Gastritis
Alternate Names : Gastric Inflammation
Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach.
What is going on in the body?
Gastritis occurs when the normal protective mechanisms in the stomach are overwhelmed and damage occurs to the stomach lining. The lining of the stomach becomes irritated and inflamed. Gastritis may occur suddenly, which is called acute gastritis, or develop gradually over a long period of time, which is called chronic gastritis.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
Possible causes of gastritis include:
infection with a bacteria called H. pylori
a viral infection
irritation caused by medicines, such as antibiotics, aspirin or nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs called NSAIDs
too much acid produced by the stomach
bile backing up into the stomach from the gallbladder
ingestion of caustic or corrosive materials
severe trauma or illness
autoimmune disorders, which are conditions in which the immune system may attack the stomach for unknown reasons
frequent ingestion of irritating foods, such as hot pepper or alcohol
smoking
stress
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