Gastritis
Gastritis is inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It is one of the common causes of indigestion. It may be acute, as a consequence, for example, of the use of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as aspirin, or it may be chronic, as may happen in association with alcohol abuse. It is commonly found with infection by the agent Helicobacter pylori. Besides indigestion, in more severe cases it can cause ulceration and haemorrhage. Rarely, it is due to the presence of antibodies to the gastric cells - called anti parietal cell antibodies. These may produce an atrophic surface and prevent the absorption of vitamin B12 (see pernicious anaemia in blood and circulation in the chest cavity section).
While the symptoms of gastritis can be managed using antacids or agents which prevent the formation of acid, any underlying cause must be treated.
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