What is Gastritis?Let me tell you the secret......

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

Symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Dark stools
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Vomiting blood or coffee-ground like material

Causes and Risks:

There are many causes of gastritis.

Most common causes:

• 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 ).

Tests & Diagnostics

Tests vary depending on the specific cause. An X-ray of the upper digestive tract, OGDS(esophagealgastroduodenoscopy), or other tests may be advised.

OGDS-will explain in another article

Treatments

Treatment depends on the specific cause. Some of the causes will disappear over time. Medications to neutralize stomach acid or decrease its production may be recommended

Prevention

Avoid long-term use of irritants (such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or alcohol)