Gastritis

Gastritis is swelling of the lining of the stomach. Things like excessive alcohol and/or caffeine consumption, cigarette smoke, prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or infection with bacteria, such as Helicobacter pylori can all produce gastritis.

Occasionally gastritis can come about after a major surgery, traumatic injury, burns, or severe infections. Specific diseases, like pernicious anemia and chronic bile reflux, or autoimmune disorders, can cause gastritis as well.

Though the most common symptom is abdominal upset or pain, other symptoms can include:

• Indigestion
• Abdominal bloating
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Feeling of fullness or burning in the upper abdomen

Blood in your vomit or black stools may be a sign of bleeding in the stomach, which may indicate that there is a serious problem.