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# Gastritis & Gastropathy

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## Definition & Facts

Gastritis and gastropathy are conditions that affect the stomach lining, also known as the mucosa. In gastritis, the stomach lining is inflamed. In gastropathy, the stomach lining is damaged, but little or no inflammation is present.

## Symptoms & Causes

The majority of people with gastritis or gastropathy don’t have any symptoms. In some cases, gastritis and gastropathy cause symptoms of indigestion or of bleeding in the stomach. *Helicobacter pylori* infection is the most common cause of gastritis.

## Diagnosis

Your doctor may order an upper GI endoscopy with biopsies or other tests to diagnose gastritis or gastropathy, find the cause, and check for complications. Other tests may include blood, stool, and breath tests and an upper GI series.

## Treatment

Your doctor will recommend treatments based on the type of gastritis or gastropathy you have and its cause. Treating gastritis and gastropathy can improve symptoms, if present, and lower your chance of complications.

## Eating, Diet, & Nutrition

Researchers have not found that eating, diet, and nutrition play an important role in causing the majority of cases of gastritis or gastropathy. *H. pylori* gastritis can cause problems absorbing iron from food, and autoimmune gastritis can cause problems absorbing iron and vitamin B12 from food.

## Clinical Trials

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions.

## Related Conditions & Diseases

                - Peptic Ulcers (Stomach Ulcers)
                - Indigestion (Dyspepsia)

## Related Diagnostic Tests

                - Upper GI Endoscopy
                - Upper GI Series

## Your Digestive System & How It Works

The digestive system is made up of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract-also called the digestive tract-and the liver, pancreas, and the gallbladder. The GI tract is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus.

## Related Research

See more about digestive diseases research at NIDDK.

*Next:*                Definition & Facts            

        This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases(NIDDK), part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.

The NIDDK would like to thank:Brooks D. Cash, M.D., and Victor O. Garcia-Rodriguez, M.D., University of Texas McGovern Medical School