What Is Chronic Gastritis?

The stomach is structured in layers, with the innermost layer known as the gastric mucosa. Beneath this are four additional layers. When the mucosal layer becomes inflamed, the condition is referred to as gastritis. Gastritis can be classified into two main types: acute and chronic. The distinction between acute and chronic gastritis is made by examining the mucosal tissue under a microscope. If there is a significant presence of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the mucosa, it indicates acute gastritis. On the other hand, if the tissue shows infiltration of mononuclear lymphocytes, the condition is categorized as chronic gastritis.

Chronic gastritis can be further classified into two subtypes: chronic superficial gastritis and chronic non-atrophic gastritis. Chronic non-atrophic gastritis involves the presence of inflammatory cells but does not involve a reduction in the number of mucosal cells or changes in the structure of the gastric pits. This form of the condition is generally considered milder compared to chronic atrophic gastritis.

In chronic atrophic gastritis, in addition to lymphocyte and monocyte infiltration, the mucosal lining becomes thinner due to a decrease in the number of epithelial cells and a reduction in the structure of the gastric pits. Under microscopic examination, these gastric pits appear significantly fewer than in a healthy mucosa. The severity of atrophic gastritis can be further classified into mild, moderate, and severe stages based on the extent of mucosal reduction.

Therefore, an accurate diagnosis of gastritis involves determining whether the condition is acute or chronic, based on the type of inflammatory cells present. Once chronic gastritis is confirmed, further classification into non-atrophic or atrophic types is necessary. It is also important to assess the degree of atrophy in cases of chronic atrophic gastritis. This detailed classification is essential for effective clinical management and monitoring, particularly in chronic atrophic cases, which are of greater concern in medical practice.