Is Chronic Gastritis with Erosion Treatable?

Chronic gastritis with erosion is a manageable condition with effective treatment options available. During endoscopic examination, it's common to observe wart-like elevations in the antrum of the stomach accompanied by surface erosion and minor bleeding. This condition may result from dietary irritants or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can lead to patchy erosions in the gastric antrum. The primary approach involves eliminating triggers and implementing appropriate medical therapy, as outlined below:

Identifying and Removing Triggers

One of the first steps in managing this condition is identifying and removing contributing factors. If NSAIDs are being used regularly, they should be temporarily discontinued under medical supervision. Additionally, patients are advised to avoid coarse or rough-textured foods and instead opt for softer alternatives. Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly can significantly reduce irritation. It's also important to limit consumption of spicy and highly seasoned foods. In many cases, simply addressing these lifestyle factors for two weeks can allow the gastric lining to heal effectively.

Acid Suppression Therapy

Medical treatment typically includes acid-suppressing medications, particularly proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Commonly prescribed PPIs include Omeprazole, Rabeprazole, Pantoprazole, and Esomeprazole. These medications help reduce gastric acidity, promoting healing of the stomach lining and relieving symptoms such as heartburn and discomfort.

Addressing Helicobacter pylori Infection

Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a well-known cause of chronic gastritis with erosion. Therefore, testing for this bacterial infection is an essential part of diagnosis. Methods such as rapid urease tests during endoscopy or urea breath tests can confirm the presence of H. pylori. If detected, targeted eradication therapy is recommended to eliminate the infection and prevent recurrence of gastritis.