In general, acute gastritis often resolves spontaneously, but timely intervention is necessary; chronic gastritis can be managed and partially relieved in some types, but requires long-term management.
Acute gastritis is an inflammation of the gastric mucosa caused by acute irritants such as improper diet, excessive alcohol consumption, medications, and infections. Mild cases of acute gastritis usually can resolve spontaneously, with timely dietary adjustments such as avoiding irritating foods and switching to bland liquids like rice soup and porridge, discontinuation of excessive alcohol consumption or medication abuse, and ensuring adequate rest. Moderate to severe acute gastritis cannot resolve spontaneously and requires immediate medical attention. It may necessitate drug treatment and intravenous fluid replacement to restore electrolytes. Delayed treatment may lead to complications such as gastric ulcers, gastric perforation, or progression to chronic gastritis.
Chronic gastritis is a chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Common causes include Helicobacter pylori infection, long-term irregular eating habits, bile reflux, and autoimmune disorders. Non-atrophic gastritis requires standardized treatment, such as quadruple therapy to eradicate H. pylori, because without proper treatment it tends to recur frequently and cannot resolve spontaneously. If left untreated for a long time, it may progress to atrophic gastritis or intestinal metaplasia, increasing the risk of gastric cancer. Atrophic gastritis cannot be completely reversed naturally, as it represents structural damage to the gastric mucosa. Lifelong management is required, and progression can be delayed through medication and dietary adjustments; mild atrophy may be partially reversible.
Regardless of the type of gastritis, once symptoms appear, such as upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or indigestion, prompt medical consultation is necessary. Diagnosis should be confirmed through endoscopy, and treatment should follow medical advice rather than relying on spontaneous resolution, to avoid disease progression or complications. Additionally, patients with gastritis should maintain dietary hygiene, avoid spicy, greasy, excessively cold or hot foods, quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and maintain regular lifestyle habits to aid recovery and prevent recurrence.