Gastritis is the irritation, or inflammation, or erosion of the stomach lining. Gastritis may be acute or chronic. The disease may show some symptoms or the symptoms may be dormant. Usually, the symptoms include upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Gastritis may lead to stomach tumors, bleeding, and stomach ulcers. Gastritis is usually caused by the bacteria helicobacter pylori or by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. Other possible causes include smoking, cocaine, alcohol, and autoimmune diseases, among others. Treatment of gastritis includes H2 blockers, antacids, or proton pump inhibitors. In an acute gastritis attack, consumption of viscous lidocaine may be of assistance. If H. pylori are present, it may be cured with a combination drug therapy of antibiotics such as clarithromycin and amoxicillin. Gastritis can be cured by proper treatment; hence the demand of gastritis treatment is poised to rise in the foreseeable future.
