Resumen

• A histological term for inflammation of the gastric mucosa.
• Helicobacter pylori infection and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or alcohol are the most common causes. Other causes include stress (secondary to mucosal ischaemia) and autoimmune gastritis. Rare forms include phlegmonous gastritis (a rare bacterial infection).
• Diagnosis is based on clinical history; urea breath testing for H pylori should be performed in all patients.
• Presence of suspicious features suggestive of upper GI malignancy requires urgent endoscopy. These include GI bleeding, anaemia, early satiety, unexplained weight loss (>10% body weight), progressive dysphagia, odynophagia, or persistent vomiting.
• Treatment depends on the aetiology. Options include H pylori-eradication therapy, reduction of NSAIDs or alcohol exposure, and symptomatic therapy with histamine-2 antagonists and/or proton-pump inhibitors.
• If untreated, progression to peptic ulcer disease may occur. Other complications include gastric carcinoma and gastric lymphoma.