• Disease Overview
  • Synonyms
  • Signs & Symptoms
  • Causes
  • Affected Populations
  • Disorders with Similar Symptoms
  • Standard Therapies
  • Clinical Trials and Studies
  • References
  • Programs & Resources
  • Complete Report

Gastritis, Chronic, Erosive

Print

Last updated: September 10, 2007
Years published: 1989, 1998, 2007


Disease Overview

Chronic, Erosive Gastritis is characterized by many inflamed lesions in the mucous lining of the stomach. It may be a transitory or a chronic condition lasting for years.

  • Next section >
  • < Previous section
  • Next section >

Synonyms

  • Idiopathic Chronic, Erosive Gastritis
  • Varioliform Gastritis
  • < Previous section
  • Next section >
  • < Previous section
  • Next section >

Signs & Symptoms

Chronic, Erosive Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach characterized by multiple lesions in the mucous lining causing ulcer-like symptoms. These symptoms may include a burning and heavy feeling in the pit of the stomach, mild nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and weakness. In severe cases there can be bleeding of the stomach which may result in anemia. Some people with this disorder, especially chronic aspirin users, may show no apparent symptoms until the disease has advanced. An accurate diagnosis can be made by physician’s visual inspection of the stomach using a gastroscope.

  • < Previous section
  • Next section >
  • < Previous section
  • Next section >

Causes

The exact cause of Chronic, Erosive Gastritis is unknown. It may be the result of an infection, over indulgence of alcohol, or persistent use of aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. Stress tends to make symptoms worse. Crohn’s disease and Sarcoidosis have been known to be factors in some cases of Chronic, Erosive Gastritis, while some cases have no apparent cause at all.

  • < Previous section
  • Next section >
  • < Previous section
  • Next section >

Affected populations

Chronic, Erosive Gastritis usually occurs during middle age and is more common in males than females. Alcoholics and chronic aspirin or ibuprofen users (e.g. people with arthritis) are more susceptible to this disorder.

  • < Previous section
  • Next section >
  • < Previous section
  • Next section >

Standard Therapies

Because Chronic, Erosive Gastritis may cause symptoms similar to other gastrointestinal disorders, a full medical history must be known before an effective treatment can be determined. Most cases are usually treated with acid neutralizing medications (antacids) and H2 blocker drugs such as Zantac (ranitidine) or Tagamet (cimetidine). Dietary changes and avoiding the irritating causes such as stomach irritating drugs or stressful situations are also helpful in eliminating the symptoms of Chronic, Erosive Gastritis.

The prostaglandin E1 analog drug, Cytotec (misoprostol) has proven to be an effective preventative medication for gastric lesions associated with high-dose aspirin or ibuprofen therapy. This drug is effective in healing the gastric mucosal lesions without altering the therapeutic benefits of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs given to arthritis patients. Misoprostol can have severe effects on a developing fetus and must be administered with extreme caution. Other treatment is symptomatic and supportive.

  • < Previous section
  • Next section >
  • < Previous section
  • Next section >

Clinical Trials and Studies

At the present time, a study is being conducted on the effectiveness of the drug bismuthsubsalicylate as a treatment for Chronic, Erosive Gastritis. More research must be conducted to determine long-term safety and effectiveness of this drug.

Information on current clinical trials is posted on the Internet at www.clinicaltrials.gov. All studies receiving U.S. government funding, and some supported by private industry, are posted on this government web site.

For information about clinical trials being conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, contact the NIH Patient Recruitment Office:

Tollfree: (800) 411-1222

TTY: (866) 411-1010

Email: prpl@cc.nih.gov

For information about clinical trials sponsored by private sources, contact:

www.centerwatch.com

  • < Previous section
  • Next section >
  • < Previous section
  • Next section >

References

TEXTBOOKS

Internal Medicine, 2nd Ed.: Jay H. Stein, ed-in-chief; Little, Brown and Co., 1987. Pp. 110.

The Merck Manual, 15th Ed.: Robert Berkow, M.D. ed-in-chief; Merck, Sharp & Dohme Laboratories., 1987. Pp. 736.

JOURNAL ARTICLES

Treatment of Chronic Erosive Gastritis with Prednisolone. M. Farthing et al.; Gut (Sept 1981; 22(9)). Pp. 759-62.

Mechanisms of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Induced Gastric Damage. R. Schoen et al.; Am J Med (Apr 1989; 86(4)). Pp. 449-558.

Neoplasia in Chronic Erosive (Valioliform) Gastritis. M. Cappell et al.; Dig Dis Sci (Aug 1988; 33(8)). Pp. 1035-39.

Misoprostol Heals Gastroduodenal Injury in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Receiving Aspirin. S. Roth et al.; Arch Intern Med (Apr 1989; 149(4)). Pp. 775-79.

Prostaglandin E1 Analogue Therapy in the Treatment of Refractory Gastric Ulcer in an Elderly Patient. E. Ramsey et al.; Arch Intern Med (Oct 1988; 148(10)). Pp. 2275-76.

Chronic Erosive Gastritis: A Clinical Study. C. Gallagher et al.; Am J Gastroenterol (Apr 1987; 82(4)). Pp. 302-06.

Chronic Erosive Gastritis – A Recently Recognized Disorder. G. Elta et al.; Dig Dis Sci (Jan 1983; 28(1)). Pp. 7-12.

FROM THE INTERNET

eMedicine – Gastritis, Acute : Article by Mohammad Wehbi, MD

https://www.emedicine.com/MED/topic850.htm

  • < Previous section
  • Next section >

Programs & Resources

RareCare® Assistance Programs

Additional Assistance Programs

MedicAlert Assistance Program

NORD and MedicAlert Foundation have teamed up on a new program to provide protection to rare disease patients in emergency situations.

Learn more https://rarediseases.org/patient-assistance-programs/medicalert-assistance-program/

Rare Disease Educational Support Program

Ensuring that patients and caregivers are armed with the tools they need to live their best lives while managing their rare condition is a vital part of NORD’s mission.

Learn more https://rarediseases.org/patient-assistance-programs/rare-disease-educational-support/

Rare Caregiver Respite Program

This first-of-its-kind assistance program is designed for caregivers of a child or adult diagnosed with a rare disorder.

Learn more https://rarediseases.org/patient-assistance-programs/caregiver-respite/

Patient Organizations

No patient organizations found related to this disease state.


National Organization for Rare Disorders