Acute gastritis is the sudden inflammation of the stomach lining. The pain associated with this condition may be severe but does not last for an extended period. Acute gastritis may occur because of prescribed medications, but other hidden causes may be the leading factor in your flare-ups. Visiting with your doctor and ordering a medical examination can confirm a diagnosis, but learning the causes of acute gastritis may be more surprising than the diagnosis itself. There are eight leading causes of acute gastritis:
- Medication. Prescription medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin, and corticosteroids, may irritate your stomach lining and cause the sporadic inflammation. This cause can be closely monitored by your doctor and treated as need be.
- Infections. Bacterial infections, including H. pylori, can live in your stomach and affect your digestive tract, causing gastritis in some individuals. It is best to talk to your doctor to learn if this is the cause of your condition.
- Alcohol. Constant alcohol consumption may cause serious harm to your organs, and in large quantities can irritate your stomach and lead to gastritis symptoms.
- Extreme stress. Each body handles stress differently, but chronic anxiety or stress may lead to the body’s inability to work efficiently. Stress can lead to various symptoms or conditions, including acute gastritis.
- Autoimmune disorders. If you already have a condition that affects your immune system, you may be more susceptible to your immune system attacking the stomach lining. Meeting with a doctor to learn how previous conditions may affect you can help you monitor your current situation.
- Digestive diseases. If you have a current gastrointestinal disease, such as Crohn’s disease, your stomach is in a weakened state and is more susceptible to receiving symptoms that come with the diagnosis of acute gastritis.
- Weakened states. If your body is or has currently been under a weak condition from events such as surgery, kidney failure or liver complications, your body becomes more susceptible to attacks such as gastritis.
- Food poisoning. If you have recently experienced the misfortune of food poisoning, your stomach has already been through a lot. Because of this, it is easier for irritations to occur, including the symptoms that come with acute gastritis.
If you know or think that you may have acute gastritis, the next step is to call a medical professional for a diagnosis and treatment options. To talk to the doctors you know you can trust, schedule an appointment with one of our GI Alliance gastroenterologists.
