Q. What is Gastritis?

Gastritis is an inflammatory lesion of the gastric mucosa, (the inner lining of the stomach).

The problem is seen in two forms:

a) Acute gastritis

b) Chronic gastritis

Let us review them.

A. Acute Gastritis

It is a sudden inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It occurs mainly due to overeating, ovenlse of alcohol, tobacco, chronic or excessive dose of aspirin, anti- inflammatory drugs increased production of bile acids, trauma, surgery, shock, fever, jaundice, renal failure, bums, radiation therapy, H. Pylori infection etc. The symptoms of the disorder are nausea, vomiting, malaise, anorexia, headache, haemorrhage and pain in the upper abdomen, dark stools, hiccups, tachycardia, rapid pulse and low blood pressure. Its complication involves severe blood loss, with blood suddenly ff owing into the region known as hypercmia, inflammation and even exudation. In severe cases there may be erosion of localized areas and even bleeding.