Gastritis is a medical term used to describe the inflammation or irritation of the lining of the stomach. It can occur for various reasons, such as excessive alcohol consumption, long-term use of certain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), infection with a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, or autoimmune conditions. Gastritis can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and loss of appetite.

The stomach lining is designed to protect the stomach from the strong acids and enzymes it produces to break down food. When the protective layer is damaged or weakened, the acids can irritate the stomach lining, resulting in inflammation. This inflammation can be acute, which means it occurs suddenly and lasts for a short time, or chronic, which means it develops slowly and persists for a longer period.

Treatment for gastritis depends on the underlying cause and severity. It may involve avoiding certain foods and beverages that can trigger symptoms, taking medications to reduce stomach acid production or treat H. pylori infection, and making lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and managing stress. In some cases, further testing such as endoscopy may be necessary to evaluate the extent of inflammation and rule out other conditions.