Is Chronic Non-Atrophic Gastritis Serious?

Chronic non-atrophic gastritis, also known as chronic superficial gastritis, is a type of chronic gastritis characterized by inflammation of the gastric mucosa without significant atrophy. In most cases, this condition is not considered serious and can often be managed effectively with lifestyle modifications and medical treatment.

This form of gastritis is commonly caused by factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, the use of irritating medications or foods, Helicobacter pylori infection, and psychological stress. Many patients experience improvement or full recovery after eliminating these triggers, adopting healthier dietary habits, or undergoing appropriate medical therapy.

However, in a minority of cases, chronic non-atrophic gastritis may progress to chronic atrophic gastritis, a more advanced stage that can involve intestinal metaplasia — a process where the normal stomach lining is replaced by intestinal-like tissue. During this transformation, the mucosal cells may undergo abnormal changes, including dysplasia, which can increase the risk of gastric cancer. Therefore, patients who develop chronic atrophic gastritis should undergo regular endoscopic monitoring and follow-up to detect any precancerous changes early.

In conclusion, while chronic non-atrophic gastritis is generally not a serious condition and carries a good prognosis, it is important to monitor for any signs of progression. If the condition evolves into chronic atrophic gastritis, timely medical intervention under a physician's guidance becomes essential to prevent further complications.