Gastritis-I: Introduction and Types

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, also known as the gastric mucosa, and can be classified as acute, chronic, or reactive.

First, acute gastritis is a transient inflammation of the gastric mucosa.

Common causes include corrosive agents, medications like digoxin, alcohol, gastric radiation therapy, severe burns, bile reflux, uremia, and enterovirus infections.

It can be further categorized as hemorrhagic gastritis and non-hemorrhagic gastritis.

Conversely, chronic gastritis develops gradually and can persist for months to years if untreated.

It is often caused by an infection with Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium associated with peptic ulcers.

Autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, can also contribute to chronic gastritis.

Lastly, reactive gastritis occurs due to factors like prolonged use of drugs such as aspirin, alcohol consumption, exposure to radiation, and duodenal reflux.

This condition leads to mild inflammation and histological changes in the gastric mucosa.

Reactive gastritis is often asymptomatic and typically diagnosed via endoscopy.