034.[Abstract][Full Text]
Ren Q, Yan X, Zhou Y, et al. Periodontal therapy as adjunctive treatment for gastric Helicobacter pylori infection. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Feb 7;2:CD009477.[Abstract][Full Text]
Lee YC, Chiang TH, Chou CK, et al. Association between Helicobacter pylori eradication and gastric cancer incidence: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Gastroenterology. 2016 May;150(5):1113-1124.e5.[Abstract][Full Text]
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