What is gastritis?
A person with gastritis has inflammation of the lining to the stomach. The most common symptom of gastritis is burning pain in the upper abdomen that is worse when the stomach is empty. Common causes of gastritis include direct irritation of the stomach lining by alcohol, caffeine, and medications. Severe gastritis can result in the formation of a stomach ulcer.

What are the symptoms of gastritis?
Symptoms of gastritis include abdominal pain that is often described as a burning pain in the upper abdomen that worsens when the stomach is empty. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

How does the doctor treat gastritis?
Treatment for gastritis includes avoidance of substances that can irritate the stomach such as aspirin, alcohol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Other measures include eating small meals more frequently, acid blockers, antacids, antibiotics, and proton pump inhibitors.