INTRODUCTION

Identification of Focal Problem/Case

Gastritis is inflammation of the lining of the stomach and has many possible causes. Common
causes of gastritis are excessive alcohol consumption or prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs (also known as NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Gastritis may also
develop after major surgery, traumatic injury, burns, or severe infections. Gastritis may also
occur in those who have had weight loss surgery resulting in the banding or reconstruction of
the digestive tract. Chronic causes are infection with bacteria, primarily Helicobacter pylori,
chronicbile reflux, and stress; certain autoimmune disorders can cause gastritis as well. The
most common symptom is abdominal upset or pain. Other symptoms are indigestion,
abdominal bloating, nausea, and vomiting and pernicious anemia. Some may have a feeling of
fullness or burning in the upper abdomen. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy, blood test,
complete blood count test, or a stool test may be used to diagnose gastritis. Treatment includes
taking antacids or other medicines, such as proton pump inhibitors or antibiotics, and avoiding
hot or spicy foods. For those with pernicious anemia, B12 injections are given, but more often
oral B12 supplements are recommended.

Many people with gastritis experience no symptoms at all. However, upper central abdominal

pain is the most common symptom; the pain may be dull, vague, burning, aching, gnawing,
sore, or sharp. Pain is usually located in the upper central portion of the abdomen, but it may
occur anywhere from the upper left portion of the abdomen around to the back.

Other signs and symptoms may include:Nausea,Vomiting (if present, may be clear, green or
yellow, blood-streaked, or completely bloody, depending on the severity of the
stomach inflammation),belching (if present, usually does not relieve the pain
much)Bloating.Early signs are loss appetite,unexplained weight loss.

Acute gastritis is a gastric mucosal erosion caused by damage to mucosal defenses. Alcohol

consumption does not cause chronic gastritis. It does, however, erode the mucosal lining of the
stomach; low doses of alcohol stimulate hydrochloric acid secretion. High doses of alcohol do
not stimulate secretion of acid. NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase-1, or COX-1, an enzyme
responsible for the biosynthesis of eicosanoids in the stomach, which increases the possibility
of peptic ulcers forming. Also, NSAIDs, such as aspirin, reduce a substance that protects the
stomach called prostaglandin. These drugs used in a short period are not typically dangerous.
However, regular use can lead to gastritis.