Gastritis in the elderly.

The elderly have an increased prevalence of gastritis and the complications associated with it. The two major classes of acute and chronic gastritis, type A and B, are discussed as they relate to clinical findings, histologic features, and pathogenesis. An age-related increase in the frequency of Helicobacter pylori (formerly Campylobacter pylori) infection in the elderly parallels the known age-related increase in the prevalence of gastritis. The close association between gastritis in the elderly and hypochlorhydria and gastric carcinoma is also explored.