Chronic
gastritis may be caused by prolonged irritation from the use of nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), infection with the bacteria Helicobacter
pylori, pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disorder, degeneration of the lining of
the stomach with age, or chronic bile reflux.. Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria
that has recently been implicated as the cause of chronic gastritis.
Many people with chronic
gastritis have no symptoms of the condition. Risk factors include a
history of pernicious anemia, blood or lymph system disorders, age
over 60 years and use of NSAIDs. The incidence is 2 out of 10,000
people.
chronic gastritis`s main
symptoms include upper abdominal pain that may be aggravated by eating
,abdominal indigestion, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, vomiting
blood or coffee-ground like material , dark stools and so on.
The treatment depends on the
cause of the gastritis.
Antibiotic therapy will treat
chronic gastritis caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori.
Antacids or other medications,
such as cimetidine, to decrease or neutralize gastric acid in the
stomach will usually eliminate the symptoms and promote healing.
Medications known to cause gastritis should be discontinued. Gastritis
caused by pernicious anemia is treated with vitamin B12.
Most gastritis improves
rapidly with treatment. Severe loss of blood and increased risk of
gastric cancer are complications.
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