Gastritis

Inflammation of the lining of the stomach.

PubMed Health Glossary
(Source: NIH - National Cancer Institute)

SymptomsTestsTreatments
About the Stomach

About Gastritis
The membranes lining the stomach wall protect it from acid and germs. If this protective lining is irritated
or damaged, it can become inflamed. Long-lasting inflammations can further damage the stomach lining
and lead to stomach (gastric) ulcers.Inflammation of the stomach lining is called gastritis. It is usually
caused by certain bacteria or anti-inflammatory medication.
There are two kinds of gastritis: acute and chronic. Acute gastritis is typically accompanied by very
noticeable stomach and bowel problems that usually go away again on their own after a few days.
Chronic gastritis, on the other hand, sometimes goes unnoticed. People may only realize they have it
when complications like stomach ulcers arise.
The relationship between gastritis and symptoms is not clear. The term gastritis refers specifically to
abnormal inflammation in the stomach lining. People who have gastritis may experience pain or
discomfort in the upper abdomen, but many people with gastritis do not have any symptoms.

The term gastritis is sometimes mistakenly used to describe any symptoms of pain or discomfort in the
upper abdomen. Many diseases and disorders can cause these symptoms. Most people who have upper
abdominal symptoms do not have gastritis....Read more about Gastritis... Read more about Gastritis

What works? Research summarized

Evidence reviews
Treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis with Chinese medicines: a systematic review
Bibliographic details: Huang X, Lv B. Treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis with Chinese medicines: a
systematic review. World Chinese Journal of Digestology 2010; 18(10): 1056-1062

Ursodeoxycholic acid for treatment of bile reflux gastritis: a systematic review

Bibliographic details: Zhao ZF, Gao HL, Yao P. Ursodeoxycholic acid for treatment of bile reflux gastritis:
a systematic review. World Chinese Journal of Digestology 2013; 21(26): 2708-2716

Weifuchun for chronic atrophic gastritis: a systematic review

Bibliographic details: Zhu LL, Tian JH, Bai ZG, Yang KH, Wu J, Zhao FH, Ma B. Weifuchun for chronic
atrophic gastritis: a systematic review. Chinese Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine 2009; 9(1): 81-87

See all (82)

Summaries for consumers

Gastritis: How can you prevent peptic ulcers caused by painkillers?
When taken for a long time, painkillers like diclofenac and ibuprofen can lead to ulcers in the stomach and
bowel. But the risk of this happening can be clearly reduced by also taking medication to protect your
stomach.

Gastritis: Peptic ulcers

Peptic ulcers (stomach ulcers and duodenal ulcers) are usually caused by Helicobacter pylori infections.
Anti-inflammatory painkillers can cause ulcers too. The main symptom of ulcers is pain in the upper
abdomen. In most cases ulcers can be successfully treated with medication.If the mucous lining can no
longer provide the walls of the stomach and duodenum with enough protection against stomach acid and
germs, the walls may become inflamed or damaged. This can lead to the development of a wound known
as an ulcer in the wall of the stomach or duodenum. Peptic ulcers in the stomach are known as stomach
ulcers or gastric ulcers, and peptic ulcers found in the first part of the intestine just behind the stomach
are known as duodenal ulcers. The risk of getting a peptic ulcer increases with age. Typical symptoms
include:Pain in your upper abdomenFeeling full or nauseousBut people may have an ulcer for a long time
without knowing it, and only find out when a complication arises.

Gastritis: Overview

Gastritis is a common condition. Acute gastritis is accompanied by stomach pains, feeling full, heartburn,
and nausea. Common causes of gastritis include an infection with bacteria and taking anti-inflammatory
painkillers. Symptoms usually go away on their own after a few days.

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Terms to know
Abdominal Pain
Sensation of discomfort, distress, or agony in the abdominal region.
Digestion
The process of breaking down food into substances the body can use for energy, tissue growth,
and repair.
Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori)
A type of bacterium that causes inflammation and ulcers in the stomach or small intestine.
Inflammation
Redness, swelling, pain, and/or a feeling of heat in an area of the body. This is a protective
reaction to injury, disease, or irritation of the tissues.
Mucosa (Mucous Membranes)
The moist, inner lining of some organs and body cavities (such as the nose, mouth, lungs, and
stomach). Glands in the mucosa make mucus (a thick, slippery fluid). Also called mucous
membrane.
Stomach
An organ that is part of the digestive system. The stomach helps digest food by mixing it with
digestive juices and churning it into a thin liquid.
Ulcers
A sore on the skin's surface or on the stomach or intestinal lining.

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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0024957/