Chronic Superficial Gastritis and Grade A Esophagitis: How Often Should You Be Screened?

It's common for many people to experience mild, physiological, superficial gastritis. In most cases, this condition doesn't cause noticeable symptoms. However, if the gastritis becomes active, individuals may suffer from discomfort in the upper abdomen and other related symptoms. Treatment typically focuses on addressing the underlying causes, such as eliminating Helicobacter pylori infection.

For patients without a family history of gastric cancer, there are no strict guidelines dictating how frequently they should undergo follow-up endoscopies. If symptoms reappear or change significantly, a repeat gastroscopy can be considered to reassess the condition. Regular screening is generally not mandatory unless there are specific risk factors or persistent symptoms that warrant further investigation.

Regarding Grade A reflux esophagitis, which is the mildest form of erosive esophagitis caused by acid reflux, treatment usually involves taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for 4 to 8 weeks. In many cases, if symptoms improve significantly with medication, a follow-up endoscopy might not be necessary. This recommendation applies primarily to those without a personal or family history of esophageal cancer.

However, it's important to note that symptom relief does not always equate to complete healing of the esophagus. To confirm whether the esophagitis has truly healed, an endoscopic evaluation remains the most reliable method. Patients with a family history of esophageal cancer should consider regular endoscopic monitoring regardless of their current symptoms.

In summary, while routine screening isn't always required for chronic superficial gastritis or mild reflux esophagitis, individual risk factors and symptom changes should guide the decision for follow-up examinations. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach based on your medical history and personal circumstances.