Chronic Gastritis And Its Potential Complications

Chronic gastritis can be categorized into two main types: chronic superficial gastritis and chronic atrophic gastritis. If left untreated or improperly managed, especially without addressing the underlying causes, chronic gastritis may progress to more severe conditions. In particular, chronic atrophic gastritis has been classified as a precancerous lesion of the stomach. Over time, untreated chronic gastritis can lead to the development of chronic gastric ulcers or even gastric malignancies in some patients.

One of the significant concerns with chronic gastritis is its impact on nutrient absorption, particularly folic acid and vitamin B12. Prolonged inflammation of the gastric body can impair the stomach's ability to absorb these essential nutrients. As a result, deficiencies may occur, leading to megaloblastic anemia in some patients. This type of anemia is characterized by the presence of abnormally large red blood cells due to impaired DNA synthesis.

In addition to anemia, long-term chronic gastritis can also affect overall digestion and nutrient uptake. If left unchecked, the condition may progress from superficial inflammation to more severe forms such as atrophic gastritis, chronic ulcers, and even gastric cancer. Therefore, early diagnosis and proper management of chronic gastritis are crucial to prevent these serious complications and maintain gastrointestinal health.