Gastritis

What is Gastritis?

Gastritis is an inflamation of the stomach. Inflammation of the stomach means that white blood cells move into the wall of the stomach as a response to an injury to the stomach. Gastritis does not mean that there is stomach ulcer or stomach cancer.

What Causes Gastritis?

Gastritis can be caused by infection, irritation, autoimmune disorders, or backflow of bile into the stomach. Infections can be bacterial or viral. Irritation can also be caused by medications. Some of the common medications that may irritate your stomach are: aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs. Other stomach irritants are: alcohol, chronic vomiting, excess gastric acid secretion, and eating poisons.

Gastritis can occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or gradually (chronic gastritis). Some of the disorders associated with gastritis are:

What are the Symptoms of Gastritis?

Sometimes there are no symptoms at all. When symptoms are present, some of the most common symptoms are:

• hiccups
• abdominal indigestion
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• vomiting blood or coffee-ground like material
• black stools

Can Gastritis be Prevented?

The best way to prevent developing gastritis is to avoid long-term use of irritants, such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and alcohol.

How is Gastritis Treated?

Treatment of gastritis varies from person to person and depends on the specific cause. For most types of gastritis, reduction of stomach acid is helpful. Stomach acid is reduced by medication. Antibiotics are used for infection.

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