Gastritis is a condition in which the stomach lining is inflamed.
The term gastritis refers specifically to abnormal inflammation in the stomach lining. However,
gastritis is sometimes mistakenly used to describe any symptoms of pain or discomfort in the
upper abdomen. Most people who have upper abdominal symptoms do not have gastritis.
The most common causes of gastritis 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.