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Digestive system
Digestive system		Stomach and stomach lining
Stomach and stomach lining
Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Gastritis   (Spanish Version)  

Definition:

Gastritis is an inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the lining of the stomach.



Alternative Names:


Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

There are many causes of gastritis.

The most common are:

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

Less common causes are:

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

Gastritis can last a short time (acute gastritis) or for months to years (chronic gastritis).



References:

Kuipers, E. Acid peptic disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 141.
Review Date: 1/28/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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