Gastritis Is Not One Disease, But a Group of Conditions

Gastritis and/or Nonulcer Dyspepsia (NUD)

Gastritis or Non Ulcerative Dyspepsia (NUD) is not a single disease, but several different conditions that all have inflammation of the stomach lining. Gastritis can be caused by drinking too much alcohol, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or infection with bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Sometimes gastritis develops after major surgery, traumatic injury, burns, or severe infections. Certain diseases, such as pernicious anemia, autoimmune disorders, and chronic bile reflux, can cause gastritis as well.

Incidence:

Gastritis: 313,000 new cases (1975)

Chronic NUD: 444,000 new cases (1975)

Acute NUD: 8.0 million new cases (1996)

Prevalence:
Gastritis: 3.7 million people (1996)
NUD: 6.4 million people (1996)

Mortality:
Gastritis: 357 deaths (2002)
NUD: 5 deaths (2002)

Hospitalizations:
Gastritis: 549,000 (2002)
NUD: 79,000 (2002)

Ambulatory care visits:
Gastritis: 2.9 million (1999–2000)
NUD: 800,000 (1980s)

Prescriptions:
Gastritis: 2 million (1985)
NUD: 649,000 (1985)

Disability:
Gastritis: 30,000 people (1990–1992)
Chronic NUD: 71,000 people (1990–1992)