Common Symptoms of Chronic Gastritis

Chronic gastritis can be categorized into two main types: chronic superficial gastritis and chronic atrophic gastritis. The clinical manifestations of this condition can vary greatly from person to person. Many individuals may not experience any noticeable symptoms at all, leading them to overlook the need for medical evaluation. As a result, some people only discover their condition during a gastroscopy, often after significant damage has already occurred.

Those who do seek medical attention typically fall into one of two groups based on their symptom type: those with dyspepsia-like symptoms and those presenting ulcer-like discomfort. Dyspepsia-like symptoms usually include bloating and belching after meals. While occasional belching is normal, people with chronic gastritis may experience excessive gas release even before eating, with frequency severe enough to interfere with daily life. This persistent discomfort often prompts patients to visit a doctor.

On the other hand, ulcer-like symptoms can resemble either duodenal or gastric ulcers. Duodenal ulcers typically cause pain when the stomach is empty, which tends to improve after eating. In contrast, gastric ulcers often trigger pain shortly after meals, while symptoms ease during fasting periods. However, in patients with gastritis, this pattern isn't always consistent—pain can occur either before or after eating, or even alternate between the two.

It's important to note that gastritis-related pain doesn't always follow a predictable pattern like traditional ulcers. Some individuals may experience discomfort at irregular times, making it difficult to diagnose without proper testing. Ultimately, a definitive diagnosis requires a gastroscopic examination, which allows doctors to visualize the stomach lining and identify any abnormal changes associated with chronic inflammation.