Title: Gastritis: More than Just a Grumbling Stomach Word Count: 578 Summary: Gastritis is a common medical problem

of the stomach. However, gastritis isn't o ne disease but a group of conditions, all of which are characterized by inflamma tion of the lining of the stomach. Gastritis is generally a common, mildly troub ling ailment that responds well to simple treatments. Keywords: gastritis, infection, bacterial infection, stress Article Body: Ever experienced vomiting blood or having coffee-ground like material and dark s tool? Ever felt abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and constant hiccups? Then you might be one of the more than 10% of people who come to a hospital emergency de partment with gastritis. Gastritis is a common medical problem of the stomach. The stomach is an organ of the digestive system, located in the abdomen just bel ow the ribs. Swallowed food is mixed with gastric juices containing enzymes and hydrochloric acid. The lining of the stomach called the epithelium is layered wi th multiple folds. The epithelium is coated with mucus (gastric mucosa) secreted by special glands. Inflammation caused by gastritis occurs in this lining. Gastritis occurs when a bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, or the chronic use of dr ugs or certain medications weakens the protective mucous coating of the stomach and duodenum, allowing acid to get through to the sensitive lining beneath. Heli cobacter pylori bacterium is also responsible for most peptic ulcers. However, gastritis is not just one disease but a group of conditions, all of whi ch result in the inflammation of the stomach lining. Inflammation of the stomac h means that white blood cells move into the wall of the stomach as a response t o an injury to the stomach. Commonly, the inflammation results from infection wi th the same bacterium that causes most stomach ulcers. Yet other factors such as traumatic injury and regular use of certain pain relievers can also contribute to gastritis. Gastritis may be caused by many factors including infection, alcohol, particular medications and some allergic and immune conditions. It can be either acute, wi th severe attacks lasting a day or two, or chronic, with long term appetite loss or nausea. In many cases, gastritis has no symptoms (asymptomatic). But, common symptoms may include: Loss of appetite Pain in the upper abdomen just under the ribs Nausea or Indigestion Hiccups Blood in the bowel actions Weight loss

Gastritis can be caused by many different factors, including: Medications such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) Bacterial infection Alcohol Protracted vomiting

Overproduction of gastric juices, which is a stress response in some people The backflow of bile from the small intestine (duodenum) Some allergic and immune conditions for example, pernicious anaemia Severe stress due to major surgery, traumatic injury or burns Exposure to radiation.

Diagnosing gastritis involves a variety of tests, including endoscopy and biopsy . In endoscopy, a thin flexible tube is threaded down the esophagus into the sto mach. The endoscope is fitted with a small camera so the physician can look at t he stomach lining. If the gastric mucosa is reddened, this may indicate gastriti s. A biopsy is needed for confirmation. Biopsy involves small tissue samples whi ch are taken during an endoscopy and tested in a laboratory. The pathologist wil l look for changes, including the presence of inflammatory cells and epithelium damage. Treatment of gastritis varies from person to person and depends on the specific cause. For most types of gastritis, reduction of stomach acid is helpfu l. Stomach acid is reduced by medication and antibiotics are given for infection . Most people recover from gastritis. Depending on the many factors that affect the stomach lining, gastritis symptoms may flare up from time to time. Overall, gastritis is generally a common, mildly troubling ailment that responds well to simple treatments. On occasion, rare forms of gastritis can be serious or even l ife threatening. Severe, ongoing symptoms or internal bleeding should alert a ph ysician to search for a more serious underlying cause.