Gastritis

Gastritis is a mild irritation, inflammation, or infection of the stomach lining. It may be a sudden attack or chronic.

Signs and symptoms

Abdominal cramping and pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever
Loss of appetite
Belching or gas
Weakness
Gastritis may be caused by:

Bacterial or viral infection (infection by a virus is contagious)
Excess stomach acid caused by heavy smoking, alcohol use, caffeine, improper diet such as spicy, greasy foods
Use of drugs such as Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, cortisone
Stress
Preventing gastritis

Eat regularly and moderately
Stop smoking
Limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine
If possible avoid drugs that are irritating to your stomach
Avoid foods that you don't digest easily
Treatment for gastritis

For minor discomfort use antacids such as Mylanta or Maalox, and Tylenol; don't use Aspirin. Don't eat solid foods on the first day of the attack, give your stomach a rest and drink liquids only, milk or water are preferred. Add bland foods to your diet slowly and as tolerated (cooked cereals, bananas, rice, potatoes, toast) and avoid greasy, spicy foods.

More severe cases may require hospitalization, especially if you have blood in your bowels.

Call your doctor if you vomit blood, if your bowel movements become dark or bloody, if you have severe pain, if you become dehydrated (dry mouth, excess thirst, decreased urination, wrinkled skin).

source:healthlink.mcw.edu