Gastritis is a condition in which the stomach lining is inflamed.
• The term gastritis refers specifically to abnormal inflammation in the stomach lining. However, gastri tis is sometimes mistakenly used
to describe any symptoms of pain or discomfort in the upper abdo men. Most people who have upper abdominal symptoms do not have gastritis.
• The most common causes of gas tritis are H. pylori infections and prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Many people with gastritis have no symptoms. Those who do have symptoms may experience dyspepsia—upper abdominal discomfort or pain, nausea, or vomiting.
• Treating H. pylori infection is important, even if a person is not experiencing symptoms. Left untreated, H. pylori infection may lead to peptic ulcer disease or cancer.