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Definition of Gastritis:
Gastritis is an inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the lining of the stomach.
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).
- Reviewed last on: 1/28/2009
- 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.
References
Kuipers, E. Acid peptic disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 141.
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