Gastritis can range from mild to serious depending on the severity and duration of the inflammation of the stomach lining. Mild gastritis often improves quickly with treatment and is not usually serious. However, if left untreated, gastritis may worsen and lead to complications such as stomach ulcers, bleeding, anemia, or in rare cases, an increased risk of stomach cancer. Immediate medical attention is necessary if symptoms include vomiting bright red blood, black sticky stools, severe sudden stomach or chest pain, or difficulty swallowing. Chronic gastritis may also lead to more serious conditions, so it requires proper diagnosis and management to prevent complications.

When Gastritis is Serious

• Vomiting blood or vomit that looks like ground coffee
• Black, sticky, and foul-smelling stool
• Severe sudden abdominal or chest pain
• Persistent symptoms like weight loss, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, or persistent vomiting

Potential Complications of Untreated Gastritis

• Peptic ulcers (open sores in the stomach lining)
• Anemia due to chronic bleeding
• Gastric polyps or tumors, some of which may be non-cancerous
• Increased risk of stomach cancer in some chronic cases

Summary

Gastritis is not necessarily serious for most people and often improves with treatment, but it can become serious if symptoms worsen or complications develop. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment are important to avoid serious outcomes.