Gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa caused by any etiological factor, including infection (Helicobacter pylori), medications (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), alcohol, stress and autoimmune processes.
Erosive gastritis is an erosion of the gastric mucosa caused by damage to the protective factor of the mucosa. The disease usually occurs acutely, complicated by bleeding, but can be subacute or chronic with mild symptoms or no signs at all. The diagnosis is established by endoscopy.
Nonerosive gastritis refers to a group of various histological changes that occur primarily as a result of H. pylori infection. Most patients are asymptomatic. Changes are detected by endoscopy. Treatment is aimed at eradicating H. pylori and sometimes suppressing acidity.
Chronic gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori may be asymptomatic or cause dyspepsia of varying severity. Diagnosis is made by a breath test with urea labeled with C14 or C13 and morphological examination of biopsy specimens during endoscopy. Treatment of chronic gastritis caused by Helicobacter pylori consists of proton pump inhibitors and two antibiotics.
Chronic fibrous esophagitis should be considered as a late complication of chronic nonspecific esophagitis, resulting from the proliferation of connective tissue fibers leading to fibrous degeneration of the esophageal walls.
Esophageal rupture may be iatrogenic during endoscopic procedures or other manipulations or spontaneous (Boerhaave syndrome). The patients' condition is severe, with signs of mediastinitis. The diagnosis is established by esophagography with a water-soluble contrast agent. Emergency suturing of the esophagus and drainage are necessary.
Mallory-Weiss syndrome is a nonpenetrating laceration of the mucosa of the distal esophagus and proximal stomach caused by vomiting, retching, or hiccups.
Symptomatic diffuse esophageal spasm is a variant of motility disorders characterized by various non-propulsive and hyperdynamic contractions and increased tone of the lower esophageal sphincter.
