gastritis

—gastritic /ga strit"ik/, adj.

/ga struy"tis/, n.

inflammation of the stomach, esp. of its mucous membrane.

[1800-10; < NL; see GASTR-, -ITIS]

* * *

Inflammation in the stomach.

Acute gastritis, usually caused by ingesting something irritating or by infection, starts suddenly, with severe pain, vomiting, thirst, and diarrhea, and subsides rapidly. Treatment involves a short fast and then a bland diet, sedatives, and antispasmodics. Chemical gastritis, from ingestion of corrosive chemicals, requires emptying and washing out the stomach. Chronic gastritis has vague symptoms, including abdominal discomfort or pain, poor appetite, gas, and irregular bowel movements. Causes include prolonged use of aspirin or other irritating drugs, infection with Helicobacter pylori, and pernicious anemia. Treatment for chronic gastritis depends on the cause.

* * *

▪ pathology

      acute or chronic inflammation of the mucosal layers of the stomach. Acute gastritis may be caused by excessive intake of alcohol, ingestion of irritating drugs, food poisoning, and infectious diseases. The chief symptoms are severe upper-abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, thirst, and diarrhea; the illness develops suddenly and subsides rapidly. The only treatment necessary is temporary avoidance of food, followed by a nonirritating diet, sedatives, and antispasmodics; rarely, fluids by intravenous injection may be required. The ingestion of corrosives (acids, alkalies) causes a severe chemical gastritis, necessitating immediate emptying and thorough washing of the stomach.

      Chronic gastritis may be caused by prolonged use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), infection with Helicobacter pylori, or pernicious anemia. The symptoms are indefinite and often resemble those of functional digestive disorders. The symptoms may include discomfort, fullness or pain in the upper abdomen, and poor appetite. The treatment for chronic gastritis depends on its cause; antacids will usually eliminate symptoms and promote healing. Antibiotics are used to treat chronic gastritis caused by H. pylori infection. Chronic gastritis caused by pernicious anemia is treated with vitamin B₁₂. Irritating drugs that cause the disease are discontinued.

* * *