Gastritis
Gastritis is inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining, which can be caused by some medications (such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications), overuse of alcohol, bacterial infection, or stomach acid. Symptoms of gastritis include pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, bloating, nausea, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea.
Almost everyone has an occasional bout of gastritis. Antacids or stomach acid blockers may help to control the discomfort. Usually home treatment is all that is needed to treat occasional gastritis. If gastritis occurs over and over, a visit to a health professional is needed. Severe gastritis can cause serious bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise