Gastritis, << gas TRY tihs, >> is an inflammation of the stomach. Gastritis can be either acute or chronic. Acute gastritis can be caused by excess production of stomach acid, aspirin and similar drugs, excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, and certain chemicals that irritate or break down the lining of the stomach. Helicobacter pylori, a common bacterium that lives in the stomach, can also cause gastritis (see Ulcer ).
Chronic gastritis can occur during such conditions as stomach ulcers, stomach cancer, and following stomach surgery. Physicians treat gastritis by eliminating any substances that irritate the stomach and with drugs that reduce stomach acid. Antibiotics may be used to treat Helicobacter pylori infection.
