Gastritis

Gastritis is when the stomach’s protective mucous lining is damaged and becomes inflamed. The lining, called the mucosa, normally keeps stomach acid from irritating your stomach.

Gastritis does not always cause symptoms, however common symptoms included:

• Upper abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloating
• Loss of appetite
• Heartburn
• Burning feeling in the upper stomach

Common causes of gastritis include:

• pylori bacterial infection
• Painkillers
• Heavy alcohol use
• Autoimmune disorders
• Bile reflux
• Cocaine use
• Eating or drinking caustic substances
• Extreme stress
• Viral infection

Gastritis is commonly diagnosed during an upper endoscopy (EGD), by the appearance of the stomach lining and/or tissue sample (biopsy) to confirm if an H. pylori infection is present.  Gastritis is most commonly treated with antibiotics and acid-suppressing medications.