Information on the following diseases can be found in the Related Disorders section of this report:

• Crohn's Disease
• Acute Gastritis
• Peptic Ulcer
• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

Chronic, Erosive Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach characterized by multiple lesions in the mucous lining causing ulcer-like symptoms. These symptoms may include a burning and heavy feeling in the pit of the stomach, mild nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and weakness. In severe cases there can be bleeding of the stomach which may result in anemia. Some people with this disorder, especially chronic aspirin users, may show no apparent symptoms until the disease has advanced. An accurate diagnosis can be made by physician's visual inspection of the stomach using a gastroscope.

The exact cause of Chronic, Erosive Gastritis is unknown. It may be the result of an infection, over indulgence of alcohol, or persistent use of aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. Stress tends to make symptoms worse. Crohn's disease and Sarcoidosis have been known to be factors in some cases of Chronic, Erosive Gastritis, while some cases have no apparent cause at all.

Chronic, Erosive Gastritis usually occurs during middle age and is more common in males than females. Alcoholics and chronic aspirin or ibuprofen users (e.g. people with arthritis) are more susceptible to this disorder.

The following disorders may have symptoms similar to Chronic, Erosive Gastritis. Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis:

Crohn's Disease, also known as ileitis, regional enteritis, or granulomatous colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by severe, often granulomatous, chronic inflammation of the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. In most cases, a segment of the intestines called the ileum. Crohn's disease can be difficult to manage. Mortality due to the disease itself, or to complications from the disease, is low. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Crohn's" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)

Acute Erosive Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach characterized by lesions in the mucous membranes of the stomach and ulcer-like symptoms. This type of Gastritis is caused by a variety of stresses such as major trauma, multiple injuries or serious burns.

Peptic Ulcer is a common disorder usually characterized by a single lesion of the mucous membranes of the esophagus, stomach or duodenum. These lesions may be caused by an over secretion of acid or pepsin and are characterized by pain, heartburn, nausea and vomiting.

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome is a rare condition characterized by stomach ulcers and small tumors (usually of the pancreas) which secrete a hormone that produces excessive amounts of gastric juices in the stomach. These tumors can also appear in the lower stomach wall, spleen or lymph nodes close to the stomach. Large amounts of gastric acid can be found in lower stomach areas where ulcers can form. Ulcers can appear suddenly even in areas where they are rarely found, may persist following treatment, and can be accompanied by diarrhea. Prompt medical treatment of these ulcers is necessary to prevent complications such as bleeding and perforation. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Zollinger-Ellison" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database.)

Because Chronic, Erosive Gastritis may cause symptoms similar to other gastrointestinal disorders, a full medical history must be known before an effective treatment can be determined. Most cases are usually treated with acid neutralizing medications (antacids) and H2 blocker drugs such as Zantac (ranitidine) or Tagamet (cimetidine). Dietary changes and avoiding the irritating causes such as stomach irritating drugs or stressful situations are also helpful in eliminating the symptoms of Chronic, Erosive Gastritis.

The prostaglandin E1 analog drug, Cytotec (misoprostol) has proven to be an effective preventative medication for gastric lesions associated with high-dose aspirin or ibuprofen therapy. This drug is effective in healing the gastric mucosal lesions without altering the therapeutic benefits of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs given to arthritis patients. Misoprostol can have severe effects on a developing fetus and must be administered with extreme caution. Other treatment is symptomatic and supportive.

At the present time, a study is being conducted on the effectiveness of the drug bismuthsubsalicylate as a treatment for Chronic, Erosive Gastritis. More research must be conducted to determine long-term safety and effectiveness of this drug.

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INTERNET:
eMedicine - Gastritis, Acute : Article by Mohammad Wehbi, MD

http://www.emedicine.com/MED/topic850.htm