What is Gastritis?
Gastritis can be an irritation, inflammation, or infection in the stomach lining. The stomach is full of acids (pepsin, a digestive hormone, and hydrochloric acid) that are usually needed for digestion. However, when the stomach lining is irritated or worse, infected, the stomach acids cause pain on the inflamed stomach lining. In general, gastritis is a quite common ailment that can be cured relatively easy and fast. However, if bacteria are involved gastritis may become more complicated. Many people confuse gastritis with stomach ulcers. Although gastritis can also be caused by h. pylori bacteria, there is no sore or ulcer present in the stomach lining when suffering from gastritis. However, when gastritis is caused by h. pylori bacteria or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), it can develop into a stomach ulcer if not treated early enough.
