Gastritis is inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining,
which can be caused by some medications (such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory
medications), 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 health professional is needed. Severe
gastritis can cause serious bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.
