Superficial gastritis is associated with Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and is its most common cause.
Chronic gastritis is categorized into chronic atrophic gastritis and chronic superficial gastritis based on endoscopy and pathology. Chronic superficial gastritis is a superficial inflammatory lesion of the gastric mucosa, and is categorized into Hp gastritis and non-Hp gastritis based on its etiology, of which Helicobacter pylori infection is the most common etiology, with a positivity rate as high as 70% to 90%.
Other causes of superficial gastritis include duodeno-gastric reflux, drugs and toxins, autoimmunity and age.
Most adults have superficial gastritis and the prognosis is good. Therefore, it is recommended that the diagnosis of the condition be followed by the treatment of the cause and symptoms in order to avoid delays.