Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach wall and is commonly confused with acid reflux or Gerd which is inflammation of the esophagus. Gastritis can be acute or chronic depending on the cause. It produces symptoms of bloating, pain and discomfort in the abdomen above the navel, nausea, vomiting, feeling of fullness, loss of appetite, indigestion and if left untreated will cause erosion in the stomach wall leading to ulceration and bleeding.

6 reasons for gastritis are:

• Alcohol: Alcohol consumption for a longer duration can irritate the stomach wall and erode the wall. Thus alcohol consumption should be avoided.

• Smoking: Smoking and tobacco consumption will also irritate the stomach wall and would cause gastritis.

• NSAIDs: NSAIDs are Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that include painkillers, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic drugs. These medicines end up irritating the stomach wall causing more acid production. Hence should be avoided in long run.

• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are used in the cases of allergic and inflammatory cases of skin, joints, asthma, etc. theses medicines are also the obvious reasons for gastritis.

• H.pylori infection: H.pylori is a bacterial infection of the stomach and results in severe gastritis. It causes chronic gastritis as the bacteria invade the protective layer of the stomach and cause ulceration. H.pylori infection is very common nowadays.

• Stress: Stress either physical or mental leads to more acid production and leads to erosion of the stomach wall causing gastritis.