Types of Gastritis

Gastritis is grouped by how quickly it starts, what the lining looks like and what causes it. The type helps a doctor choose treatment.

By duration

• Acute gastritis: sudden, usually from painkillers, alcohol, infection or severe illness, and often short-lived
• Chronic gastritis: slow and long-lasting, most often from H. pylori or autoimmune disease

By appearance on endoscopy

• Erosive gastritis: the lining has small erosions or sores, and may bleed. Painkillers and alcohol are common causes.
• Non-erosive gastritis: the lining is inflamed without erosions, typical of H. pylori

By cause

• H. pylori gastritis: infection of the stomach by the bacterium
• NSAID or chemical gastritis: from painkillers, alcohol or bile reflux
• Autoimmune gastritis: the immune system attacks stomach cells, leading to low vitamin B12
• Stress gastritis: in people who are critically ill or after major surgery
• Atrophic gastritis: the lining thins after long inflammation
• Special forms: eosinophilic, lymphocytic and Crohn's related gastritis are rare

Ayurvedic view

Ayurveda discusses Amlapitta, sometimes described as Urdhvaga (upward) or Adhoga (downward) types. This is an interpretive framework, and modern tests decide the actual diagnosis.

Key point

Long-standing atrophic gastritis needs follow-up, because it can slightly raise the risk of stomach problems in some people.

Why the cause matters for treatment

Two people with the same pain can need very different care. A breath test, stool test or endoscopy helps your doctor name the type and plan the right treatment.