Gastritis

Diverticulitis (Diverticulosis) Slideshow

• Gastritis Overview
• Gastritis Causes
• Gastritis Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Gastritis Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Related gastritis articles:
  Gastritis - on WebMD
  Gastritis - on MedicineNet

Gastritis Overview

Gastritis, an inflammation or irritation of the lining of the stomach, is not a single disease. Rather, gastritis is a condition that has many causes. Common to all people with gastritis is pain or discomfort in the upper part of the belly (abdomen), sometimes called dyspepsia. 

Gastritis can be a brief and sudden illness (acute gastritis), a longer-lasting condition (chronic gastritis), or a special condition, perhaps as part of another medical illness.

• An example of acute gastritis is stomach upset that may follow the use of alcohol or aspirin.
  
  
• Helicobacter pylori is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach. Infection with this bacteria may lead to chronic gastritis.

Gastritis is a common medical problem. Up to 10% of people who come to a hospital emergency department with abdominal pain have gastritis.