The main causes of gastritis include excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, smoking, and certain diseases or health conditions.
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. While there isn't a single "main" cause in all cases, certain factors are more commonly associated with it. Here's a breakdown:
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption: High alcohol intake can irritate and erode the stomach lining, leading to both acute and chronic gastritis.
- Certain Medications: Prolonged use of certain medications, particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen, can damage the stomach lining.
- Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of gastritis and can also interfere with the healing process.
- Diseases and Health Conditions: Some medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, bacterial infections (particularly Helicobacter pylori), and chronic bile reflux, can contribute to gastritis. H. pylori infection is a very common cause of chronic gastritis.
- Other Factors: Other less frequent causes include cocaine use, extreme stress, and trauma.
It's important to note that gastritis can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (develops gradually over time). Identifying the specific cause is crucial for effective treatment.
