Gastritis

Gastritis is inflammation of the abdomen lining. This may be reasoned by many factors counting infection, alcohol, particular medications and some allergic and immune conditions. Gastritis can be either acute or chronic. In many cases, gastritis has no symptoms.

Some forms, including chronic atrophic gastritis, have been associated with an increased risk of stomach cancer. Treatment options include avoiding exposure to known irritants and taking medication to reduce the amount of gastric juices.

Symptoms

In many cases, gastritis has no symptoms. Common symptoms can include:

• Loss of appetite
• Pain in the upper abdomen just under the ribs
• Nausea or indigestion
• Hiccups
• Vomiting
• Blood in the vomit
• Blood in the bowel actions, if the stomach lining has ulcerated
• Weight loss.

The Stomach

The stomach is an organ of the digestive system, positioned in the stomach just below the ribs. Swallowed food is mixed with gastric juices containing enzymes and hydrochloric acid. The lining of the abdomen, called the epithelium, is layered with multiple folds. The epithelium is coated with mucus secreted by special glands. Inflammation caused by gastritis occurs in this lining.

A range of causes

Gastritis can be caused by many different factors, including:

• Medications such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
• Infection with the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, the organism responsible for the majority of stomach and duodenal ulcers
• Alcohol
• Protracted vomiting
• Overproduction of gastric juices, which is a stress response in some people
• The backflow of bile from the small intestine
• Some allergic and immune conditions - for example, pernicious anaemia
• Exposure to radiation.