What is gastritis?

Gastritis is the swelling of the protective stomach lining. It can be a onetime occurrence or a long-term occurrence.

What causes gastritis?

• excess consumption of alcohol 
• smoking 
• cocaine 
• too much spicy food
• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori, a type of bacteria)
• NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, e.g. aspirin and ibuprofen)
• severe sickness
• autoimmune disorder

How to tell if someone has gastritis?

• pain in the upper abdomen
• nausea
• vomiting
• bloating and fullness
• a decrease in appetite
• acid indigestion (heart burn)

What are the consequences of gastritis?

If not treated early, gastritis will lead to:

• ulcers in the stomach
• tumors in the stomach
• Pernicious anemia (vitamin B12 deficiency)