A – Z of Illnesses & Conditions

Gastritis:  Gastritis occurs when the lining of the stomach becomes inflamed or swollen. Gastritis can last for only a short time (acute gastritis) or linger for months to years (chronic gastritis). The most common causes of gastritis are certain medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen when taken over a longer period of time, drinking too much alcohol, backflow of bile into the stomach (bile reflux) and extreme stress .

Trauma or a severe sudden illness such as major surgery, kidney failure or being placed on a breathing machine may cause gastritis. Many people with gastritis do not have any symptoms. Symptoms are loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting and pain in the upper part of the belly or abdomen.

See your doctor if: 
You have indigestion symptoms lasting a week or longer; or it is causing you severe pain or discomfort;  it comes on after taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs (such as aspirin); you are vomiting blood or have blood in your stools (your stools may appear black).