Chronic Gastrointestinal Inflammation: Understanding the Symptoms

Chronic gastrointestinal inflammation typically refers to long-term irritation or swelling in the digestive tract. It can be categorized into two main conditions: chronic gastritis and what was previously known as chronic enteritis. Chronic gastritis often presents with symptoms such as upper abdominal fullness, dull pain, heartburn, indigestion, and a feeling of blockage or discomfort in the upper stomach area.

In modern medical practice, the term "chronic enteritis" is no longer widely used. Instead, patients who experience symptoms like abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, diarrhea following discomfort, and relief after bowel movements are often diagnosed with functional gastrointestinal disorders. One of the most common of these is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which affects the large intestine and can cause cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation.

As a result, what was once referred to as chronic gastroenteritis is now more accurately understood as either chronic gastritis or irritable bowel syndrome. If a patient experiences symptoms from both categories, doctors will evaluate whether the primary issue lies in the upper digestive tract (suggesting chronic gastritis) or the lower digestive tract (indicating IBS). This distinction is crucial for making an accurate diagnosis and developing an effective treatment plan.