Medical Health Encyclopedia

Gastritis

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Digestive system Stomach and stomach lining

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Gastritis

Definition:

Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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There are many causes of gastritis.

The most common are:

• Medications (such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Infection of the stomach with Helicobacter pylori bacteria
• Erosion (loss) of the protective layer of the stomach lining

Less common causes are:

• Eating or drinking caustic or corrosive substances (such as poisons)
• Backflow of bile into the stomach (bile reflux)
• Autoimmune disorders (such as pernicious anemia)
• Excess gastric acid secretion (such as from stress)
• Viral infection, especially in people with a weak immune system

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

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