Gastritis is the inflammation, irritation or a wearing away of the stomach lining. For most people gastritis is not a serious condition and if treated quickly can be cured easily.

An infection of the bacteria that occurs naturally in the stomach lining is the most common cause of gastritis. The inflammation of the stomach lining can also be caused by the overuse of certain medications such as asprin or other pain relievers; a high level of alcohol consumption, excessive vomiting or even high stress levels can contribute to gastritis.

The symptoms of gastritis include nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, indigestion or bloody stools. Other times, gastritis will not present any symptoms.

Gastritis may occur suddenly (acute) or slowly over time (chronic). If left untreated, gastritis can eventually lead to stomach ulcers and in some cases, stomach cancer.

Treating gastritis will depend on the cause, for example if acute gastritis has been caused by the overuse of pain medication or alcohol consumption, simply stopping to consume these may relieve the symptoms. In other cases, medications may be needed to treat gastritis. Oral antibiotics, antacids, or medications that inhibit the production of stomach acid are also used to treat the symptoms of gastritis.

With early treatment patients with gastritis can expect to make a full recovery.