Gastritis Gastritis is an inflammation of the mucosal lining of the stomach; the exact cause depends on the type of gastritis.

Causes Poor or imbalanced diet A weakening of the immune system brought about by smoking or alcohol abuse as well as lasting and unresolved stress. Stress creates the ideal conditions for gastritis Abdominal pain (i.e. belly pain or stomach ache) and pain behind the sternum (in the centre of the chest), Another symptom is abdominal pain that improves after eating and then later returns, perhaps even more severely. Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting can all be signs of gastritis.

The timing and duration of the condition are the factors which allow one to differentiate between acute gastritis and chronic gastritis. Acute gastritis Acute gastritis is a painful inflammation of the lining of the stomach which occurs suddenly and may involve bleeding of the stomach mucosa. This is due to damage to the tissue caused by the stomach's own acid. The bleeding normally lasts no more than 24 hours after the dramatically increased level of digestive fluid secretions settles down. The bacteria Helicobacter pylori accounts for 90% of cases of acute gastritis. Chronic gastritis Older people tend to suffer more frequently with chronic gastritis. Chronic gastritis involves the long-term inflammation of the mucosal lining of the stomach. This inflammatory condition of the upper digestive system can last for years. There are many possible causes, though in 90% of all patients who suffer with chronic gastritis the Helicobacter pylori bacteria is the primary culprit.