Tag Archives: chronic gastritis symptoms

Chronic Superficial Gastritis: Common Symptoms and Clinical Manifestations

Chronic superficial gastritis is a prevalent gastric mucosal lesion characterized by inflammation confined to the superficial layer of the gastric wall. The condition is often triggered by Helicobacter pylori infection, prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), unhealthy dietary habits, or psychological stress. While some patients remain asymptomatic, many experience a range of upper gastrointestinal discomforts.

The most frequently reported symptoms include upper abdominal pain or discomfort, which may present as a dull ache or burning sensation. Patients often describe a feeling of fullness or distension after meals, even with small portions. Nausea, occasional vomiting, and acid reflux are also common. Some individuals may experience belching or early satiety, which can lead to reduced food intake and unintentional weight loss over time.

In certain cases, symptoms may worsen during fasting or at night, disrupting sleep and daily activities. Despite the chronic nature of the condition, the severity of symptoms can fluctuate, with periods of remission and exacerbation. It is important to note that the presence and intensity of symptoms do not always correlate with the extent of mucosal inflammation observed during endoscopy.

Symptom CategoryCommon Manifestations
Abdominal DiscomfortUpper abdominal pain, burning sensation, dull ache
Digestive IssuesPostprandial fullness, early satiety, belching, acid reflux
Nausea & VomitingMild to moderate nausea, occasional vomiting
Appetite ChangesLoss of appetite, feeling full quickly
Timing of SymptomsMay worsen when fasting or at night

Symptoms of Chronic Gastritis

Chronic gastritis is often silent; when symptoms appear, recurrent upper-abdominal discomfort dominates:

  • Vague pain, burning or bloating in the epigastrium or left upper quadrant, sometimes worse or better after meals
  • Early satiety: feeling full after only a few bites, preventing completion of a normal meal
  • Post-prandial fullness lasting >1 h, scarcely relieved by belching or position change
  • Frequent belching, often sour or bitter
  • Nausea or occasional retching; vomitus is gastric content without bile or blood
  • Upper epigastric heat: a heartburn-like sensation located higher, easily confused with reflux
  • Loss of appetite, thick tongue coating, halitosis and other ancillary complaints

Symptoms may be intermittent or persist for weeks, often linked to meals, emotion or fatigue and usually remit at night. Warn the doctor if steady weight loss, repeated vomiting, melena or anaemia appears.

Symptom groupTypical descriptionUsual triggers
Epigastric pain/burningDull ache or burning, post-prandial or fastingAcid irritation, mucosal hypersensitivity
Early satietyFullness after small volumeImpaired gastric accommodation
Post-prandial bloatingAbdominal swelling >1 h, belching poorly relievedDelayed emptying, gas pooling
Belching/distensionFrequent eructations, subjective abdominal drumAerophagia, intragastric gas retention
Nausea/retchingOccasional, mostly no bile or bloodDysmotility
Epigastric heatHigher located heartburn-like discomfortAcid or mucosal hypersensitivity
Appetite lossAversion to food or fear of eatingChronic fullness affecting psychology