Gastritis is inflammation of the lining of the stomach that can occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or gradually (chronic gastritis). Gastritis can be caused by viral or bacterial infection, injury, or disorders of the immune system. Gastritis can also be caused by certain drugs, alcohol, chronic vomiting, excess gastric acid (often from stress), or irritants (such as a poison).
In a healthy person, the stomach lining can resist irritation and withstand the strong acids secreted by the stomach. In patients with gastritis, the stomach lining is irritated and inflamed. Irritation can occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or gradually (chronic gastritis). Often, the discomfort of gastritis is referred to as indigestion or dyspepsia. However, there are many different causes of gastritis. Common causes of gastritis include bacterial infection, use of certain drugs, alcohol abuse, and smoking.
The most common cause of gastritis is infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Acute stress gastritis can be caused by sudden illness or injury; the injury in acute gastritis may not even be stomach-related but may somehow affect blood flow to the stomach or impair the stomach's ability to protect itself. Recent heavy alcohol use is also a risk factor for acute gastritis.
Oftentimes, gastritis causes no symptoms. When gastritis symptoms do occur, they vary according to the type of gastritis. Symptoms can include pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, dark stools, and ulcers.
Control of risk factors and management of the underlying illness are often effective in controlling gastritis. Infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria can be effectively treated under the direction of a physician.
