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Gastritis

Gastritis is inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining, which can be caused by some medicines (such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines), overuse of alcohol, bacterial infection, or stomach acid. Symptoms of gastritis include pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, bloating, nausea, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea.

Almost everyone has an occasional bout of gastritis. Antacids or stomach acid blockers may help to control the discomfort. Usually home treatment is all that is needed to treat occasional gastritis. If gastritis occurs over and over, a visit to a doctor is needed. Severe gastritis can cause serious bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.

Last Revised: July 11, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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