Gastritis |
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Gastritis includes
a group of conditions that are characterized
by an inflammation of the stomach lining.
Gastritis may be acute and occur suddenly
or may be chronic and occur gradually.
It may also be a special condition that
is a part of another medical illness.
Gastritis is a relatively common ailment
that does not cause any complications
in the majority of afflicted people.
Causes and Risk Factors
Gastritis develops when
the mucus-lined barrier that protects
the walls of the stomach becomes inflamed
or damaged. Gastritis can be caused
by several factors.
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Chronic
gastritis is typically caused by
a bacterial infection that is caused
by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
bacteria. Vulnerability to this
type of bacterium may be hereditary
or may be caused by a lifestyle
that lowers the immunity of an individual.
Some reasons for a lowered immunity
are high stress levels, smoking,
and substance abuse. |
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Regular use of
painkillers, especially Non-steroidal
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and
naproxen, can cause both acute gastritis
and chronic gastritis. Iron and
potassium supplements may also contribute
to causing gastritis. |
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Alcohol can irritate
and wear away the protective stomach
lining, which may result in gastritis
(especially acute gastritis). |
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Any kind of trauma,
physical or mental, can cause gastritis.
Trauma or stress may result from
major surgery, accident, injury,
chronic vomiting, and emotional
stress.
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Infectious diseases
such as tuberculosis, syphilis,
viral or fungal infections, and
parasites or worms cause an individual
to be more susceptible to the development
of gastritis. |
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Swallowing poisonous
matters such as acid or lye and
foreign objects such as paper clips
or pins may cause gastritis. |
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Older adults have
a higher risk of developing gastritis
because their stomach lining tends
to become thinner as they grow older.
Additionally, the body’s ability
to fight infections is lowered with
age so older adults are more likely
to contract diseases, such as gastritis,
than younger people. |
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