Gastritis - chronic

Alternative names:

chronic gastritis

Treatment:

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.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most gastritis improves rapidly with treatment.

Complications:

Severe loss of blood and increased risk of gastric cancer are complications.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of gastritis do not improve with treatment.

Call your health care provider if vomiting blood or bloody stools develop.