MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Gastritis

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Gastritis

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Digestive system

Stomach and stomach lining

Definition Return to top

Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Gastritis can be caused by bacterial or viral infection, autoimmune disorders, or backflow of bile into the stomach (bile reflux).

Gastritis can also be caused by irritation from:

Medications (such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs)
Alcohol
Chronic vomiting
Excess gastric acid secretion (such as from stress)
Eating or drinking caustic or corrosive substances (such as poisons)

Gastritis can occur suddenly (acute gastritis) or gradually (chronic gastritis).

See also:

Symptoms Return to top

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

Signs and tests Return to top

Tests vary depending on the specific cause. An upper GI X-ray, EGD, or other tests may be advised.

Treatment Return to top

Treatment depends on the specific cause. Some of the causes will resolve over time. Medications to decrease stomach acid secretion may be recommended.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

The outlook depends on the cause, but is usually good.

Complications Return to top

See the specific types of gastritis.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop gastritis symptoms.

Prevention Return to top

Avoid long-term use of irritants (such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or alcohol).

Update Date: 4/17/2003

Updated by: Andrew J. Muir, M.D. M.H.S., Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.