DefinitionChronic gastritis is inflammation of the lining of the stomach that persists for a long time.Alternative NamesChronic gastritisCauses, incidence, and risk factorsChronic gastritis may be caused by prolonged irritation from the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, pernicious anemia(an autoimmune disorder), degeneration of the lining of the stomach from age, or chronic bile reflux.SymptomsUpper abdominal pain, possibly made worse by eatingDark stoolsIndigestionLoss of appetiteNauseaVomitingVomiting bloodor coffee-ground like materialMany people with chronic gastritis have no symptoms of the condition.Signs and testsComplete blood count (CBC) showing anemiaEGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) and biopsy showing gastritisS